Jennifer Shepard Payne
I have over two decades of experience providing culturally appropriate care to those in emotional pain. I specialize in treating trauma, anxiety, and depression, using an evidence-based intervention (acceptance and commitment therapy). I aim to empower and strengthen those struggling against systemic inequities.
I specialize in treating trauma, anxiety, and depression, using an evidence-based intervention (acceptance and commitment therapy).
Since childhood, I have had a deep concern for people in pain, and I am particularly drawn to helping those oppressed and suffering from pain due to their race, gender, or socio-economic status. I have devoted my life's work to this cause – to hold out a hand and attempt to lift someone up who is depressed, traumatized, or stressed. You can learn more information about me at www.drjspayne.com.
First session
During our first session, I aim to learn more about you - your strengths, your challenges, your values, dreams, and desires. I want to discover what you want to gain from therapy and how I can journey with you to get to your destination.
Strengths
I am very excited and humbled by the research-based work I have been able to do. I have culturally tailored (changed) acceptance and commitment therapy so that it is more relevant and valuable for the type of systemic trauma that African Americans and other marginalized groups face. I use this method frequently in my practice and train other clinicians worldwide in the technique.
Ideal clients
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy is a values-oriented clinical intervention. Success in ACT is defined by: "I can move forward toward what matters to me and makes my heart sing, even when things are hard, even when I am feeling _______ (blank)". My ideal client would likely desire to start moving from a stuck place toward their own values, and would appreciate help in getting from point A to point B. Finding the right therapist is as important as finding the right physician or mechanic. If you are looking for a therapist who is culturally sensitive, takes a holistic approach (mind, body, spirit), and encourages courageous, authentic, yet self-compassionate emotional healing, feel free to schedule with me to explore our fit urther.
Treatment methods
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
Dr. Jennifer Shepard Payne has focused on adapting ACT to be more inclusive and relevant for diverse populations, particularly individuals from marginalized backgrounds. She delivers Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in a culturally resonant and respectful way, weaving in both cultural and at times spiritual (Christian) components into her treatment. She wrote the book "Out of the Fire: Healing Black Trauma Caused by Systemic Racism Using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy." In sessions, Dr. Payne uses culturally tailored ACT to help people move from just surviving to thriving, from being stuck to moving towards what matters to them.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
Top specialties
Other specialties
Serves
Licensed in
- CaliforniaLicense 19053
- MarylandLicense 28510