Inspiring Conversations with Lisa Palmer of Lisa Palmer Therapy

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lisa Palmer.

Hi Lisa, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Initially, I came to therapy as a client. My first therapist was warm, kind, understanding, and patient. She helped me work through grief, relationship struggles, and career challenges in my life as a middle school English teacher.

What I loved most about teaching was the relationships with my students, their families, and my colleagues. If I wanted a career where I could nurture my love of lifelong learning and establish deep relationships, it became clear that becoming a therapist was the right choice for me.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
School was mostly a joy for me, but the cost of school was not. Taking out more loans to invest in this new career was a difficult choice, but I did choose to invest in myself. While I love the work of being a therapist, being an entrepreneur and running a successful business has been a steep learning curve. The business end of becoming a therapist was not taught in school.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My primary focus is building a trusting relationship with my clients based on humor, warmth, and kindness. I like to jump right in and have them fill in the blanks as we go so we can get to work right away. Working with women and mothers is deeply meaningful to me, especially as so many are carrying increasing demands in their personal, family, and professional lives.

Some of my strengths as a therapist are my curiosity and authenticity. I want to understand the person I’m speaking to. I want to collaborate with my clients to help them better communicate their wants and needs. I root for my clients to make choices that honor what feels right in the moment and what sustains them in the long run. Kindness with my clients often means gently challenging them on some of their beliefs that may keep them feeling stuck.

I am most proud of my clients’ growth. And while the growing never stops, many clients are indeed ready to move on and when they feel equipped to do so after our time together, there is never a better feeling.

I imagine if I asked a client what sets me apart from others, it may be the levity that I can bring to sessions, my honesty, and my compassion. I am not stoic. I am not unflinching. I flinch, I laugh, I relate, and I share in the joy and pain with clients. I hope that what sets me apart is my commitment to them and the knowledge that if they cannot feel hopeful, I can hold that hope for them until they are ready. I am inspired by my clients and their willingness to try new things to feel better every day.

Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
A key lesson in therapy and in life is that we need other people. I did not become a therapist without my husband, who supported us financially through my schooling and long after. My friends and family rooted me on and celebrated my development and wins along the way. My supervisors, specifically Christopher Meyer, Amber Rosenstock, and Leanne Miller were instrumental in my growth. They reflected my choices as a clinician and warmly guided me as I grew into a more confident and competent therapist.


I have relied heavily on fellow therapists for guidance along this journey, whether it’s consulting about clients or commiserating about imposter syndrome. My therapist book club, now going into its eighth year, has been a consistent source of strength, sisterhood, and education.

But most of all, my clients teach me the most. I am consistently inspired by the brave work my clients are willing to do; they confront difficult conversations, harsh truths, and navigate challenging phases of life while I witness their grace under fire; it is an honor.

Pricing:

• Insurance accepted: Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross California, Carelon Behavior Health, Quest Behavioral Health
• Individual – $200
• Couples – $250

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/lisa-palmer-los-angeles-ca/714335