Lauren Ahlquist, Psy.D.

Education

I earned a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) in Clinical Psychology from Fuller Graduate School of Psychology.  I completed my undergraduate studies at UCLA, where I received a B.A. in Psychology.  I am licensed as a clinical psychologist (PSY 33502) by the California Board of Psychology.

Clinical Experience

I am passionate about helping clients develop a richer understanding of themselves and changing old patterns in pursuit of a more meaningful and fulfilling life.   I specialize in working with people facing the unique demands of role transitions such as the entrance into parenthood, relational issues, and the intersection of physical and mental health.  My therapeutic approach is informed by psychodynamic, emotion-focused, and mindfulness-based traditions. I also have received specialized training in Restoration Therapy, an integrative couples’ therapy model built on attachment theory, mindfulness, and emotion regulation.  My style is active, direct, warm, and genuine, and I care deeply about keeping the relationship collaborative and safe.

My clinical experiences have involved the treatment of adolescents and adults with various psychological presentations, including anxiety, depression, relational issues, and trauma. I completed my APA-accredited internship at the West Los Angeles VA Medical Center, where I had the opportunity to be trained by experts in trauma and health psychology, as well as participate in clinical research on the implementation of an emotion-focused, psychodynamically informed treatment for chronic pain.  I have also worked in a number of hospitals and community mental health clinics across the Los Angeles area, including Child and Family Guidance Center, the Institute for Girls’ Development, and UCLA Health. 

Research

My research is focused on the effectiveness of emotion-focused individual and couples psychotherapy.  My work has been published by Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy and The Family Journal.  I have also engaged in research focusing on the neurological effects of early-life adversity and the implementation of effective mental health treatments and prevention efforts for people across the lifespan.  My research has spanned a number of psychology labs, including the Developmental Affective Neuroscience Lab, the Child F.I.R.S.T lab at UCLA, and Center for Mental Health in Schools.  I have presented my research at multiple conferences, including the Los Angeles County Psychological Association annual convention, American Academy of Clinical Neuropsychology national convention, as well as local organizations, such as Claris Health.

Phone: (424) 272-8425      Email: laurenahlquist@santamonicatherapy.org