Meet The Team
River Barry CMHC
Hi, I’m River Barry (she/her) — owner of Rising Sun Counseling and a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor. I’ve spent my career working with people from all walks of life, each with their own unique stories, challenges, and identities.
My path into the mental health field started in upstate New York, where I worked in residential treatment with teens and witnessed the difficulty that the residents had in articulating their internal experiences. I found that there is a great need for alternative forms of processing in therapy other than just verbal processing. That insight led me to earn my Master of Science degree with a focus on creative arts psychotherapy.
From there, I worked as an outpatient therapist with adolescents and adults. I enjoyed it deeply, but had a longing to seek other forms of treatment that utilized alternative forms of processing. That calling took me to Utah, where I spent two years as a wilderness field therapist, helping people use nature as a powerful space for processing and growth. Eventually, I returned to outpatient work and then planted the seed that became Rising Sun Counseling. Today, I support Utah residents with anxiety, depression, and trauma; specializing in creating safe space for mountain athlete needs and queer folx.
I’m passionate about getting to know each client’s story—untangling the threads, understanding the “why,” and using that insight to make real, lasting changes. I believe change happens when we remove barriers and try on new ways of being.
In our work together, I draw from tools like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Existentialism, Solution-Focused Therapy, Internal Family Systems, Attachment Theory, Somatic Experiencing, Brainspotting, and EMDR. Most sessions end with setting intentions to carry into your week.
I’m genuinely excited about the possibility of working together to explore, experiment, and build a life that feels more authentic, grounded, and free.
The goal of counseling is to work towards being the best version of you possible. Together we will gain insight into the origin of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors; explore new ways of being; and work towards integrating new ways of being into a life that serves you best.
Jenni Bair MEd, CMHC
Sitting quietly with someone and listening and understanding—that is valuable. Sitting quietly with someone and “really” feeling connected to them—that is richness. Sitting quietly and exploring a life with wisdom and peace—that is therapy.
My name is Jenni Bair (she/her). My path to becoming a therapist deepened while creating and implementing Utah State University's Facing Depression project. Listening to community members share their experiences with loneliness, suicidal thoughts, relationship struggles, eating disorders, and questions of purpose reinforced my belief that healing begins when people feel deeply heard. Those stories were later published and performed on-stage to help our community better understand mental health.
I believe in therapy: it leads others to self-appreciation and self-compassion, relationship well-being, healthy family relationships, substance abuse recovery, attachment to others, and anxiety, trauma, and depression support. We deserve to explore who we are and create our “own” world. We deserve to feel peace within ourselves and with others. We deserve the “transformative power of being truly heard without judgment … the ‘emergence of a self’” (Carl Rogers).
My work is grounded in a person-centered approach using EMDR, Acceptance and Commitment principles, skills from DBT, thought exploration, and somatic experiencing.
I love talking about new ideas and ways to find peace. How can I support you?
Claudia Payor CSW
Hi! My name is Claudia (they/them), and I’m a Certified Social Worker. As a queer, non-binary clinician, I’m passionate about creating an affirming, trauma-informed space for queer and trans folx to show up fully and authentically. I center social justice in my work, recognizing how systems of oppression impact mental health and access to care, and I strive to provide therapy that is not only healing, but liberating.
My clinical focus includes working with anxiety, depression, and trauma, particularly within LGBTQIA+ communities. I believe that you are the expert on your own life, and I’m here to support you in reconnecting with your inner wisdom, strength, and resilience. I hold a deep understanding that behaviors often stem from unmet needs, and I work collaboratively with you to explore and address those root causes with care and compassion.
With over six years of experience supporting individuals from diverse backgrounds, I’ve worked with people navigating substance use disorders, serious mental illness, trauma, and life transitions. I also bring a strong working knowledge of the social services system, and I’m committed to connecting clients with the resources they need to thrive.
My therapeutic approach is grounded in evidence-based practices like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), while also incorporating a holistic and person-centered lens. I believe that healing is possible for everyone—no matter where you're starting from—and I would be honored to walk alongside you in that process.
