Nicole Payne, M.A., AMFT

Niki is a native of South Bay Los Angeles and an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT#132012). She received her Master of Arts degree in Clinical Psychology, Marriage and Family Therapy Specialization from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, Los Angeles campus, and her Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism from California State University, Long Beach. She is also an honor's graduate of the nationally-accredited Hypnosis Motivation Institute where she studied Clinical Hypnotherapy for one year, including an intensive 6-month residency as a Hypnotherapy Intern. She also holds an Associate of Occupational Studies degree in Mind Body Psychology from HMI School of Hypnotherapy.

Niki gained most of her clinical experience in private practice at Hypnodipity as a Hypnotherapist since 2017 and at Los Angeles Centers for Alcohol and Drug Abuse as a marriage and family therapist trainee from 2020-2021. As a hypnotherapist, Niki has worked with individuals to reduce stress, boost self-esteem and improve confidence so they can achieve their most meaningful health, career or relationship goals, whether they want to lose weight, start their dream business, or manifest their ideal partner. As a psychotherapist, Niki has worked with individuals to address addiction, trauma, grief, anxiety, and depression. Facilitating group programs has also been a part of her practice, with an emphasis on Anger Management for former gang members, Nurturing Parenting® for parents with DCFS cases who want to reunify with their children, and most recently DBT groups for individuals in recovery from substance abuse. She also gained valuable experience as a volunteer at Peace Over Violence where she provided emotional support, advocacy, and referrals to survivors of intimate partner violence and sexual assault as a Counselor Advocate on a local crisis hotline from 2020-2022.

Niki’s treatment style is rooted in depth psychology and includes an intuitive mix of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT), positive psychology, family systems, and guided imagery practices. She also draws from dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). She uses a values-aligned, strengths-based, and trauma-informed approach to building trust and creating safety in the therapeutic relationship with respect to your specific concerns.

Whether you have been impacted by past trauma, relational distress, occupational burnout, or other significant life changes, Niki will work with you to improve your mood, relationships, and habits in support of your mental health and overall wellbeing.

During her free time, Niki volunteers for a local student organization at Cal State Long Beach where she dedicates at least 10% of her work week to advising, mentoring and empowering female student leaders. She also enjoys reading, writing, singing, podcasting, playing fastpitch softball, practicing yoga, connecting with friends, and learning about the world through music, film, art, and travel.