Stephanie Payne, AMFT, MA

Stephanie is a skilled communicator and natural problem-solver. She specializes in assisting individuals and couples who feel stuck, overwhelmed, unhappy, or uncertain about next steps. She provides a stabilizing and grounding presence, helping clients gain clarity and identify a path forward.

In her work with couples, Stephanie often addresses challenges such as communication breakdowns, fractured trust, unmet needs, misaligned values, and navigating periods of change, including ultimatums, family planning, career adjustments, and parenting. Stephanie has completed Level 1 and 2 Training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy and incorporates Gottman principles and interventions in her work with couples. 

Stephanie is quick to identify problem areas and implements effective, manageable strategies for change and improvement. She has a natural ability to recognize maladaptive patterns and communicates her observations directly, enabling clients to implement positive changes immediately.

Stephanie holds a Bachelor’s in Psychology from Loyola Marymount University and a Master’s in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Pepperdine University. She draws from a variety of therapeutic modalities, including CBT, DBT, and strength-based therapy to help her clients gain insight, build resilience, and create positive change in their lives. She sees clients both virtually and in-person in Santa Monica, CA. Stephanie is supervised by Danielle Jonas, LCSW (#115555).