About Me

Most days you can find me walking with my dog Ronin, supporting trauma survivors as a therapist, and spending waaaay too much time on Instagram.

I’m mostly known for being a mental health educator and trauma therapist online, but I’m also a writer and a speaker. I love empowering survivors through education, resources, and inspiration to continue the journey towards recovery.

I’m passionate about trauma-informed care, prioritizing joy and pleasure, and nurturing relationships grounded in curiosity and compassion.

Hey, I'm Summer

Yearn for relief from painful emotions and experiences

I work with people who:

Want to grow into the part of themselves that is thriving, not surviving

Can’t figure out how to integrate healing into their day to day life

I’m so lucky to teach them how to be with big emotions, connect to their body safely, and be radically present in their life.

I became a trauma therapist because of my own lived experiences of trauma - when I hear from people “it’s like you’re in my brain!” that's because my brain HAS been your brain.

When I’m not with clients or writing, you can find me adding more books to my TBR than I will ever actually read, trying new recipes to share with my family and friends, or listening to my music way too loudly.

I speak fluent(ish) French and attended university in France for a year! (et je cherche toujours un ami avec qui je peux pratiquer!)

I cycle through hobbies quickly - sometimes it’s gardening, other times it's painting or roller skating or video games!

I have a twin sister (and she’s one of the most important people in my life).

My husband and I met when we were in high school (I was his math tutor!) but we didn’t start dating until the end of college.

I love pop punk music - My Chemical Romance, Fall Out Boy, and Avril Lavigne have my heart.

A little more about me

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Thank you!

CA Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist #123547

Masters in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University

The American Psychological Association

California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists

EMDR International Association

The International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation

Professional Qualifications

Professional Memberships

Ready to learn?

As a teacher-turned-therapist specializing in trauma recovery, I focus on teaching trauma survivors and the people who support them the practical skills they need to manage trauma and anxiety from home.

First Five Steps to Trauma Healing

FREE GUIDE

Simple steps to help you understand the impact of trauma and get unstuck as you start your journey. 

This 20 page guide features printable worksheets to help you make a plan of action and covers the basics of self-soothing, finding a therapist, building a support system, and understanding yourself.

ACCESS Now

I have learned so much from your workbook and your Instagram page, and I feel like it is really helping me on my healing journey and helping me be able to better share my experiences and struggles with my therapist. I was feeling pretty confused and lost prior to find your Instagram page, and now I feel much more empowered and also want to be kinder to myself because I know more about my body and my mind.       

"I feel much more empowered"

"Summer's knowledge, approach, and teaching skills are beyond impressive, accessible and approachable!"

"Thank you for the time and service you provided in such a healing and compassionate way. Your energy and compassion are palpable and radiated throughout your work."

There isnt enough room to go into detail how grateful I feel to have access at least in some capacity to her since I’m in MN. It’s really hard finding people who are qualified to help with my extreme case of traumas and without the pity/“poor you” delivery method many therapists’ approach tends to be. Therapy hasn’t gone well for me in the past and either cost and/time is just another obstacle. Summer’s knowledge, approach, and teaching skills are beyond impressive, accessible and approachable!

"Summer is amazing. "

"Getting really specific and accurate information instead of generalized stuff, which I have seen other mental health professionals do online."

Copyright 2022 Summer Forlenza

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