Influential Woman · Mental health / Psychotherapy
Terese Forster, MA, LMFT
Founder & Clinical Director, Soma-Psych Therapy
Pasadena, CA 91107
Her Story
About Terese
Terese Forster is the Founder and Clinical Director of Soma Psych Therapy, a growing group private practice based in Pasadena, California, that she has led since 2013. With clinical roots dating back to 2007, Forster has built a career centered on trauma-informed, attachment-focused care, guiding clients through the process of understanding and releasing unconscious patterns rooted in early relational wounds. Her clinical toolkit blends EMDR and attachment-focused EMDR with somatic modalities such as NeuroAffective Touch, Relational Somatics, and The Three Fold Way, allowing her to address trauma on both a psychological and physiological level. Forster's academic path began at Arizona State University, where she earned a bachelor's degree in Human Development and Family Studies, before pursuing a master's degree in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Somatic Psychology at Santa Barbara Graduate Institute, now known as The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Beyond her direct client work, she extends her expertise through supervision and consultation, mentoring fellow therapists who are developing their own trauma-informed and attachment-based clinical practices. She holds professional memberships with CAMFT, EMDRIA, and The Parnell Institute, reflecting her continued engagement with the broader mental health community. Described by colleagues as thoughtful, direct, and deeply relational, Forster approaches her work with the conviction that lasting change emerges from the combination of clinical skill and genuine human connection. She anchors her practice in empathy, honesty, and authenticity, striving to create a space where clients feel safe enough to be fully seen without judgment. Despite the ongoing challenges of running an independent practice, from limited marketing reach to the financial realities of offering sliding-scale care, Forster remains guided by perseverance and a steady vision, principles she also passes along to the next generation of women entering the mental health profession.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Terese
01What do you attribute your success to?
I credit my success to perseverance and holding onto a clear vision, even when the path forward wasn't easy. There were many moments along the way that tested my resolve, but giving up was never something I considered. Staying committed to my goals and continuing to move forward, one step at a time, is what has carried me through.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The most valuable advice I've received is to be honest whenever I don't have an answer. Instead of pretending to have all the answers, I've learned the importance of acknowledging what I don't know, taking the time to find the right answer, and following up with my clients. This practice has strengthened the trust I share with them and has allowed me to stay true to myself throughout my career.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
For women stepping into the mental health field, I would encourage them to stay true to who they are and never lose their authenticity. Private practice can feel overwhelming at times, but persistence pays off. I'd also stress the importance of lifelong learning within this profession, and remind them that not every client will be the right fit for you, and that's perfectly okay.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges I face is marketing my expanding group practice and drawing in new clients, particularly since I've never built a strong social media presence. Running a private practice also comes with financial pressures, especially as I work to keep therapy accessible through sliding-scale fee options. I've made the decision not to accept insurance because of the heavy administrative demands and low reimbursement rates, a choice I believe ultimately strengthens my practice and improves the quality of care I'm able to offer.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Empathy, honesty, and authenticity sit at the core of everything I do, both professionally and personally. I'm deeply committed to creating a safe space where clients feel truly seen and heard. Rather than pushing for a particular outcome, I focus on meeting people exactly where they are in their journey.
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