Jill Robin Payne, MA, LPC-S, LCDC, is a Licensed Professional Counselor – Supervisor and a Licensed Chemical Dependency counselor who is also Certified in Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAGALA).Jill was the first student from her college to intern at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland. She interned at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Houston for her master’s degree. While working at Bellaire Hospital in Houston she authored a guide for positive rehabilitative activities for the emotionally and physically challenged. During her over 40 years of work experience in the mental health field, she has given numerous lectures, taught college level Behavior Modification as an adjunct professor, is an author who continues managing a diverse practice. She is heard on all social media outlets plus local and national radio and television stations, numerous magazines and newspapers, commenting on the intersection of current events and social psychology. Jill is a member of the American Counseling Association, Houston Alumnae Chapter of ZTA, Texas State Society and a lifetime member of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Recreational Therapy from Longwood University and a Master’s Degree in Clinical/Counseling Psychology with honors from Houston Christian University.Jill’s practice is devoted to advancing the notion that seeking advice for mental health is as important as seeking advice for physical health. With a background in Pilates certification, reiki mastery, hypnotherapy, an undergraduate degree in recreation therapy, and a master's in psychology, she developed a concept that she copyrighted and trademarked as Bempathy® – a term she herself coined. Bempathy® represents a unique approach to communication and social skills, combining banter with empathy to build and maintain harmonious reciprocal relationships. All of Jill’s work and efforts stem directly from the heart. Her passion is to 'Spread the Goodness' using the synergy of mind, body, and Bempathy® a concept she developed.Jill is very versatile, from being a parade grand marshal and meeting a U.S. President in the Rose Garden, to being a published author and motivational speaker. Jill works to empower individuals in the choice and meaning of their relationships through lectures in seminars and symposiums at Texas Medical Center, Ultimate Women’s Expo, West Houston Medical Center, The Empowered Summit, National Conference of States Societies, Embassies and Diplomatic Corporations, United Cerebral Palsy Telethon, HARCH, Rotary, and at numerous health and civic clubs in Houston and Washington, D.C. She has contracted at pain clinics and partial hospitalization programs throughout her career as a psychotherapist to facilitate stress, pain and anger management programs, and to provide cognitive behavioral therapy.Her newly published books can be purchased on Amazon. She resides in Houston, Texas where she maintains a private practice and lives with her husband. Her son Taylor, is a Family Medicine doctor practicing in Houston.Read more about this authorRead less about this author