A conversation on respect, civility, and the relational practices that shape healthier communities and workplaces.
Download audioAwakening to Connection
Connect. Grow. Transform.
This is a place to connect. It is a space to co-create new ways of being, rooted in ancient knowledge of nature's rhythms and the best science on what creates flourishing.
I bring developmental science, therapy, teaching, motherhood, and community work to questions of identity, belonging, repair, and relationships that shape us.
About Carolyn
Developmental psychologist, therapist, educator, speaker, and author.
Carolyn Cass Lorente, Ph.D. is a developmental psychologist, therapist, educator, speaker, and positive youth development expert who has published widely on identity, intimacy, youth prevention programming, and promoting positive development in teens and emerging adults.
She created the evidence-based Building Better Relationships Workshops for teens and was a collaborator on the Making Life Choices Program. She co-authored Successful Prevention and Youth Development Programs: Across Borders. At one of the largest community colleges in the U.S., she was the Director of the Center for Women, Gender and Social Equity and co-chair of the Women's Mentoring Project, an initiative that mentored hundreds of women students. She has worked in clinical, academic, and community settings to promote flourishing at all ages. She is the proud mother of two emerging adult daughters and a "second mom" to their friends.
Author
Developmental Psychologist
LCPC
Educator
Positive Youth Development
Speaker
The Book
Awakening to Connection: A Letter to Our Daughters.
In Awakening to Connection: A Letter to Our Daughters, I draw on years of work with young people, my clinical background, and my own life as a mother to help readers recognize the capacities they already carry for connection with themselves, with others, and with the world around them.
The book is about learning to notice and practice connection: harmony, balance, reciprocity, and attunement. Awakening to Connection illuminates the interplay between nature and the self, with evidence-based reflections and activities for uncovering your authentic best and growing the relationships that help a life feel whole.
Praise
What early readers are saying.
“Carolyn Lorente writes with so much tenderness, wisdom, and humanity that reading this book feels like sitting with someone who truly understands what it means to navigate identity, relationships, healing, and belonging in today's world. In a time where so many of us are overwhelmed, disconnected, or forgetting ourselves in the noise, this book reminds us, softly, but powerfully, to slow down and come back to what matters most. More than anything, this book feels like an act of love.”
“She doesn't just describe connection—she demonstrates it, weaving together research, personal anecdotes, and reflective exercises in a way that feels both grounded and deeply human. The flow is organic and engaging, striking a rare balance between intellectual rigor and heart-centered storytelling.”
“Through her insight and wisdom this becomes more than a book; it is the conversation you never knew you needed...a blend of discovery, exploration, and actualization.”
“In this perfectly crafted book, Dr. Lorente gently takes our hand, and guides each reader on the path towards building community. Whether a reader is a young adult just beginning to grow their connections, a parent seeking to reestablish connections that withered in the wake of a fast-paced career and family obligations, or an empty-nester who is curious about propagating new friendships as an older adult, a reader will find solace and encouragement here within the comfort of these pages. I LOVE THIS BOOOOOOOK.”
“Dr. Lorente weaves together her knowledge and wisdom from decades of scholarship, counseling, and parenting to reassure and inspire young people as they find their identity and place in the world. Brimming with practical exercises, scientific examples, and memorable stories, this superb book teaches us to care for all young people—as if they were our children—and to help them connect with hopeful futures.”
Writing & Media
Selected writing, research, podcasts, and interviews.
Books
Books & Edited Volumes
Books and chapters on positive youth development, prevention interventions, health promotion, and applied work for academic and general audiences.
ScholarshipResearch & Publications
Research on identity and intimacy development, applied developmental science, including program development and community-based participatory research.
MediaPodcasts & Interviews
Carolyn has spoken widely on the idea that we all have the ability to create and co-create the world that we want to live in. Whether with ourselves and our families, or in schools, workplaces, or communities, she brings in evidence-based science and years of experience as an educator, therapist, and parent.
Book
Successful Prevention and Youth Development Programs: Across Borders
Springer
Chapter
Actualizing Change with Roma Youth and Their Communities
Oxford Academic
Book
Awakening to Connection: A Letter to Our Daughters
Available from Balboa Press and Amazon.
Featured podcast
Awakening & The Gift of Parenting Our Daughters
Audio interview
Voices of Respect: Civility in the Workplace
Scholarship
Publications on Google Scholar
Carolyn has a conversation with James O'Neil, LCPC, on the Journey Mindfulness podcast about her upcoming book, Awakening to Connection, her work with teenagers and emerging adults, and her journey for co-creating flourishing communities.
Research and writing on identity, intimacy, positive youth development, prevention science, and community-based change.
CV Curriculum VitaeCarolyn's academic, clinical, teaching, publication, and leadership background, with a PDF download.
Leadership Leadership & Community WorkSelected leadership roles in student mentoring, gender equity, prevention, wellness, and community-based program work.
Speaking
Speaking on connection, flourishing, and community.
I speak about the ways people can create and co-create the conditions for thriving. Whether the work is happening in ourselves and our families, or in schools, workplaces, and communities, I bring evidence-based science together with years of experience as a therapist, educator, and parent.
I have spoken nationally and internationally at conferences, leadership trainings, workplaces, academic settings, and community events. Talks can be shaped for audiences across the lifespan, including parent and teacher groups, teens and emerging adults, young professionals, and modern elders in retirement communities.
Invite Me to SpeakReader Letters
Write me a private reader letter.
I welcome notes about the book and letters of your own: to your tween, teen, emerging adult child, a younger self, or someone you care about. You can also send the thoughts that surface as you read and reflect. Submissions are private by default.
I read the letters myself, and nothing is shared publicly without permission. I may follow up directly.
Contact