Sarai Darbandi

(she/her)

LCSW, 10 years of experience
Authentic
Empowering
Intelligent
VirtualAvailable

In my practice, I am deeply committed to guiding individuals toward meaningful, lasting change. I specialize in supporting clients with anxiety, depression, nervous system regulation, and healing from a wide range of experiences, including childhood trauma, sexual trauma, religious or high-control group dynamics, narcissistic abuse, and other relational wounds. I also work extensively with perfectionism, codependency, people-pleasing and fawning patterns, addictive coping strategies, relationship challenges, high performance and entrepreneurship, and the process of reclaiming and integrating your authentic self. In addition, I specialize in psychedelic and plant medicine preparation and integration, offering grounded, nervous system-informed support before and after these experiences.

Get to know me

In our first session together, here's what you can expect

In our first session, clients can expect a warm, grounded space where they don’t need to have it all figured out. We’ll start by getting to know each other—I'll ask questions about what’s bringing you in, what you’re hoping to explore or shift, and any relevant history that feels important to share. I’ll also introduce you to how I work, which integrates mindfulness, breathwork, somatic experiencing, nervous system regulation, parts work, & EMDR. We will collaborate as a team to determine the approaches that will work best for you. There’s no pressure to dive in too deep too fast—our first session is about building safety, clarity, and a sense of collaboration. Most clients leave feeling more understood, more resourced, and with a better sense of what working together can look like.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

One of my greatest strengths as a therapist is that I have deeply engaged in my own inner work. I understand firsthand what it means to walk through the very areas you may be seeking support for. The modalities and tools I offer are not only those I have been extensively trained in — they are also practices I have personally experienced and integrated into my own healing and growth. This lived experience allows me to guide you with both clinical expertise and embodied understanding.

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

I love working with clients from all walks of life, especially those who feel a quiet pull toward something deeper—whether they’re just beginning their growth journey or have already done meaningful work and are wanting a different kind of support. Many of the people I work with are thoughtful, self-aware, and genuinely care about their growth. They may be navigating anxiety, overwhelm, relationship challenges, or simply a sense that something feels “off” or disconnected. Some are curious about approaches like Mindfulness, Breathwork, Parts Work, Somatic Experiencing, or EMDR—not just to understand themselves, but to feel more at ease and connected in their everyday lives. I also want to acknowledge that this kind of work isn’t always easy. It takes courage to slow down, to turn inward, and to stay present with yourself—especially when life already feels full. If you’re even considering this, there’s something in you that’s ready, and that’s worth honoring. My role is to meet you where you are. We don’t have to rush or force anything. Together, we create a space where you can begin to listen to your body, understand your patterns with more compassion, and gently build a sense of steadiness, clarity, and self-trust over time. If you’re feeling curious, open, or even just a little unsure—but something in you is leaning in—you’re welcome here.

Specialties

Top specialties
Other specialties

ADHD

Depression

I identify as

Serves ages

Licensed in

Accepts

Location

Virtual

My treatment methods

Somatic

I provide trauma-informed, holistic, mind-body approaches combining Mindfulness, Breathwork, Somatic Experiencing, Inner Child and Re-parenting Work/Internal Family Systems, and EMDR. We will collaborate as a team to determine the approaches that will work best for you.

EMDR

I am trained in EMDR therapy which can be done virtually

, 13 ratings

3 ratings with written reviews

April 30, 2025

Every session gets better and better. I always feel great and understood.

Verified client, age 45-54
Review shared after session 6 with Sarai

April 16, 2025

Amazing

Verified client, age 35-44
Review shared after session 2 with Sarai

February 26, 2025

Great first experience!! Thank you

Verified client, age 45-54
Review shared after session 1 with Sarai