Los Angeles Psychologist Advice: Best Summer Mental Health Practices
The summer season can be a time of brightness, energy, and renewed social activity. Longer days and warmer temperatures often invite people to make changes, explore new opportunities, or simply enjoy life a bit more fully. But for many, summer doesn’t necessarily translate to emotional ease. Even in the sunshine, mental health challenges can surface. Seasonal transitions, intensified social expectations, and unresolved internal conflicts may all be heightened during this time. Dr. Yvonne Thomas, experienced Los Angeles psychologist that also serves the rest of California, recognizes that summer brings both possibilities and stressors that deserve thoughtful, compassionate support. Thats why, this is best summer mental health practices
Maintain Some Semblance of Structure.
Mental health doesn’t pause for the season. It evolves. The shift in schedules, changes in social dynamics, and even the pressure to “feel good” during summer can disrupt emotional equilibrium.
One important aspect of maintaining emotional well-being during the summer is understanding the power of structure. During the rest of the year, responsibilities such as work, school, and family obligations create a routine. Summer, however, can introduce more open-ended days.
While this can be freeing, it can also lead to instability for those who rely on predictability to feel secure. A consistent schedule—waking and sleeping at similar times, setting regular meals, and creating time for exercise or self-care—can help stabilize emotional rhythms. As outlined in her individual counseling services, Dr. Thomas emphasizes the role of structure in enhancing a sense of control, especially during transitional periods.
Roll With Summer’s Transitions.
Life transitions often feel magnified in the summer. Graduations, relocations, and career changes may be more common during this time. Transition periods can provoke anxiety and uncertainty, even when the changes are positive.
Dr. Thomas works with clients navigating these shifts by helping them identify what they’re gaining, what they’re leaving behind, and how to reshape their self-concept in alignment with new roles or environments.
Relationships can also undergo significant shifts in the summer. With more free time, couples might spend more hours together, travel, or face family obligations. While these shared experiences can strengthen connection, they may also expose tensions that were less noticeable during busier seasons. Communication breakdowns, differences in expectations, and unresolved issues often surface during vacations or long weekends.
Dr. Thomas can help couples explore the root causes of conflict, rebuild trust, and improve their emotional intimacy. Her approach encourages each partner to understand the other’s perspective while also learning to express their own needs more constructively.
A Time to Grow, But Be Sure to Prioritize Yourself
On an individual level, summer may ignite a desire for personal transformation. The season’s themes of growth and renewal often motivate people to address long standing issues or pursue goals that previously felt out of reach. Therapy becomes a vehicle for that growth. Whether a person is struggling with low self-esteem, unresolved trauma, or difficulty making decisions, individualized counseling allows for meaningful progress.
Emotional health in the summer also benefits from a balanced relationship with one’s environment. Los Angeles offers an expansive blend of outdoor spaces, cultural activities, and diverse communities. Tapping into these resources with intention can promote mental wellness.
However, comparison and social pressure—especially heightened by social media—can have the opposite effect. A psychologist can help clients distinguish between what genuinely brings joy and what is done out of obligation or image. This discernment protects emotional energy and prevents burnout.
Dr. Thomas supports clients by helping them identify patterns that no longer serve them and develop new ways of thinking, feeling, and behaving. With a compassionate, intuitive presence, she helps people reclaim their agency and move forward.
Summer Self Care
Self-care takes on a distinct shape in the summer months. It may include physical activities like swimming, hiking, or simply taking time to rest. It might involve creative expression or engaging in new hobbies. But most importantly, effective self-care aligns with a person’s internal needs rather than external expectations.
Dr. Thomas works with clients to uncover what nurtures their individual well-being and how to integrate those practices consistently, even in busy or unpredictable circumstances.
Another key component of summer mental health is emotional regulation. The increased activity of the season can sometimes overwhelm the nervous system. People who are sensitive to stimulation may find crowded events or frequent social interactions emotionally draining.
By cultivating mindfulness and emotional awareness, individuals are better equipped to respond rather than react to the challenges that arise.
For many, summer also brings up deeper questions of identity and purpose. The slower pace, breaks from routine, and added leisure time often create space for reflection. These moments can lead to powerful insights, but they may also expose inner dissatisfaction or confusion. Working with a psychologist during this time can turn those insights into action. Dr. Thomas provides a setting where individuals can explore who they are, what they want, and how to shape a life that reflects those values.
Free Consultation With a Los Angeles Psychologist Today
Maintaining mental health during the summer is not about adhering to a set formula. It’s about paying attention—recognizing what the mind and body need, listening to emotional signals, and taking steps to care for one’s psychological well-being.
Summer is not only a season; it’s an opportunity. It’s a time to heal, to reconnect, and to grow. Whether dealing with grief, navigating a major life change, strengthening a relationship, or seeking personal growth, mental health counseling can offer a steady, supportive foundation.
Through her experienced and compassionate practice, Dr. Thomas helps people make the most of this season—not by denying its challenges, but by facing them with clarity, courage, and care. To see more about how she can help you, schedule a free consultation today.