Payton Lindner

The Center for Authentic Growth

Yo! I’m Payton, I’m an openly queer + nonbinary human and my pronoun are they/she! I think that humans are the coolest. My philosophy as an Identity Doula + Healing Practitioner takes into consideration that every human and every situation is different, thus unique tools and approaches are required for unique people and things. Sessions with me will go beyond standard talk therapy, as it is my personal and professional opinion that humans often heal with art, movement, visuals, embodiment, activities, and music better than they do with standard talk therapy alone. (Try to think of this as fun and exciting, not scary or awkward!)

I want you to be in charge of your life and I advocate for my clients in this regard. I practice with the understanding that most of our lives are not the heteronormative, prescriptive path that Western culture would like us to abide by and I welcome that. Come hang and we will help you to feel the most fulfilled and satisfied with the life you want to live.

I’m also trained as a scientist/researcher first, so expect clear psychoeducation + research-backed tools. I integrate Somatic Experiencing to help you tune into your body’s signals, release stored stress, and build regulation from the inside out. Whoever you are, you’re welcome here. Oh, + I have a therapy dog in-training, Navy! I’m stoked you’re here. <3

Call or Email Payton Lindner now for a free 15 minute consultation - (629) 230-3151

My Practice at a Glance

Available both in-person and online

Center for Authentic Growth

4721 Trousdale Drive

Nashville, TN 37220 map

Madison, WI 53703

The Center for Authentic Growth

Hey homie - I'm happy you're here. I'm not a normal therapist, I'm a cool therapist. I'd love to chat about how I can help - reach out! <3

I specialize in LGBTQ+, Trauma and PTSD and Polyamory & ENM

$175 Per Session

I see individuals, couples and families

Let's Connect (629) 230-3151

My Practice at a Glance

Available both in-person and online

Center for Authentic Growth

4721 Trousdale Drive

Nashville, TN 37220 map

Madison, WI 53703

Hey homie - I'm happy you're here. I'm not a normal therapist, I'm a cool therapist. I'd love to chat about how I can help - reach out! <3

I specialize in LGBTQ+, Trauma and PTSD and Polyamory & ENM

$175 Per Session

I see individuals, couples and families

Finances

Fees

Individual Sessions $175
Couple Sessions $200
Sliding scale: apply if you may be eligible

Payment Methods

American Express, Cash, Discover, Health Savings Account, Mastercard, Visa

Unfortunately, I do not accept insurance and am private pay only. However, I am more than happy to chat about ways that we could make working together more financially sustainable for you if money is a worry!

Payton Lindner

MMFT

Call or Email me for a free 15 minute consultation now - (629) 230-3151

Payton Lindner

MMFT

Call or Email me for a free 15 minute consultation now - (629) 230-3151

Qualifications

Verified by Psychology Today Supervised by Cadey Phipps (Tennessee / 1348) Payton Lindner

Education and Years In Practice

Attended Lipscomb University, Masters Marriage and Family Therapy, Graduated 2022

Additional Credentials

Degree/Diploma from Lipscomb University Specialization in Play Therapy / 2022

Degree/Diploma from University of Wisconsin - Madison Bachelors in Biology and Gender Studies / 2019

My medical background, lived experience, degrees in Biology and Gender Studies and Masters in Marriage and Family therapy inform my work most. I also draw from a lot of cool trainings that I have done, including Somatic Experiencing, Brainspotting, IFS, ERP, Polyvagal Theory, Play Therapy and more!

Payton Lindner

MMFT

Call or Email me for a free 15 minute consultation now - (629) 230-3151

Payton Lindner

MMFT

Call or Email me for a free 15 minute consultation now - (629) 230-3151

Specialties and Expertise

Top Specialties

LGBTQ+
Trauma and PTSD
Polyamory & ENM

Expertise

ADHD
Anxiety
Autism
Bisexual
Body Image
Body Image
Depression
Family Conflict
Grief
Identity
Lesbian
Life Transitions
Peer Relationships
Relationship Issues
School Issues
Self Esteem
Self-Harming
Sex-Positive & Kink Friendly
Stress
Suicidal Ideation
Transgender
Women's Issues

I specialize in trauma and identity work, often with queer and trans youth, teens, and adults navigating a world that isn't always affirming. I also work with folks of all identities through a compassionate, secular, and inclusive lens. Whether you're queer or not, if you're carrying trauma or seeking healing, you're welcome here-and we can do deep, meaningful work together.

