Meet Dr. Ailyn Payan | Psychologist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. Ailyn Payan and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. Ailyn, what inspires you?
In one simple word: Family. I honestly can say that I would not have succeeded in my career without the support of my family. I would not be the person I am today without my family standing right behind me, cheering me on, with every decision that I made. I was born in Cuba, moved to Canada at the age of ten, and now reside in sunny Miami, Florida. My family and our shared struggles have been my inspiration to succeed and thrive.

Now married and with four wonderful kids, my family has grown and I feel inspired more and more as I want to become the best version of myself for them. For me too, but they are my driving force. I see all the successes, struggles, and experiences my kids go through and it motivates me to be present and supportive of them. My career path is changing and while I’m nervous to see where it leads, I am more excited to see what’s to come. And at the end of the day, I know that the choices I make today will yield amazing results for my career, myself, and my family.

What should our readers know about your business?
I have a private practice where I offer psychological evaluations, therapy, and consultations to kids, teenagers, and adults struggling with managing their presenting symptoms. Mindful Amity Psychological Services was established to provide those struggling in our community with a safe space to sort out their thoughts, learn about themselves, and change their behaviors for the benefit of their own mental health.

Growing up in a very diverse environment, a Cuban in the middle of Canada where you can find people from all over the world, I struggled with fitting in, knowing who I was, and adjusting to new cultures present everywhere I turned. Slowly I adjusted but noticed it wasn’t as easy with other kids my age. Very early I found that I wanted to help those struggling and becoming a psychologist fit right in. Push forward many years later, I graduated from university and opened my private practice.

One thing that I have noticed after years of treating kids and adolescents is that they often feel misunderstood, alienated, and unloved by those that surround them. As my career continues to evolve, I now have a new mission that involves those kids’ parents. As a young kid, having your mother or father in your corner, showing you unconditional love, and understanding you, can be life-changing. Sometimes parents need a little guidance to be able to effectively communicate, understand, and reach their children. And I want to help! I want to teach them how to accomplish this for their, and their child’s, well-being and for them to have a close, healthy, and loving child-parent relationship.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Welcome to Miami! I would take my best friend in the world to the beach at sunset. The beach can be a great calming place and lots of fun too. The tourists’ favorite places would be next but I would also show them some local faves (the zoo, a museum, or shopping in Aventura mall). Then we would hop in the car to eat at my favorite restaurants (Il Mulino would be one not to be missed). We would spend time with my family and enjoy movies, games, and long talks catching up and enjoying our time.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Shoutout to my colleagues and mentors. I am inspired by their intelligence, support, achievements, and drive to succeed in their careers. I have shared many inspiring conversations with them which have guided me into creating a successful psychology practice and online presence. I have many to thank and I only hope that I can be as motivating, supportive, and helpful to someone else as they have been to me. I would enjoy being someone’s mentor one day and being the main supporter of someone’s dream.

Website: www.mindfulamity.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/psychologistandparentingcoach/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MindfulAmityPsych/