Meet the Soft Reins Counseling Team
At Soft Reins Counseling, we believe meaningful change begins with connection, compassion, and feeling understood. Our team is committed to creating a welcoming, supportive environment where clients can explore challenges, build on their strengths, and work toward meaningful growth.
Led by founder and clinical supervisor Cassandra Bowes Payne, LPC, NCC, our growing team includes developing clinicians who provide individualized care with appropriate clinical supervision. We value collaboration, continued learning, and an approach that honors each person's unique experiences and needs.
Cassandra is the founder of Soft Reins Counseling, where she is passionate about providing compassionate, individualized, and trauma-informed care.
As a Licensed Professional Counselor and National Certified Counselor, she specializes in supporting individuals navigating trauma, autism, ADHD, addiction, and emotional regulation.
Cassandra is committed to fostering a collaborative environment where both clients and developing clinicians feel supported, valued, and empowered to grow. As the practice expands, she is dedicated to mentoring counseling interns and maintaining a culture of ethical, thoughtful, and client-centered care.
Founder & Clinical Supervisor
Cassandra Bowes Payne, LPC, NCC
Graduate Counseling Intern
Riley Blovad
Riley enjoys supporting individuals navigating anxiety, depression, life transitions, and emotional regulation.
He has a special interest in working with youth and families experiencing challenges related to ADHD and autism.
Using a collaborative, strengths-based approach informed by CBT and ACT, Riley helps clients build practical coping skills, develop self-understanding, and move toward meaningful change. He strives to create a warm, accepting space where clients feel heard, understood, and supported in their growth.
Graduate Counseling Intern
Jenna Matthews
Bio Coming Soon!
Service & Therapy Dog
Sullivan “Sully”
Sullivan, affectionately known as Sully, is our service and therapy dog in training who brings a gentle presence to the Soft Reins Counseling team.
As he continues his training, Sully is learning to support a calm, welcoming environment while assisting Cassandra with disability-related needs.
His role reflects our belief that comfort, connection, and emotional safety can be meaningful parts of the therapeutic experience.
Our Approach to Supervision
At Soft Reins Counseling, supervision is an essential part of developing thoughtful, ethical, and competent clinicians. Our counseling interns receive ongoing clinical guidance and opportunities for reflection to strengthen their skills, navigate complex clinical situations, and integrate evidence-based approaches into their work.
This collaborative process supports our interns' professional development while helping ensure their work remains aligned with ethical standards and each client's individual needs.