Tammy Payne

Hi, my name is Tammy Payne, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of experience providing psychotherapy. I offer telehealth therapy to adults throughout New Jersey and work with individuals navigating a variety of life challenges, including relationship difficulties, anxiety, depression, life transitions, grief, infertility, and other stressors that can impact emotional well-being and daily functioning.

I believe that one of the most important aspects of therapy is the relationship between therapist and client. My goal is to create a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment where you feel comfortable being yourself. Clients often describe me as warm, approachable, and easy to talk to. I strive to provide a balance of compassion, honesty, and practical guidance while helping clients gain insight, build resilience, and create meaningful change in their lives.

My approach to therapy is collaborative and individualized. I believe you are the expert on your own life, and my role is to help guide and support you as you work toward your goals. Together, we will focus on addressing the most immediate concerns affecting your daily life while also exploring the underlying patterns and experiences that may be contributing to those challenges.

I believe lasting change comes not only from managing current symptoms but also from developing a deeper understanding of yourself and your experiences. This may involve exploring past relationships, family dynamics, and life events to better understand how they continue to influence your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors today. I strive to create a warm, empathetic, inclusive, and nonjudgmental environment where meaningful healing and personal growth can occur. My work integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Psychodynamic Therapy, mindfulness-based techniques, and other evidence-based interventions tailored to each client's needs.

The first session is an opportunity for us to get to know one another and determine whether we are a good fit. We will discuss what brings you to therapy, the challenges you are currently facing, relevant background information, and what you hope to gain from the therapeutic process. I will also answer any questions you may have about therapy, my approach, and what to expect moving forward.

My style is empathetic, authentic, and interactive. Therapy with me is a collaborative conversation rather than a one-sided experience. While I provide a supportive space to process your thoughts and emotions, I also actively engage in the discussion by offering feedback, insights, observations, and practical strategies. By the end of the first session, my goal is for you to feel heard, understood, and to have a clearer sense of how we can work together toward your goals.