Offering play & arts-based therapy, and EMDR for children
Whether your child has been showing signs of overwhelm or trouble managing distress, we are here for you. It may be a new sibling coming into the mix, difficulties with friendships, family dynamics changing, or you’re noticing increasing anxiety–no matter what, we understand that all kids go through challenges sometimes. Heartship Psychological Services is here to sit alongside you wherever you are in your process. We are honored to support your family.
Services Offered at The Family Room:
Play Therapy
Art Therapy
EMDR Therapy (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing)
We also offer services for adults, couples, and teens in-person at our
Pasadena office as well virtually for any clients located in the state of
California.
Meet Our On-Site Therapist
Alyson Fortner Widell, LCSW
Alyson Fortner is a Mexican American Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW #104592) born and raised in the Pasadena area. She specializes in addressing childhood trauma for all ages from an attachment theory lens. She strives to be culturally aware and always offer a trauma-informed, anti-racist approach. She received her Masters Degree in social work from Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College in New York and her bachelors degree in Theater from Barnard College, Columbia University.
Alyson recently completed specialized training in Perinatal Mental Health with Postpartum Support International after her own journey with infertility and a postpartum mood disorder. Her therapy work is grounded in evidence-based approaches, including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), and Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP). She is also trained in harm reduction, crisis intervention, and loves to integrate creative arts into therapy sessions. Alyson loves to do arts & crafts, sing with her 1 year old son, swim, and watch Jeopardy with her husband.
Meet Heartship’s Founder
Dr. Lauren Cook
Dr. Cook is a licensed Clinical Psychologist with her doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University and her Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Southern California. She attended the University of California, Los Angeles for her undergraduate degrees in Psychology and Communication Studies. Lauren has worked extensively with individuals, particularly women, as well as couples and teens.
Lauren is also very open about her own journey towards becoming a mom, including overcoming anxiety, particularly emetophobia (a phobia of vomit) and panic attacks. She loves offering therapy for parents and helping others navigate through their anxiety as well so that they can still live the meaningful lives they desire. Dr. Lauren has a book specifically on anxiety management titled Generation Anxiety: A Millennial and Gen Z Guide to Staying Afloat in an Uncertain World.
If you’re looking for a collaborative, encouraging, and empowering therapist for your child, let’s partner together. We truly believe that you deserve support at all times of your life, but especially through this season of parenthood. Using evidence-based interventions and client-centered care, we like to help our clients feel nurtured, welcomed, and invited to be who they truly are.
Meet with Alyson for a free 20-minute consult:Meet with Alyson for a free 20-minute consult:
Book a free consultation to start the conversation with us.
