Meet Summer Forlenza | Licensed Psychotherapist and Content Creator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Summer Forlenza and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Summer, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
Building a world that is more compassionate, patient, and caring starts by giving people the knowledge and tools to understand themselves and others without judgement. I’m proud to work as a mental health educator and content creator connecting with people around the world who are driven to better understanding themselves and their loved ones.A large part of my work is dedicated to creating free resources that help my audience to understand their needs and meet them with kindness. I believe deeply that knowledge is power and that access to reliable information about the brain and body is key to helping people recover from trauma and build a life they’re proud to live.

In my work as a psychotherapist, I treat folks struggling with eating disorders and PTSD to help them reclaim their lives and grow from their experiences. I prioritize creating a space where people feel understood, seen, and supported as we explore their past and work towards building a future where they want to live.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am most proud and excited about my expansion into providing online mental health education. As a former teacher turned therapist, it has been a joy to go back to my educator roots and support people who want to understand their mental health at a deeper level.

It’s been especially beautiful to hold somatic learning sessions, where I get the chance to teach people from around the world about the mind-body connection and how they can connect with their body to improve their overall well-being.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
When friends and family visit from out of state, I always take them to get delicious and authentic Mexican food. Whether it’s a taqueria or a hole-in-the-wall spot for heuvos rancheros, I love introducing people to the beautiful tradition of food in this region.

I’ll also bring folks to The Getty for gorgeous views and some of the best collections of art that we have to offer.

Lastly, I love to take guests to the Claremont Colleges. Not only are they my alma mater, they’re also a great place for long walks and exploration of murals, gardens, art and music.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to shoutout the vibrant community of therapists in Southern California who have mentored, supported, and pushed me to become the therapist I am today. The last few years especially have demanded a lot of our field, and mental health professionals are not always recognized as the essential workers we are. Throughout the pandemic and the massive social change we’ve seen in this country, therapists have been on the front lines.

Website: www.summerforlenza.com

Instagram: @summer.the.therapist