Summer Bowden

My journey into the world of therapy began long before graduate school. When my three younger sisters were born, I was a teenager and I instantly stepped into a nurturing, supportive role that would shape the rest of my life. Over the past 15 years, I’ve worked closely with individuals and families as a nanny, caregiver, and now as a therapist. I’ve supported people across all stages of life, from children and teens to older adults, and those experiences have deepened both my understanding and my compassion for the complexities of being human.

I earned my Master’s in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Pepperdine University, and my BA in Child and Adolescent Development from California State University San Marcos. During my clinical training, I worked in a residential treatment facility supporting individuals with severe mental illness and co-occurring substance use. Working with some of the most marginalized and misunderstood populations only drove my passion for this field further. I also have experience working with individuals on the autism spectrum and take a neurodiversity-affirming approach to care.

I specialize in supporting individuals navigating depression, anxiety, ADHD, life transitions, and relational challenges. I use a client-centered, collaborative approach that honors your unique story and goals. I strongly believe therapy works best when you find someone you truly connect with, and I take great pride in developing a strong therapeutic alliance with each of my clients.

My style is warm, grounded, and flexible. I draw from a range of evidence-based practices, including CBT, DBT, ACT, Narrative Therapy, Internal Family Systems, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. This allows me to create an individualized approach for every client. My goal is to help you feel empowered, supported, and more connected to your values and inner strengths. If you’re looking for a space to feel understood and supported while working toward meaningful change, I’d be honored to walk alongside you.