Kathryn Sills-Payne

About Me

As a queer-identified and spiritually-identified woman with experience in interracial, same-sex relationships, I integrate many layers. I work with clients that have complex experiences. Many communities honor one part of our identity while ignoring the other. In my practice, I actively include all your layers: LGBTQ+, gender, race, ethnicity, Autistic/Neurodivergence (Neurospiciness), spirituality, parenthood, and all other experiences existing outside the white supremacist hetero-patriarchy. Diverse people need to be able to tell their stories. Therapy is a reprieve from the pressures of a cruel world and all its senseless bullying. I reject oppression and the harm it causes our bodies, minds, and hearts. I have dedicated my life to promoting women, queer, trans/enby, BIPOC, and neurodiversity acceptance on many platforms.

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My Background and Experience

I studied at University College London, consistently ranked a top ten university for psychology worldwide. At the University of Southern California and Pepperdine University, I further developed my clinical psychology expertise. I developed a strong Relational-Gestalt framework by training intensively at the Relational Center in Los Angeles. I was also trained in Brainspotting, a brain-based revolutionary new therapy for rapid and effective growth which was discovered by David Grand, PhD. In 2018, Daniel Franklin, PhD, acknowledged my support and intellectual contributions to his book Helping Your Child with Language-Based Learning Disabilities, published during my time as a director at Franklin Educational Services in Southern California.

Many people fear meeting with a therapist for the first time. Will it be too intense? Will they "get" what I'm going through? Will I really start to feel better? So they put off that first appointment because it can feel scary to take a chance on someone they’ve never met. I get it. My utmost priority is in helping people find the best care. I have trained intensively in many different approaches of psychotherapy and over the years I have thrown out every technique and theory that has not proven to make a significant difference for my clients. In my experience, one approach has proven to really work: humanistic Relational-Gestalt therapy combined with Brainspotting treatments.

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Here is why my approach works:

1. It feels genuine and authentic for my clients and myself.

2. It is a mind, body, + spirit approach.

3. It provides deep and permanent relief from anxiety, sadness, trauma, and triggering experiences.

4. It cuts through surface symptoms to deeper issues that really need our attention.

5. It is affirming and inclusive of diverse experiences.

6. It feels safe and transformative.

7. Although we collaborate, as the client, you are the expert on your own healing.

As we collaborate on your therapy goals I take time to get to know what outcome you're longing for. Most people just want to feel seen, heard, and ultimately feel better. I'll give you my honest feedback about approaches we can consider and help you find the right formula of supports that will get you where you want to be. I work collaboratively and consentually and always honor where you're at in your process.