Books & Edited Volumes
Books and chapters on prevention, youth development, relationship-building, and applied work for academic and general audiences.
Awakening to Connection
A book for daughters, parents, teachers, and readers working through repair, listening, and relationships.
Carolyn Cass Lorente, Ph.D., LCPC writes and speaks from developmental science, therapy, teaching, motherhood, and community work.
About Carolyn
A psychologist, therapist, professor, and program evaluator.
Carolyn Cass Lorente, Ph.D., LCPC is a developmental psychologist, therapist, professor, and program evaluator. Her research and practice focus on identity, intimacy, positive youth development, prevention, and community-based care.
As a former director of the Braden Center for Women, Gender and Social Equity and as a private practitioner, Carolyn has worked in clinical, academic, and community settings.
Author
Developmental Psychologist
LCPC
Educator
Program Evaluator
Speaker
The Book
Awakening to Connection: A Letter to Our Daughters.
The book is written as a letter. Carolyn asks readers to listen without rushing to fix, notice where silence has replaced contact, and take a concrete step toward repair.
Carolyn writes for daughters, younger selves, parents, teachers, healers, and readers navigating family, work, grief, conflict, or change. The material comes from developmental science, therapy, parenting, nature, and reflective practice; the central question is how people meet one another Spirit to Spirit.
Cover art by Connie Elsberg.
Praise
What early readers are saying.
“These are truths Carolyn has wrestled with, lived through, and continues to navigate herself.”
“At times, it genuinely felt as though Carolyn was sitting across from me, sharing insights over a cup of tea.”
“Awakening to Connection poses self-reflection, reveals bi-directional influences, and details the ways we can heal from our environment.”
“In reading these chapters, I further understand the interconnection between motherhood and girlhood as a blend of discovery, exploration, and actualization.”
“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.”
“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.
Research & Publications
Research on identity development, intimacy, applied developmental science, program evaluation, and community-based intervention.
Podcasts & Interviews
Conversations about parenting, civility, wellness, leadership, listening, and staying connected in daily life.
Featured podcast
Awakening & The Gift of Parenting Our Daughters
Audio interview
Voices of Respect: Civility in the Workplace
Scholarship
Publications on Google Scholar
A Journey Mindfulness conversation on parenting, open-minded listening, Spirit to Spirit connection, and the roots of the book.
A conversation on respect, civility, and the relational practices that shape healthier communities and workplaces.
Download audioResearch 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 on a styled internal page with a PDF download.
Leadership bio Access Hope Vision & LeadershipCarolyn's public bio on mental health access, systems change, positive youth development, and community-based program work.
Speaking
Talks and workshops on listening, repair, youth development, and community care.
Carolyn speaks for conferences, leadership trainings, parent groups, wellness programs, young adult salons, community events, and academic settings. Her talks use developmental science, therapy, teaching, parenting, and program work.
- Open-minded, non-judgmental listening
- Spirit to Spirit connection
- Repair, trust, and communities of care
- Positive youth development, parenting, and young adulthood
Reader Letters
Send Carolyn a private reader letter.
Readers may write to a daughter, a younger self, or someone they are trying to understand. Submissions are private by default. Carolyn reviews letters herself, and nothing is shared publicly without permission.
Use this form for letters about the book. Carolyn may follow up directly.
Contact