Payton Lindner

MMFT

Call or Email me for a free 15 minute consultation now - (629) 230-3151

Payton Lindner

MMFT

Call or Email me for a free 15 minute consultation now - (629) 230-3151

15 Endorsements

Elizabeth Arnold

Payton is a warm, encouraging, and confident coach for her clients. Payton cares deeply for the welfare of her clients and community and works tirelessly to educate and inspire others on their journey of self-discovery and self-validation.

Cadey Phipps

Payton is an out-of-the-box type clinician who will meet you exactly where you're at, but also push you in ways when needed. There's never a dull moment in Payton's office, and if you're curious about what this looks like, I highly recommend reaching out.

Ryan Chappelle

Payton is super creative and unique and brings so much care and fun into the room. It seems like she's constantly learning, growing, and implementing new interventions- from powerful trauma interventions to artistic interventions.

J D Benson

Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MHSP

I'm honored to have worked with Payton, who is an incredibly skilled therapist helping individuals clarify who they are. Their open-minded approach fosters deep self-exploration and growth creating a safe space for clients to better understand themselves.

Juliana Vokes

Payton is a kind and natural leader who offers so much warmth for the folks that she works with. The creative and compassionate balance that Payton carries is such a unique experience - I confidently refer folks to Payton knowing they are well-supported!

Kaitlyn King

Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, ATR

Payton has a creative approach that is unlike many therapists I have met. They provide such a warm space to everyone they work with and make sure each client walks away with a deeper understanding of themselves. You are in great hands with this one.

Hailey Rowe-Mabee

Counselor, LPC, CST, MS

Payton is an incredible helper & healer. Their expertise and passion with youth and trans clients is unmatched. They provide a safe /brave space for their clients to heal.

Logan Hubbard

Pre-Licensed Professional, MS, A-LPC/, MHSP, NCC

Payton creates an affirming, dynamic space where clients can embrace their full selves. Their holistic approach goes beyond talk therapy, fostering deep healing and growth. Their approach is inclusive, vibrant, & empowering. I trust them wholeheartedly.

Roxanne Hallisey

Payton is the kind of human you want in your corner. Her ability to bring empathy, directness and humor together make life's toughest moment feel more manageable. If you want to be seen and loved for exactly who you are, I can think of no better person.

Jason Pipkin

Pre-Licensed Professional

Payton is a truly gifted therapist who brings warmth, playfulness, and skill to every session. Therapy with Payton feels natural and collaborative, less like a formal appointment and more like an authentic, healing conversation. Highly recommend!

Lydia Henderson

Art Therapist, MA, ATR-P

Payton is an incredible clinician to have in your corner. Their energy is genuine, enthusiastic, and deeply caring. Payton helps clients feel safe to express their most authentic selves through creativity and play!

Cara Allison

Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, MHSP

Payton is warm, energetic, and easy to connect with. They bring humor and authenticity to their work with clients. They are especially skilled at supporting clients through trauma healing, combining compassion with deep expertise.

Rachel Newman

Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MHSP, RYT

Payton is warm, relational, creative, and an absolute cheerleader for their clients. They create a safe and nurturing space for people to flourish and grow in their authentic selves.

Lacey Raley

Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MMFT, MPA, 200CYT

Payton is a phenomenal force in the community! One of the most creative and compassionate clinicians around. They are an extremely skilled somatic experiencing clinician; I admire their ability to create safety with anyone and everyone. Highly recommend!

Shelby Logsdon

Payton brings creativity, presence, and inclusivity to every session. Their ability to hold space for identity, embodiment, and growth helps clients feel seen and supported exactly as they are.

