Diane W. Darling

Clinical Work Dr. Darling is a licensed psychologist (licensed in Utah and Arizona) and Assistant Professor of Psychology at Southern Utah University. She works with adults and couples navigating a range of life challenges, including major transitions (including but not limited to career, education, retirement, marriage, divorce), relationship and family dynamics, and questions of meaning and direction. She is also a Certified Financial Therapist™ and Air Force veteran. Dr. Darling works from an integrated existential-humanistic and cognitive framework, grounded in a belief in individual freedom and responsibility. She helps clients understand how their thoughts shape their emotions and behaviors, and works with them to restructure patterns that no longer serve them. Her approach is curious and direct, particularly with clients who have been taught not to show emotion, including but not limited to men, veterans, first responders, and military families. Rather than pathologizing struggle, she explores with clients what their behaviors provide and what they might cost, helping them recognize their innate "response-ability" to shape both external goals and internal freedom. Her own military background informs a genuine understanding of contexts where choice can feel limited. She is known for authentic presence, appropriate humor, and willingness to be fully engaged in difficult moments, and honors both the complexity of human experience and each client's expertise in their own life. Dr. Darling does not take insurance. Private-pay rates for therapy are listed at the bottom of this page. Dr. Darling can only see patients for therapy in states in which she is licensed - currently, Utah and Arizona. Financial Coaching (Non-clinical) Dr. Darling also works non-clinically as a financial coach. Separate from her clinical work, she offers financial coaching for clients who want to focus specifically on financial goals, decisions, and planning without a therapeutic frame. Coaching does not involve diagnosis or treatment, it is not psychotherapy or mental health treatment, and it does not establish a therapist-client relationship. Because coaching is non-clinical, clients do not need to live in a state where Dr. Darling is licensed. Financial coaching is delivered as an intensive package: Financial Coaching Intensive: $1,000 flat fee, includes one 3-hour deep-dive session and one 1-hour follow-up Additional follow-up sessions: $300 per hour The free 15-minute consultation is available to both clinical and coaching prospective clients. It is also where Dr. Darling and a prospective client talk through what they are looking for and determine which service fits, including whether she is able to work with them given licensure.