Zae Palmer, M.A., LMFT

Overview

Zae Palmer (he/they) is an Alder University Alumni, Class of 2019. They view healing through the lens of bodywork as it relates to cultural experiences within both our social and ecological contexts. As an LMFT, they are a systems thinker to the core, but also has dove into working with Depth Psychology interventions which has been fruitful in doing archetypal parts work with client’s internal relational systems and meaning-making processes.

They have recently developed their own private practice, Wild Heart Therapies, which offers individual and relational therapy, sandtray play therapy, meditations, and grief ceremonies. Their work is oriented towards re-storying and re-wilding their clients towards health in relating to the sorrows and the joys of what it means to live in an ever-changing culture and climate.

As an Adjunct Faculty at Adler University teaching Adlerian Psychotherapy, Zae enjoys working with students in harnessing the unique strategies they bring to the therapeutic process and encourage students in their developing craft as psychotherapists.

Zae believes that learning solidifies when the abstract meets the concrete and as a teacher emphasizes experiential learning to aid students’ ability to metabolize class content. They use multimedia approaches in teaching, including artwork, music, storytelling, and metaphoric play. Attuning to the students’ classroom dynamic is also important, as they are dedicated to tapping into the group wisdom of the class.

Some current clinical special interests include:

• Earth-based psychology and ecotherapy interventions
• Psychedelic Assisted therapy for the treatment of PTSD
• Psychodrama

Zae enjoys seasonally foraging around Chicago’s Lakeshore front, hiking and camping out in the remote regions of Wisconsin, as well as making music for emotional and artistic expression.