Nicole Payne, RPC-C

After working nearly 15 years in the aesthetics field, my clientele often turned to me for emotional support, which sparked a realization – my true passion was in supporting my client’s emotional well-being. Witnessing how deeply people struggled specifically during and after the COVID pandemic and seeing the gaps we experience in mental health care, inspired me to return to school for psychology, with a goal of helping people navigate their personal challenges and emotional journeys.

I specialize in working with adults who have experienced childhood trauma or abuse, offering a safe and supportive space for healing. I also work with individuals and couples facing a variety of challenges, including anxiety, issues around sex and intimacy, burnout, people-pleasing, and struggles with setting boundaries. I also help individuals who struggle with emotional regulation or have experienced domestic trauma or abuse. I’m especially passionate about helping adults break free from the cycles of intergenerational trauma, guiding them toward healthier patterns and more fulfilling relationships. Coming from my own lived experience of childhood trauma, I understand firsthand how deeply these experiences can shape our relationships and sense of self as adults. I often think, “If only I had known back then what I know now,” and it’s my mission to help others gain the insight and tools they need to feel more empowered in their lives, connections, and happiness.

My approach integrates key concepts like personal responsibility, self-awareness, and a commitment to change, with the belief that our childhood experiences profoundly influence our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. By incorporating Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), I help clients challenge negative thinking patterns while fostering personal growth. Ultimately, I aim to help clients discover their true identity, purpose, and sense of fulfillment. Building an authentic connection is at the heart of my work as a therapist. In our sessions, you’ll find a safe space to reflect, explore, and express yourself, knowing that you will be heard and understood without judgment. I want you to feel comfortable being exactly who you are as we navigate this journey together. I like to keep things down-to-earth, blending honesty with a little humor, when appropriate and accepted, because let’s face it, life’s tough enough already.

I work with adults 18 and older—whether individually or as couples—by providing tools to assess struggles, identify root causes, and heal old wounds. My goal is to equip you with the skills and confidence to thrive independently beyond our sessions. While my door is always open if you need to revisit, I want to empower you to handle life’s challenges on your own, knowing you’ve got the skills to do so.

In my free time you’ll find me traveling, soaking up as much sun (vitamin D) as possible, laughing at relatable memes, in the kitchen trying new recipes or focusing on my own self-care. Oh, and a little fun fact..you might see a diet Dr. Pepper on my desk despite what time of day it is.