Payton is a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate with a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Denver Seminary in Denver, Colorado. During her graduate training, she completed her internship at Colorado Christian University, where she worked with students navigating anxiety, depression, OCD, body image concerns, relationship challenges, and major life transitions. Her passion for supporting student-athletes also came to life during this time, as she served as an assistant coach for the Valor Christian High School cross-country team. As a former Division I cross country and track athlete at the University of Georgia, Payton has a deep appreciation for the unique experiences and pressures that come with high school and collegiate athletics.

Payton’s clinical approach draws from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and person-centered principles. She also incorporates a narrative lens to help clients reframe and redefine their life stories as they grow and change.

Payton enjoys working with adolescents, college students, and adults, recognizing that growth is a lifelong process. Her goal as a counselor is to empower individuals to navigate life’s challenges with resilience and self-compassion.

Outside of her work at City Center Counseling Ministry, Payton enjoys running, hiking, and biking with her husband.

She would love to be a resource to you and can be contacted directly at pstepps@citycentercounseling.org.