About Payton:
I earned a Master's Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Regis University located in Denver, Colorado. I am currently licensed as an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of Utah and as a Marriage and Family Therapist Candidate in the state of Colorado. I have experience working with couples, families, and teens. I specialize in working with couples, parents with difficult children, and those experiencing anxiety at any level.
What is therapy like?
My typical stance as a therapist is to be both direct and directive. I am direct in the sense that I'm not going to beat around the bush. I will tell you hard things to hear when needed. Being directive looks like me bringing skills and tools to the table for you to explore and learn. I'm not the kind of therapist that you have for the next 10 years. I want to help you learn what you need to in order for you to get back to a place of stability and happiness quickly. Although my approach is focused on results, I understand the importance of a strong therapeutic alliance. It's not all business all the time. I'm light-hearted at times and find humor to be a great addition in the therapy room. I seek to also connect through empathy. Life is tough, and I'll never minimize the struggles we each face.
Lastly, the approach I use with couples is rooted in Relational Life Therapy. This modality is fantastic for couples struggling with communication problems, major differences in personality, frequent arguing or conflict, and those suffering from what I call "Roommate Syndrome" (essentially living parallel lives in the same home, with little emotional connection).
When working with parents and individuals, my approach is rooted in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. Both approaches take into account the multidirectional impact of our thoughts, behaviors, and emotions. Using those approaches, I help you find practical ways to make real and lasting changes.
What I do for fun:
When I'm not in the office I enjoy being in the mountains exploring, fishing, or meditating. I'm an avid sports fan and enjoy both playing and watching a range of sports. Having played football at a collegiate level, that is my favorite to play and watch. I have a great liking for chocolate and movie theatre popcorn. Last, but certainly not least, I love being with my wife and two kids.
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I specialize in:
Couples who feel more like roommates than lovers. Couples where one partner doesn't seem to be pulling their weight. Couples with intense arguments where there is yelling, name calling, and hurtful things said to each other.
