LGBTQ-friendly psychologist helping adolescents and adults heal from traumatic grief, using EMDR, clinical hypnosis, Solution-Focused Therapy and CBT.
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To reach the Board of Psychology in California, click here.
Lisa S. Larsen, PsyD
(CA Lic. #PSY 19046)
Serving Lancaster, Greater Los Angeles area, all of California Virtually!
The pain of loss and trauma can be overwhelming...
When you lose someone or something important to you, it can feel like it will go on forever. There is a whirlwind of emotions -- sadness, fear, anger, confusion, despair, etc. The world can feel like a scary place. Especially now with the coronavirus epidemic, you need to feel secure and safe. I provide video therapy on SecureVideo, a HIPAA-secure platform (which means you can stay home or somewhere convenient and private, away from germs and potential infection risk).
When something terrible happens to you, it is easy to isolate from others or feel alienated -- even from yourself sometimes. Traumatic loss does not always just mean death, although it often does. It could be a sudden, unexpected loss of your family if you were rejected. You could lose your sense of safety by being bullied at school or work. You could lose your career, marriage, health, or home. There are many ways to develop traumatic stress, complicated grief, depression and anxiety.
It might make you feel irritable or easily angered, mentally checked out , or distrustful towards others. Those around you might say that you've changed and you may feel distant in your current relationships. Because of this, you may withdraw from people or avoid them. It can be hard to enjoy yourself and look forward to a happy future. Your body may feel tense or numb. Memories of horrible things might give you nightmares or keep popping into your head. You might keep worrying that you'll suffer from the same condition as your deceased loved one. The effects of the trauma and complicated grief can last for years if you don't address them soon.
When it's too hard to cope with all of this alone, turn to someone who understands traumatic grief. You can be open and honest about how you feel, letting go of the depression, anxiety and low self-esteem from the horrible experience. You might find strength and courage you didn't know you had. You'll feel lighter and happier when you resolve those negative experiences.
With EMDR Therapy, clinical hypnosis, Solution-Focused Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, you can get unstuck from the shock and pain of the past. I can help you get through this difficult period and emerge stronger and more resilient than before. As an experienced EMDR therapist and hypnotist, I can help you restore a sense of safety and wholeness to your body and mind. Together we can move you past your past and gain emotional freedom, which will help you reconnect with others and yourself in the present. This can help you have more love, joy and peace in your life -- at last!
Welcome!
Thank you for visiting my website. I imagine that you're here because you have something inside you would like to release. If you are ready to work through that pain inside you in a safe, nurturing environment, I would like to be here for you.
As a licensed psychologist, I provide individual psychotherapy for teenagers and adults. I specialize in helping people recover from the painful feelings and behaviors from traumatic loss. You might experience symptoms of depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, dysfunctional relationships, and insecurity. Until you resolve the traumatic aspects of your loss, it is very hard to grieve the loss completely.
I use clinical hypnosis, EMDR therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, and Solution Focused Brief Therapy to help you get through traumatic grief. I have been an EMDRIA-certified EMDR therapist since 2008. I help clients overcome their pain and return to a life of joy, connection, and purpose.
My graduate training and life experience have shown me that diversity is a beautiful, vibrant aspect of our existence. I am proud to serve people from all ethnic backgrounds and cultures. As an LGBTQ-friendly therapist, I love helping people in the LGBTQ+ community deal with traumatic grief.
I look forward to hearing from you and having a conversation about how I can help to you.
Clients I Love to Help
Trauma Survivors & Mourners
Have you been deeply hurt by many life events, including the loss of a loved one? Sometimes it can feel as though you will never "get over" your loss or traumatic event. The world can be very cruel and invalidating when you're in this vulnerable state.
If your symptoms disrupt your life and make you miserable, it can be hard to go on living without feeling lost and hopeless.
PTSD can feel like you're stuck reliving the traumatic event. Complicated grief can leave you stuck with obsessive thoughts about your loved one. Without the right support and a validating environment, your pain seems to drag on indefinitely. I have worked with trauma and complicated grief for many years and enjoy helping them get "unstuck" so they can enjoy life again.
If you're struggling with getting free from your painful past, please call to see if I'm the right person to help you.
Teens & Tweens
Is your child or adolescent struggling with anxiety or depression due to trauma or loss? When upsetting things happen to children and adolescents, it can be even more difficult than for adults. Kids don't have the same coping skills and experience that adults do, obviously. What adults may call "rites of passage" or "just normal growing up" might be difficult for kids to navigate.
Especially with all that we've been through with the coronavirus pandemic, many kids struggle with isolation, depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, and self-harm. If you see this in your child or adolescent, it's important to get them help right away.
Your youngster may also be disturbed by bullying, complex divorces, school failure, physical illnesses, medical procedures, and physical, emotional or sexual abuse. You can make a positive difference for your child! If you know a teenager or child who needs help, please call!
LGBTQQIA+ Community
Do you struggle with rejection or negative feelings from the stigmas that society places on LGBTQQIA+ people? Is it hard for you to enjoy your life as a result? Has your own family has rejected you because of your gender identification or sexual orientation?
Discrimination adds a layer of stress to the everyday problems any minority group faces. Your gender identification or sexual orientation is not unhealthy in itself; however, the discrimination can lead to depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and other issues.
You might have had to endure violence or harassment due to your gender identity or sexual orientation. This can lead to traumatic stress, which could make you want to escape into self-destructive behaviors.
If you're wondering how to deal with these stressors, or just need an ally who affirms your whole self, please call to see if we should work together.
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