Elizabeth Payne

Welcome—I'm Glad You're Here

If you're feeling overwhelmed—by anxiety, depression, self-doubt, identity questions, or just the weight of daily life—you’re not alone. Life can feel heavy, and reaching out for support is a meaningful and courageous step.

I’m a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) in California, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), and a National Certified Counselor.

I work with adults who are navigating anxiety, depression, burnout, life transitions, and questions around identity and purpose. Many of my clients describe feeling stuck or disconnected. You might be tired of second-guessing yourself, feeling like you’re not enough, or just trying to keep your head above water.

Whatever you're carrying, therapy can help you make space to breathe and reconnect with yourself.

My approach is warm, collaborative, and down-to-earth. I show up as a real person, and I believe meaningful change happens when you feel safe, seen, and supported—without pressure or judgment. Together, we’ll work to understand what’s holding you back and move toward more clarity, self-trust, and ease.

I’ve worked in clinics, schools, and nonprofits, and I bring a culturally responsive, inclusive lens to my work. I proudly support LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC clients, and I welcome all parts of who you are.

If any of this resonates with you, I invite you to reach out. I’d be honored to support you.

My work is rooted in child development and guided by a decolonizing, anti-pathologizing lens. I don’t view you as “broken.” Your emotions and behaviors are meaningful responses to your life experiences. Our goal together is not to “fix” you, but to co-create new ways of coping that help you feel more grounded, capable, and connected.

I use a holistic, eclectic approach tailored to your unique needs—because therapy is not one-size-fits-all. I integrate evidence-based practices such as:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT)
• Psychodynamic Therapy
• Mindfulness-based techniques
• Narrative Therapy

These approaches allow us to work collaboratively and flexibly, drawing on what best supports your goals, values, and lived experience.

The tools we use aren’t quick fixes. They’re here to support your growth, resilience, and empowerment—never to minimize or invalidate the very real challenges you may face, including trauma, discrimination, or systemic barriers. I recognize that while mindset shifts can be powerful, real healing also involves acknowledging and addressing the broader social and structural realities that impact your life.

We’ll make space to understand your story while also focusing on solutions that help you feel better in your day-to-day life.

You don’t need to have it all figured out before starting—just a willingness to show up.

My role is to walk alongside you, helping you feel more empowered, more understood, and more free to live a life that feels meaningful and authentic to you.