Dr. Payton Bernett
Psychologist
Hello there! I’m Payton (they/them), and I’m a licensed psychologist specializing in complex trauma, dissociation and dissociative disorders, neurodivergence, and alternative lifestyles.
I have a particular focus on working with 2SLGBTQIA+ clients from a social justice and anti-oppressive lens, and I strive to be actively anti-racist and neurodiversity-affirming in my practice. Together, we can move beyond just managing symptoms and toward deeper healing, creating space to connect with all parts of yourself.
My approach is compassionate, curious, and non-judgmental, with a strong emphasis on your autonomy and choice. I see you as the expert in your own life, and I’m here to support you in moving toward healing in a way that feels safe and meaningful.
Depending on your needs, I draw from a range of therapeutic approaches, including trauma-focused therapy, Internal Family Systems, Emotion-Focused Therapy, clinical hypnosis, somatic and body-oriented approaches, as well as feminist, existential, and social justice-informed frameworks. I prioritize building emotional safety and supporting inner work, while also acknowledging and navigating the broader systems that impact your life.
I hold an Advanced Certificate in Complex Trauma and Dissociation from the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation, and I am co-chair of the Montreal Study Group for Trauma and Dissociation.
I completed my Master’s and PhD in Counselling Psychology at McGill University and my doctoral research explored the role of social and community support for 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, particularly in the context of healing and substance recovery.
Outside of my clinical work, you can often find me foraging for mushrooms and plants of all kinds, writing and playing music on the piano or guitar, knitting while listening to audiobooks, and spending time with my two cats and dog.