Dr. Michael Palmer

Thank you for taking the time to learn more about me. My professional path reflects a long-standing commitment to understanding people within the context of creativity, service, and meaningful human connection.

I began my career as an undergraduate art major, volunteering with children facing physical, intellectual, and emotional challenges, including work in an inpatient children’s facility and with a nationally recognized theatrical troupe for children with disabilities. These early experiences sparked my interest in psychology and shaped my appreciation for resilience and self-expression.

After graduation, I spent approximately ten years in the corporate world as an advertising and creative director before transitioning fully into psychology. I earned my Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology and entered private practice in 1996, working with adolescents and adults experiencing a wide range of concerns, including mood and anxiety disorders, personality disorders, and relational difficulties. I later completed my Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology in 2006.

In addition to private practice, I have served as an adjunct professor at Drexel University and held leadership and advisory roles with organizations addressing domestic violence, child welfare, and caregiver support, including Hope Loves Company, a national nonprofit serving children and families affected by ALS. My professional work has also included participation on state panels, expert consultation, and testimony in legal proceedings.

I regularly present trainings and workshops for educators, clinicians, court personnel, law enforcement, and judges on topics such as depression, anxiety, anger, adolescent development, and domestic abuse. My approach to therapy is grounded, compassionate, and informed by decades of experience across clinical, educational, and community settings. I strive to create a supportive space where clients feel understood and empowered to make lasting change.

My approach to therapy is collaborative, compassionate, and tailored to your unique needs. I believe that you are the expert on your own life, and my role is to help you better understand your experiences, identify patterns that may be causing distress, and develop tools to navigate challenges more effectively.

I draw from evidence-based models, such as cognitive-behavioral, mindfulness-based, and emotion focused approaches, depending on what best fits your goals and comfort level. Together we will explore your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors in a way that feels safe and supportive.

As a new client, you may be wondering what to expect from therapy and our first session together. My goal is to create a safe, supportive, and confidential space where you can openly share your feelings, thoughts, and concerns. During our initial meeting, I'll ask a few questions to better understand what you've been experiencing and together we'll begin setting meaningful goals for your therapy.

As we continue to work together, I'll offer feedback, techniques, and strategies to help you mange and overcome the challenges you're facing. Therapy is a collaborative process and building a trusting relationship is an important part of its success. If you ever have questions or need clarification, please feel free to ask, I'm here to help. I do my best to respond to messages promptly and almost always reply the same day.