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Serving California Residents with HIPAA-secure Video Therapy
Lisa S. Larsen, PsyD (CA Lic.# PSY19046)
Mailing address: 3123 W. Ave. L 8, Lancaster, CA 93536
Phone: 661-233-6771
Hypnotherapy
What is Hypnotherapy?
You might have certain ideas about hypnosis based on TV or movies, but in reality, it’s quite different from the dramatic portrayals you’ve seen. If you’ve ever prayed, meditated, or been so absorbed in something that you lost track of time, you’ve already experienced states similar to hypnosis—deeply focused, calming, and even healing.
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The American Psychological Association’s Division 30 (Psychological Hypnosis) defines hypnosis as "a state of consciousness involving focused attention and reduced peripheral awareness characterized by an enhanced capacity for response to suggestion." In simple terms, it’s a deeply absorbed state where distractions fade, and you become more receptive to helpful suggestions. In this state, you can let go of external noise and even self-limiting beliefs, opening the door to healing and growth.
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I record each session so you can listen again and reinforce the benefits of hypnosis over time.
Learn more about hypnotherapy!
Can Hypnotherapy Help You?
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Hypnosis is a versatile tool, particularly effective for resolving trauma, grief, anxiety, and stress. Many behaviors that drive people to seek hypnotherapy—overeating, poor sleep, or substance use (including smoking)—are often attempts to cope with past trauma or loss. While these coping mechanisms aren’t healthy, they do serve a purpose. Hypnotherapy offers a natural, rewarding way to manage stress without turning to unhealthy habits. Imagine feeling calm and at peace, using your own inner resources to navigate life’s challenges.​​​
Why Ericksonian Hypnosis?
Ericksonian hypnosis, developed by Dr. Milton H. Erickson, is a flexible, client-centered approach. Unlike directive hypnosis, which relies on commands, Ericksonian hypnosis is more adaptable and personalized.
With this approach, I don’t try to control your thoughts or implant ideas into your unconscious mind. Instead, I guide you into a focused, creative state where you can access your inner strength and naturally gain control over your choices.
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Clinical hypnosis can help you manage behaviors and emotions that feel beyond your conscious control. It’s like having a conversation with your unconscious mind, allowing you to reach your mental and physical health goals—whether it’s overcoming anxiety, processing grief, improving sleep, losing weight, or quitting smoking. It’s a natural, effective way to rewire your mind for better well-being.
Ways that Hypnotherapy can help
Are you struggling with a habit you can’t seem to break? Do stress and anxiety interfere with your sleep, relationships, or work? Hypnotherapy can help with these challenges and more.
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Hypnotherapy for Smoking Cessation
Quitting smoking is tough. You may rely on nicotine for stress relief or as a comfort mechanism. Smoking often goes hand in hand with other habits, like overeating, making it even harder to quit. But if you’re truly ready, you can break free from this harmful cycle.
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Smoking leads to serious health risks, including emphysema, COPD, lung and mouth cancer, and decreased stamina. Even knowing the dangers, quitting is difficult, and relapses are common.
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Hypnotherapy doesn’t magically erase cravings, but it does bypass mental roadblocks that sabotage your efforts. By reinforcing self-care and self-compassion, hypnosis can make the urge to smoke fade, often making cigarettes seem unappealing.
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Ericksonian Sleep Hypnosis
If you struggle with sleep due to PTSD, grief, or anxiety, hypnosis can help. Whether you have nightmares or use excessive sleep as an escape, hypnosis can reframe distressing thoughts and create a sense of safety for restorative sleep.
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While generic sleep hypnosis recordings can be helpful, a personalized session tailored to you is far more effective. Sleep hypnosis restores the sense of security needed for deep, satisfying rest.
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Hypnotherapy for Other Conditions
Hypnosis is a gentle yet powerful tool for pain management, grief, depression, trauma, anxiety, and self-esteem issues. It helps you move beyond habitual thought patterns and access the creative, intuitive part of your mind capable of incredible change.
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By tapping into this inner wisdom, you can shift your perspective, break free from limiting beliefs, and move toward healing.
Why Work with Me?
I’ve trained with some of the leading hypnotherapists in the field, accumulating over 200 hours of specialized training with experts like Dr. Jeff Zeig at the Milton H. Erickson Foundation and Dr. Michael Yapko. I continue to refine my skills through ongoing education and consultation.
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Many of my clients appreciate how effortlessly they can access their inner strengths through hypnosis. They find relief from stress, fear, and agitation, allowing them to explore difficult topics in a safe, empowering way. Often, hypnosis provides a rare moment of deep self-reflection, where they can finally process emotions they’ve been avoiding.
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As a licensed psychologist, I integrate hypnotherapy into a broader framework of mental health treatment. Unlike others who charge exorbitant rates—often requiring upfront payment for a package of sessions—I offer fair pricing, ensuring accessibility to those who need it.
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After each session, you’ll receive a recording to reinforce the benefits between visits, solidifying your progress.
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The Value of Working with a Licensed Professional
When choosing a hypnotherapist, it’s essential to work with someone who has clinical expertise. Many practitioners hold hypnosis certifications, but they lack the depth of understanding needed to address mental health complexities effectively.
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As a seasoned psychotherapist, I ensure that hypnosis is not just a relaxation tool but a meaningful part of your healing journey. When combined with my experience in mental health and substance abuse treatment, hypnotherapy becomes a powerful method for lasting transformation.
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If you’re ready to explore the benefits of hypnosis, click the button below. I’d love to help you on your path to healing and self-discovery.
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