Payton Lindner, MMFT
Partner and Director of Office Operations
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Payton Lindner, MMFT
Yo! I’m Payton. I’m an openly queer and nonbinary human, and my pronouns are they/she. Of the many things I love, my two very large puppies, expressive art, my wonderful partner, and exploring nature are at the top of the list. I have a deep passion for advocacy, authenticity, creativity, inclusivity, and breaking norms, which I believe is the perfect combination for building a beautifully customized path toward growth and healing.
As an Identity Doula and Healing Practitioner, my philosophy is rooted in the belief that every human and every situation is unique, and therefore requires unique tools and approaches. Sessions with me often go beyond traditional talk therapy, incorporating art, movement, visuals, embodiment, activities, and music, because healing doesn’t look the same for everyone. Whoever you are and however you show up, you are welcome here. I’m stoked you’re here.
My Therapeutic Approach is:
Inclusive & Affirming
I offer an inclusive, affirming space where all identities are welcomed and respected. My work is explicitly queer, trans, kink, and poly aware, culturally sensitive, and grounded in advocacy. I prioritize safety, autonomy, and authenticity so you can show up fully yourself.
Experiential & Creative
I approach therapy through a holistic lens, integrating mind, body, and nervous system awareness. With a strong background in science and research, I bring psychoeducation and evidence informed tools to help you better understand yourself and your system.
Holistic & Insightful
I believe you are the expert on your own life. Our work is collaborative, non-judgmental, and grounded in authenticity. I show up as my full self and invite you to do the same as we gently challenge what is not serving you while caring for vulnerable parts together.
Person-Centered & Relational
I believe you are the expert on your own life. Our work is collaborative, non-judgmental, and grounded in authenticity. I show up as my full self and invite you to do the same as we gently challenge what is not serving you while caring for the vulnerable parts that need support.
Areas I Support Clients With
- Gender identity exploration and gender-affirming care
- LGBTQIA+ and queer-affirming support
- Trauma and complex trauma
- Anxiety, stress, and nervous system regulation
- Identity exploration and self-authenticity
- Relationship challenges and non-traditional relationships
- Emotional processing through experiential and creative approaches
- Life transitions and personal growth
Education & Trainings
Master of Marriage and Family Therapy
Lipscomb University
Graduate training with a focus on LGBTQIA+ affirming care and experiential interventions
Bachelor of Science in Biology, Classical Humanities, and Gender & Women Studies
Lipscomb University
Experiential & Creative Therapies Training
Training in mind-body connection, somatic awareness, and mindfulness-based practices
Certified Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapist
A lifelong student committed to continued learning and providing thoughtful, supportive care
Trauma-Informed & Somatic Training
- Phase 1 Brainspotting training
- Integrated Brainspotting and Internal Family Systems (Partspotting) training
- Ongoing study in Internal Family Systems, Somatic Experiencing, and Polyvagal Theory
Relational & Identity-Affirming Training
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Level 1 Imago Relationship Therapy training
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Gottman Institute coursework for relational healing
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Creating Transgender-Affirming Therapeutic Environments training
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Extensive education and research focused on the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community
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Kink- and poly-aware and affirming care
How I Show Up in the Therapy Room
I think that humans are the coolest. Life is really hard, and yet we still get back up and keep trying. Whether we believe it or not, humans are practicing resilience every second of everyday by simply continuing to exist. I see you. I see your resilience.
I want you to be in charge of your life and I advocate for my clients in this regard. I practice with the understanding that most of our lives are not the heteronormative, prescriptive path that Western culture would like us to abide by and I welcome that. Come as you are and we will help you to feel the most fulfilled and satisfied with the life you want to live.
For the past three years, I have been seeing clients as a Marriage and Family Therapist and pursuing licensure. After taking a hefty dose of my own medicine and showing up for myself in the same way as I show up for my clients, I made the tough (but incredibly exciting) decision to close that chapter and no longer pursue licensure as a Marriage and Family Therapist. Logistically, this changes nothing about the ways that I show up with clients, but changes everything about the ways that I can help my clients (all for the better)! My new role as a Identity Doula + Healing Practitioner, provides me (and my clients) with the safety and security to not only show up as my most authentic self as a clinician, but also legally allows me to treat any human with any identity/identities at any age, namely gender-affirming care to minors and adults.
I always bring my whole self to sessions and I ask that my clients do the same. I don’t pretend to be a professional robot and, because of this, you will most likely see me cry, cringe, laugh, and feel your feelings right along beside you. Together we will find a balance between push and pull back – challenging the problematic pieces, while tending to the vulnerable ones. We will hold space for all feelings, sit with them, and care for them appropriately. If there is something that isn’t working or sticking in our work, we will find an alternate or appropriate modification to allow for your continued, unique growth and thriving. I want you to get comfortable with change and leave sessions feeling like growth is inevitably tough, but achievable and worth it. The work will be sticky at times, but we will find the appropriate balance and regularly check in with your system about the pace and results. Healing is different for everyone, and we want to find the right vibe for you and your system!
Interested in Working Together?
If you’re feeling ready to begin therapy or simply have questions, I’d love to connect. You’re welcome to schedule an appointment or reach out to see if working together feels like the right fit.