Part of The Center for Authentic Growth

Pre-Licensed Professional, MS-CMHC

Lydia Henderson

Art Therapist, MA, ATR-P

Jason Pipkin

Pre-Licensed Professional

Shelby Logsdon

Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MMFT, MPA, 200CYT

Cadey Phipps

Ana Quirk

Elizabeth Arnold

Client Focus

Age

Toddler ,

Children (6 to 10) ,

Preteen ,

Teen ,

Adults

Participants

Individuals ,

Couples ,

Family

Communities

Bisexual Allied ,

Blind Allied ,

Gay Allied ,

HIV / AIDS Allied ,

Immuno-disorders ,

Intersex Allied ,

Lesbian Allied ,

Non-Binary Allied ,

Queer Allied ,

Racial Justice Allied ,

Sex Worker Allied ,

Transgender Allied

Age

Toddler ,

Children (6 to 10) ,

Preteen ,

Teen ,

Adults

Participants

Individuals ,

Couples ,

Family

Communities

Bisexual Allied ,

Blind Allied ,

Gay Allied ,

HIV / AIDS Allied ,

Immuno-disorders ,

Intersex Allied ,

Lesbian Allied ,

Non-Binary Allied ,

Queer Allied ,

Racial Justice Allied ,

Sex Worker Allied ,

Transgender Allied

Treatment Approach

Types of Therapy

Animal-Assisted Therapy
Art Therapy
Brainspotting
Culturally Sensitive
Eclectic
EMDR
Experiential Therapy
Expressive Arts
Feminist
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
Person-Centered
Play Therapy
Sandplay
Somatic
Trauma Focused

I'm trained in IFS/Partspotting, Somatic Experiencing, EMDR, Brainspotting, ERP, Imago, Gottman, and FLASH-tools that help me meet you with flexibility and care. Whether you're carrying trauma, navigating relationships, or just feeling stuck, we'll find an approach that fits you- not the other way around.

Payton Lindner

MMFT

Call or Email me for a free 15 minute consultation now - (629) 230-3151

Payton Lindner

MMFT

Call or Email me for a free 15 minute consultation now - (629) 230-3151

Groups

Stitch and Btch - LGBTQ+ Skill/Processing Group

Hosted by

Payton Lindner

Good for LGBTQ+ people (18+) who already know how to knit/crochet or beginners looking to learn about a new skill. Good for those who want a safe space to craft. Good for those who want to learn calming techniques and bilateral stimulation while being in the company of other LGBTQ+ humans to vent, giggle, and process life! All needles, hooks and yarn included OR BYO project! Anyone that doesn’t want to knit/crochet can help with group project (making plarn and weaving it into rope to make upcycled goods and donatables!) or can just socialize!

Expertise

Peer Relationships

Types of Therapy

Art Therapy

Age

Adults

Session Cost

$20

Group Meets

Every Thu 6 P.M. - 7 P.M.

Location

The Center for Authentic Growth

Nashville, TN 37204

Email Payton Lindner about this group or call - (629) 230-3151

TPAG - Teen Processing Art Group

Hosted by

Payton Lindner

Good for LGBTQ+ people (13-17) who already know how to knit/crochet or beginners looking to learn about a new skill. Good for those who want a safe space to craft. Good for those who want to learn calming techniques and bilateral stimulation while being in the company of other LGBTQ+ humans to vent, giggle, and process life! All needles, hooks and yarn included OR BYO project! Anyone that doesn’t want to knit/crochet can help with group project (making plarn and weaving it into rope to make upcycled goods and donatables!) or can just socialize!

Expertise

Peer Relationships

Types of Therapy

Art Therapy

Age

Teen

Session Cost

$30

Group Meets

Every other Mon 6 P.M. - 7 P.M.

Location

The Center for Authentic Growth

Nashville, TN 37204

Email Payton Lindner about this group or call - (629) 230-3151

pTPAG - Pre- Teen Processing Art Group

Hosted by

Payton Lindner

We’re so excited to announce Pre-TPAG (Preteen Processing & Art Group) — a new group for LGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent preteens, run by Payton Lindner, MMFT, starting November 12th and meeting biweekly on Wednesdays at 6 PM (through April 15 – no groups 11/26 or 12/24). This group is all about connection, creativity, and community. We’ll do one unique art or expressive project each week that serves as both a creative outlet and an easy entry point into conversation, friendship, and self-expression. Think of it as a mix between a hangout, art studio, and processing space!

Expertise

ADHD

Autism

Types of Therapy

Art Therapy

Age

Teen

Session Cost

$30

Group Meets

Every other Wed 6 P.M. - 7 P.M.

Location

Nashville, TN 37220

Email Payton Lindner about this group or call - (629) 230-3151

Location

Primary Location

Center for Authentic Growth

4721 Trousdale Drive

Nashville, TN 37220

Email Me

Additional Location

Madison, WI 53703