About Me
I’m Summer Sahyouni, a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and the heart behind Unfold Therapy.
My path into this work began long before my degrees. Growing up, I often wondered why mental health was rarely spoken about, even as I watched loved ones struggle in silence. That silence shaped me; it sparked a passion to break stigma, honor people’s inner worlds, and stand beside them as they unfold into their fullest selves.
That passion eventually led me to leave Lebanon and move to California, where I earned my Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology at Pepperdine University. Leaving behind my family, friends, and the life I knew was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever made, but it was driven by a single purpose: to deepen my understanding of the human mind and learn how to help others heal.
During my time there, I completed extensive clinical training, walking alongside individuals from diverse backgrounds and life experiences. Every person who entrusted me with their story left a lasting mark on me, teaching me about courage, resilience, and the incredible capacity we all have to heal.
My journey has since taken me across both the nonprofit and private sectors in the United States and the Middle East. Working with people from different cultures, backgrounds, and walks of life has reinforced one belief: while every story is unique, our need to feel seen, understood, and connected is universal.
My path into this work began long before my degrees. Growing up, I often wondered why mental health was rarely spoken about, even as I watched loved ones struggle in silence. That silence shaped me; it sparked a passion to break stigma, honor people’s inner worlds, and stand beside them as they unfold into their fullest selves.
That passion eventually led me to leave Lebanon and move to California, where I earned my Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology at Pepperdine University. Leaving behind my family, friends, and the life I knew was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever made, but it was driven by a single purpose: to deepen my understanding of the human mind and learn how to help others heal.
During my time there, I completed extensive clinical training, walking alongside individuals from diverse backgrounds and life experiences. Every person who entrusted me with their story left a lasting mark on me, teaching me about courage, resilience, and the incredible capacity we all have to heal.
My journey has since taken me across both the nonprofit and private sectors in the United States and the Middle East. Working with people from different cultures, backgrounds, and walks of life has reinforced one belief: while every story is unique, our need to feel seen, understood, and connected is universal.
You've found your way here today, and I'm so glad you did
Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, searching for clarity, or simply curious about what therapy could offer, you've already taken the first step toward unfolding.
My Therapeutical Approach
Personalized & Integrative Care
My therapeutic style is integrative and adaptive. Rather than following a single approach, I draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Psychodynamic Therapy, tailoring each session to your unique needs.
A Collaborative
Journey
I see therapy as a collection of tools, and together, we discover the ones that best support your journey. Every person brings a different story, set of experiences and strengths which is why there is no one-size-fits-all, only the unfolding of what feels most authentic and meaningful for you.
Healing with
Hope
I believe healing is possible for everyone, even when the journey feels uncertain. At Unfold Therapy, you'll find a compassionate space where your story is honored, your resilience is nurtured, and you are supported as you unfold into your fullest self, at your own pace.
Frequently Asked
Questions
What's included in the free consultation?
The free 20-minute consultation is a chance for us to connect before anything else. We’ll talk about what brings you to therapy, I’ll share how I work and what to expect, and you’re welcome to ask anything at all. It’s a relaxed, no-obligation conversation designed to help you feel at ease before booking your first session.
Are sessions online or in person?
All sessions at Unfold Therapy are conducted online via secure video call, this means you can access support from the comfort of your own space wherever you are in the world – no commute, no waiting room, just focus time for you.
Is online therapy as effective as in-person therapy?
Yes, and the research backs this up. Multiple studies have found that online therapy produces outcomes comparable to in-person sessions for a wide range of concerns including anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship difficulties. The therapeutic relationship, the trust, connection, and quality of conversation between you and your therapist, is what drives results, and that translates powerfully through a screen.
For many people, online therapy actually feels easier to open up in. Being in your own space can feel safer and more comfortable than a formal office setting. It also removes barriers like travel, scheduling, and the anxiety of walking into a clinic for the first time.
For many people, online therapy actually feels easier to open up in. Being in your own space can feel safer and more comfortable than a formal office setting. It also removes barriers like travel, scheduling, and the anxiety of walking into a clinic for the first time.
Is what I share in therapy kept confidential?
Yes, everything you share in our sessions is strictly confidential. What you say stays between us. The only exceptions are rare circumstances where there is a serious risk of harm to yourself or others, which I will always explain clearly at the start of our work together. Your privacy and trust are something I take seriously, and confidentiality is a cornerstone of the therapeutic relationship.
What's the difference between Therapy and Life Coaching?
Therapy focuses on understanding and healing, exploring past experiences, patterns, emotions, and mental health. Life coaching is more forward-facing, helping you set goals, make decisions, and build the life you want. At Unfold Therapy, both are grounded in psychological expertise, so you get the depth of clinical insight alongside practical, action-oriented support.