Alyson Fortner Widell

Specialities: EMDR therapy, Play Therapy, Trauma, Teens Mental Health

Alyson Fortner is a 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 offers a trauma-informed, anti-racist approach. Alyson creates a welcoming and warm space for each client's unique journey. She loves to work with young children due to their curiosity, creativity, and playfulness.

She began working in social services ten years ago in New York City with chronically ill elders while volunteering for a suicide hotline before attending Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter University. After receiving her Master’s degree in Social Work, she worked in an alternative-to-incarceration program providing in-home therapy to justice-involved teens. Alyson then relocated to southern California to be near family and became licensed while working with foster youth and unhoused individuals. Alyson brings a deep understanding of the impact that trauma, systemic barriers, and family dynamics can have on mental wellness. 

Her 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 recently completed specialized training in Perinatal Mental Health with Postpartum Support International after becoming a mom and gaining interest in supporting fellow parents and parents-to-be.

Alyson loves to do arts & crafts, sing with her 1-year-old son, swim, and watch Jeopardy with her husband.