Genevieve Payne, LMFT

Hi, I'm Genevieve Payne, LMFT, and I'm deeply passionate about empowering women through therapy during life's most significant transitions. Whether it's navigating the complexities of adolescence and young adulthood, weathering the storms of heartbreak, embracing the joys and challenges of pregnancy and parenthood, or coping with the profound changes that accompany separation and divorce, I believe these times of upheaval can also be catalysts for profound growth and self-discovery.

My approach is built on the understanding that within each of us lies an extraordinary reservoir of inner strength waiting to be tapped. Through a safe and supportive therapeutic space, I aim to guide you in uncovering these strengths and learning to navigate life's challenges with greater resilience and authenticity. I've walked a similar path myself, embarking on a lifelong journey of personal growth and healing. I know firsthand how daunting it can be to take those initial steps towards healing and how deeply rewarding the journey can be.

Professional Background

For over two decades, I've dedicated my professional life to supporting women, both within and outside the traditional therapy setting. My experience encompasses crisis intervention, rape crisis counseling, and violence prevention, providing me with a broad understanding of the challenges women face in today's world. This journey led me to a profound realization - my calling was not merely to observe and analyze these experiences but to actively participate in empowering women to heal from their trauma in a meaningful and lasting way.

Driven by this intuition, I shifted gears from a PhD program in Sociology at UC-Davis, where I was studying intergenerational trauma and interviewing children of Holocaust survivors, to pursue a Masters in Counseling Psychology from John F. Kennedy University in Berkeley, CA. This transformation marked a pivotal point in my life, propelling me towards a career dedicated to helping individuals uncover their inner strength and create meaningful change.

Since then, I've continued to deepen my expertise by specializing in EMDR therapy for trauma, somatic and mindfulness-based therapies, and sandtray therapy. I am deeply committed to providing compassionate and effective treatment for a wide range of traumas, including acute trauma, childhood or attachment trauma, sexual trauma, and medical trauma.

My Approach to Therapy

My role as a therapist is to act as a guide and facilitator, partnering with you every step of the way. Together, we'll collaboratively establish your goals for therapy and create a personalized treatment plan that addresses your unique needs. My approach is rooted in a genuine belief in your inherent capacity for healing and growth.

I create a space where you feel safe to explore your thoughts and feelings without judgment, allowing you to process past experiences and cultivate a deeper understanding of yourself. We'll delve into your relationship patterns, identifying both healthy and unhealthy dynamics that may be impacting your life. By bringing awareness to these patterns, we can work together to transform them into more fulfilling and authentic connections.

Therapy is a multifaceted process that involves both support and challenge. During times of crisis or emotional distress, I offer unwavering support and empathy, providing a safe harbor where you can process your pain and rebuild your strength. As you progress through your therapeutic journey, I'll gently challenge you to step outside your comfort zone and embrace vulnerability, allowing you to connect with your true self and unleash your full potential.

Through evidence-based therapeutic techniques, I equip you with practical skills to navigate life's challenges with greater confidence and resilience. You'll learn to manage stress, regulate your emotions, build healthy boundaries, and cultivate self-compassion. These foundational skills empower you to make conscious choices aligned with your values, creating a life that is more meaningful and fulfilling.