Payton is an advanced practicum trainee at CCPS and is completing her PhD in Clinical Psychology at Washington University in St. Louis. She earned her B.A. from Washington University in 2022, where she majored in Philosophy-Neuroscience-Psychology.
Payton enjoys working with students as they navigate disability, neurodiversity, chronic illness, body image, identity development, anxiety, depression, life transitions, and other life challenges. She strives to understand each person’s unique experiences and the social, cultural, and environmental contexts that shape their lives. Payton values cultural humility and works to create a warm, affirming space where students can feel comfortable being themselves.
Payton’s therapeutic approach is person-centered and strength-based, primarily grounded in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). She also draws from other evidence-based approaches to meet each student’s individual needs and goals. She values collaboration, curiosity, courage, and compassion and strives to bring these qualities into her work. In her free time, Payton enjoys playing wheelchair pickleball, game nights with friends and family, and exploring local parks with her dog.