Mariya Javed-Payne, MSW, LICSW, LADC

I am a somatic psychotherapist specializing in healing trauma, complex trauma, addiction, generational and racial trauma, and oppression in the body.

I am a woman. I am a body of culture. I am a person in recovery. I am an immigrant. I am a student of life. I am a partner, educator, sister, daughter, and friend. I am a passionate and curious individual dedicated to creating health and wellness for individuals, communities, and societies. I believe in deep, nourishing, and holistic change that heals from the roots up.

I was born in India and lived in France, Brazil, and the United States all before the age of six. My experience with vastly different cultures piqued my curiosity about humans and diverse societies from a young age. Blending and assimilating my culture of origin with the United States has been and continues to be an integral part of my story. It has also shaped my ability to assist others in reclaiming their identities as multi-dimensional and complex human beings.

These early life experiences in global societies defined my open worldview and appreciation for the diverse walks of life that humanity encompasses. I am grateful for the expansiveness they have provided my foundation.

My own journey with addiction and my challenging path to recovery over ten years ago has also given me depth and compassion as a therapist. I gained a firsthand understanding of the quest of the human mind to find a sense of belonging and settledness in an ever-shifting world. These experiences have given me the ability to approach all people with openness, non-judgment, and patience. They have also taught me to be tenacious in my pursuit of healing self and others. Hope is a powerful survival mechanism.

In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my partner, my animal companions, and in nature. I love to garden, practice meditation and love to read. I also enjoy cooking many different cuisines and always have my nose in a new subject I want to learn about. I am also a poet and writer of creative non-fiction. I spend a lot of time in reflection and connection with self and all that is around me.