Payton Lindner, MMFT

Hi! I’m Payton, my pronoun are they/she! I was born and raised in Wisconsin but moved down to Tennessee mid-pandemic for graduate school. Of the many things that I love, my pups, art, and nature are at the top of that list. I value honestly, authenticity, and happiness and I spend my time pursuing those characteristics.

When I first began my own therapy, I was facing equal parts change, adversity, and growth. Whatever brings you here, welcome. The thing that I love most about my job is the opportunity to create genuine connections with clients and make a difference in their lives. My philosophy is based on crafting the life that my clients feel is ideal, while meeting them where they are and approaching their lives with curiosity and inclusivity. Who or whatever you are, you are welcome here.

MY THERAPEUTIC APPROACH IS:

Inclusive

Empathetic

Affirming

Experiential

Holistic

Non-Judgmental

Insightful

Secular

Culturally-Sensitive

Person-Centered

Ever-Developing

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.

Through my training as a systems-focused Clinician, I have acquired the technical skill set to help clients be the best selves that they can be in the context of their surroundings. I tend to utilize research-backed therapeutic approaches that focus on thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in order to most effectively cultivate positive change in the lives of my clients. Practically, I most often default to the principles of culturally sensitive, narrative, feminist, person-centered, and experiential therapy. I also like to bring in skills from play therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, Imago theory, and Brainspotting to best meet the individual needs of clients and craft the best experience for them.

I 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. I want you to get comfortable with change and leave sessions feeling like growth is inevitably challenging, but achievable. The work will be hard at times, but my mom was right in saying that hard work pays off and I’m honored to sit with you through these times. 

 

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS