Payton LaSorsa
Jefferson University Marriage and Family Therapy Program
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[he/him]
Intern Therapist
Collegeville, Pennsylvania and Virtually
I'm Payton (he/him), and I work with people who are ready for someone in their corner. I see adolescents, young adults, college students, adults, and couples who are navigating anxiety, depression, OCD, relational challenges, and career transitions.
I'm especially excited to work with men around my age and to be an advocate for them. I want to be a guide and someone they can voice their struggles with and feel comfortable doing so. I also work with anyone dealing with career anxiety or development, people trying to figure out what's next, and folks who feel stuck in their own heads.
I use CBT, mindfulness-based approaches, Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), and Motivational Interviewing. I like to keep things pretty fluid and informal. I'll guide and redirect when needed, but this experience is set for you as the client, and I approach things from a very "client first" mentality.
What does Kristen specialize in?
I specialize in working with clients facing complex trauma and relationship challenges. Together, we’ll dive deep into untangling the impact of past experiences, exploring patterns, and building resilience for the future. I’m a big dreamer, always seeking new ways to create connection for clients, meet them right where they are, and remind them that healing is possible. Even when you can’t see what healing might look like, I can hold that vision for you and walk alongside you on the journey.
five things you won't find on kristen's psychology today profile.
one. i believe in “doing it scared.” we are all doing the best we can with what we have. we need each other to truly have what we need. asking for help and connection are terrifying…let’s “do it scared” together.
two. i have a big, messy story. i do not have it all together. when i say “where ever you are, i will meet you there,” what i mean is i don’t need you to be a “good client.” i just want you to be you.
three. i have an insatiable curiosity and an unbiased brain. i truly want to know everything. everything. you'll teach me too.
four. i believe in “checking it out.” our brains are brilliant authors and often tell us stories about what others think of us. i will push you to “check it out” and share the story your brain has crafted about what you think i'm thinking. it is safe. promise
five. i am gay. i have a partner who loves the hell out of me (which i never thought would happen). plus, i have the most incredible, quirkiest, 2-year-old who also dances to the beat of his own drum. i wouldn't have it any other way.
SPECIALTIES
Anxiety
Depression
Relational distress
OCD
Career anxiety/development
APPROACH
Therapy with me is healing, not fixing. It's a space where you can feel seen, understood, and know that you have someone in your corner.
I'm welcoming and direct. I like to keep things fluid and don't want anyone to feel upheld by rigidity. If you want something more structured, we'll work that way. If you need to just talk and explore, we'll do that. This is your space, and I'll meet you wherever you are.
I'm naturally exploratory and directive. I like to ask a lot of questions that help you explore different avenues of thought. But I'm also direct, and I think there's a lot of benefit to that. I just want to make sure I'm not rushing you.
I expect accountability from my clients in terms of the work we do, meeting times, and payments. But I'm also patient, compassionate, nonjudgmental, and encouraging.
WORKING WITH ME
Therapy with me is steady, grounding, warm, and validating. I'm emotionally present, relaxed, and casual, but also focused and goal-oriented when we need to be.
I'm inviting and open, but I can also be challenging in a safe way. I'll ask questions that make you think, and I'll be direct when it matters. But I'm not here to rush you or make you feel like you're doing it wrong.
People say I have a way of saying things that finally makes sense. I use humor and insight to help things land, and I keep it grounded and warm. I'm thoughtful and steady, and I want you to feel like you have someone in your corner.