I’m Sarah McFayden, the founder of Holistic Behaviour Support, and I have over 25 years of experience providing specialised behaviour support and counselling services to individuals, families, and communities. My passion lies in helping people build their capacity, overcome challenges, and reach their full potential. I am recognised as an advanced practitioner, with a specialisation in dual diagnosis, mental health care.
I have worked extensively in both government and non-government organisations (NGOs), contributing to specialist state-wide teams in Metro Sydney and regional areas. Throughout my career, I’ve focused on emotional regulation, dual diagnosis, mental health care, and trauma-informed support. I’ve been privileged to work on long-term trauma-informed services, from planning and implementation to mentoring teams and monitoring outcomes.
As an advanced practitioner, I’m proud to bring a wealth of experience in behaviour support, counselling, and mental health care to the Northern Rivers region. My services are designed to help individuals, families, and teams navigate behavioural challenges and improve quality of life. I’m particularly passionate about helping people reduce restrictive practices, manage stress, and find safe, positive ways to achieve their goals.
Holistic Behaviour Support proudly serves the Northern Rivers, including:
Whether you require in-person support or prefer online sessions via Zoom, I offer flexible service delivery to meet your needs.
At Holistic Behaviour Support, I provide a range of services, including:
I work with individuals, families, and support teams to develop evidence-based, positive behaviour support plans that promote meaningful change. My services focus on improving quality of life by addressing challenging behaviours and helping individuals build new skills, manage stress, and enhance communication.
As an accredited counsellor with the Australian Counselling Association (ACA), I offer person-centred counselling services tailored to each individual. I draw on therapeutic approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to support emotional well-being and mental health. Counselling services are available both privately and through the NDIS.
At Holistic Behaviour Support, I offer two core services:
My services are available to individuals, families, and support teams across the Northern Rivers region, including Ballina, Byron Bay, Lennox Head, Lismore, Mullumbimby, and more. I work with people of all ages who may be experiencing behavioural challenges or mental health concerns. Services are available privately or through the NDIS.
Positive behaviour support is a values-based, evidence-driven approach to addressing challenging behaviours. It focuses on improving a person’s quality of life by understanding the reasons behind their behaviours and developing strategies to meet their needs. This can include teaching new skills, modifying the environment, and supporting the individual’s broader support team.
Yes! I am a registered NDIS provider, and my behaviour support services can be funded under the NDIS Improved Relationships line item. Counselling services can be funded through the NDIS Improved Daily Living Therapy line item. If you are self-managed or plan-managed under the NDIS, my services are available to you.
Yes, I provide private counselling sessions for individuals who are not accessing the NDIS. My private counselling sessions are $100 per hour, and while they cannot be bulk-billed, they offer flexible payment options.
I provide services across the Northern Rivers region, including Ballina, Lennox Head, Byron Bay, Lismore, Bangalow, Ocean Shores, Mullumbimby, and Tweed Heads. I offer flexible service delivery, including mobile services (where I come to you), sessions at my office, or online via Zoom.
Getting started is easy! You can contact me by phone to discuss your needs and arrange an initial consultation. From there, we’ll develop a tailored support plan or counselling approach that suits your goals.
I use a humanistic, person-centred approach to counselling. This means I focus on each individual’s unique experiences and needs. My practice is informed by a range of therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and somatic psychotherapy.
Yes, I offer online sessions via Zoom for both behaviour support and counselling services. This option is ideal for clients who prefer the convenience of virtual consultations or are located outside the Northern Rivers region.
Yes, I provide flexible service delivery options. You can choose to have sessions at your home, in my office, or via Zoom. I strive to make my services as accessible and convenient as possible for all my clients.
