Hello, I’m Payton Freund. I’m a Clinical Professional Counselor Intern.
My Path To Becoming A Therapist
I’m a born and raised Las Vegas local. If you asked eight-year-old Payton what she wanted to be when she grew up, she would have told you a fashion designer. Over time, though, I realized what mattered most in a career was helping people. This led me to pursue a degree in Psychology from Washington State University (GO COUGS!) with plans to become an occupational therapist.
While working as a Violence Prevention Student Coordinator, I became deeply interested in human sexuality and supporting survivors of sexual violence. Coming from a K–12 Catholic education where sexuality and pleasure were rarely discussed, I found it powerful to be in a space where open conversations about sexual well-being were not only accepted but encouraged. I realized how important it was to make these topics less taboo for others.
With that, occupational therapy went out the window. I made it my mission to find a way to weave sexuality education and discussion into my daily work. That’s how I discovered sex therapy, and I’ve never looked back! I graduated with my Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from UNLV in May 2025.
Today, my work allows me to support others while championing sex positivity, empowerment, and open dialogue. It’s everything I hoped for when I first set out to help people, and I feel grateful to do what I do.
My Approach
I believe we can create change when we’re brave enough to show up fully as ourselves. That means being willing to take a leap, feel uncomfortable, and practice real vulnerability, with ourselves and with others. Growth takes both courage and consistency. The more you bring to the process, the more you’ll get from it. My work draws on Attachment-based approaches, including Emotionally Focused Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Experiential Therapy.
I’m here to be with you on that journey, walking through your world. We’ll work on sifting through both your past and present to figure out how to create a more fulfilling life where you feel secure in yourself and your relationships.
How I Work With Clients
I’ve gained a wide range of experience that has shaped the therapist I am today. During COVID, I worked as a Registered Behavior Technician in a clinic setting, providing Applied Behavior Analysis to children with autism. I then served as a Violence Prevention Student Coordinator, planning and hosting events to deliver sex education and share statistics on intimate partner violence both on campus and through social media. Since then, I’ve gained clinical experience in private practice and residential treatment settings, providing individual, couples, family, and group therapy.
My Specialties
- Concerns regarding past unwanted sexual experiences (Sexual Trauma)
- Exploring KINK & BDSM
- Impulsive sexual behavior/out-of-control sexual behavior (sometimes referred to as “sex addiction”)
- Navigating Sexuality and Religious Beliefs
- Non-Monogamy (Polyamory, Swinging)
- Sexual issue with infidelity
- Sexual Issues
- Sex education (a safe place to ask questions)
Therapy Models I Uses:
Fun Facts About Me
- Hello Kitty fanatic
- Aspiring ’80s movie completist
- Lifelong skier
- Halloween costume enthusiast
- “Blank Space” by I Prevail karaoke regular
- Total cat person
- Crossword buff
- Roller-skating revivalist
- Sushi lover
- Sucker for cute shoes
Let’s Work Together
Beginning therapy can feel overwhelming, but know that this journey is centered on you, your starting point, your pace, and what matters most to you in each session. My role is to support you in gaining a deeper self-understanding and in overcoming the barriers that stand between you and a more fulfilling life.
There are no expectations, only space to explore the challenges you’re facing in your mental health or life direction. When you feel ready, I am here to walk alongside you.
Click the link below to schedule a session, and let’s begin your journey together today.
