Serving California Residents with Online Therapy
Lisa Sonin Larsen, PsyD (CA Lic.# PSY19046)
3123 W. Ave. L 8, Lancaster, CA 93536
Phone: 661-233-6771
About Lisa Sonin Larsen, PsyD
Why are emotions the trickiest and richest part of being alive?
Emotions bring the thrill of love, the comfort of connection, and the joy of pursuing passions or spending time with people who truly understand you. Yet, they can also be overwhelming and intensely challenging:
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The fear and dread of anxiety
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The misery of feeling on edge and hypervigilant
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The surge of rage when you’ve been hurt or wronged
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The pangs of grief that feel like they could tear you apart
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The weight of depression that lingers over you... and more.
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If you’ve struggled to manage and balance these experiences, I understand. I’ve been there. I know what it’s like to have people pull away because your emotions seem "too much" or to be questioned for not reacting as strongly as others expect. Society’s discomfort with emotional expression seeps into all of us, making it difficult to approach our feelings with grace, acceptance, and compassion.
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But it doesn’t have to be that way.
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Emotions don’t have to be something you avoid or feel lost in. As a young adult, I discovered that my emotional sensitivity was a gift—one I could use to heal myself and help others. That realization led me to explore different career paths before ultimately becoming a psychologist.
My Journey
My own traumatic past in a dysfunctional family fueled my desire to help others recover from trauma. I saw how intergenerational trauma landed on my doorstep, compelling me to break the cycle of emotional abuse and chemical dependency. When I lost significant loved ones at 18 and 24, I learned firsthand about grief and its profound effect on the psyche. These experiences have shaped me both personally and professionally.
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I believe we all have the capacity to heal from life’s most stressful situations because we possess inner strengths and resources that often lie beneath the surface. When we are grieving or reeling from trauma, we can forget how resilient we truly are. During our lowest moments—especially when facing mistreatment for something beyond our control, like sexual orientation, race, or gender identity—we need a safe, nonjudgmental space to reconnect with our inner strength. That’s what I provide for my clients: empowerment, connection, and compassion.
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I'm Lisa S. Larsen, PsyD, and I help teens, adults, and couples navigate trauma and loss. My goal is to create a space where you feel safe, connected, and at peace. Through therapy, I provide tools to help you recognize your strengths, resolve past pain, and move forward with hope. I see you as a whole person, not just a diagnosis or a set of problems. Your emotional, intellectual, social, physical, and spiritual dimensions all matter, and I help you tap into those resources to foster healing.
Welcoming the Whole You
Unlike approaches that focus solely on changing thoughts, I address the mind, body, and emotions. Together, we create a treatment plan tailored to your needs, process unresolved memories, and work toward feeling neutral about past experiences.
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With training in EMDR, Ericksonian hypnotherapy, and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, I bring the expertise necessary to facilitate healing. My personal experience with trauma and loss allows me to truly understand what you’re going through. My focus on attachment and Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy helps improve relationships and emotional responses.
When I’m not in the office…
Beyond therapy, I have a deep personal and professional interest in grief and spirituality. I’ve trained fellow mental health professionals and developed a course on traumatic grief for the Zur Institute. My own journey is grounded in an active meditation practice and a deep appreciation for mindfulness, Eastern philosophy, and diverse spiritual traditions. This openness broadens my perspective on grief and personal transformation, helping me support clients with compassion and depth as they navigate their own unique paths.
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One of my favorite quotes is from the late poet, activist, and mindfulness teacher Thich Nhat Hanh: “No mud, no lotus.” To me, this means that without the mud—the raw, difficult parts of life—we cannot fully experience the beauty and growth represented by the lotus.
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Creativity is also central to my life. I love writing, making art and jewelry, and getting lost in a good book. I'm married and live with a physical disability, both of which continue to shape my perspective and deepen my empathy.
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If you're looking for a way to feel more grounded, whole, and connected, I’d be honored to help you on that journey.
Experience and training
Degrees
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Doctor of Psychology (PsyD), Clinical Psychology from John F. Kennedy University in 2003
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Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Literature and Legal Studies from UC Santa Cruz, 1991
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Licensure
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Psychologist in California since 2003 (#PSY 19046)
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Certifications/Special Training
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EMDRIA-certified EMDR therapist since 2008
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Extensive training in Clinical Hypnosis from the Milton H. Erickson Foundation and Michael Yapko’s 100-hour hypnosis class
For more about my degrees and experience, click here.
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If you would like to discuss how I can help you move past your painful experiences and enjoy life again without guilt or fear, please use the contact form or call me today!
Lisa S. Larsen, Psy.D.(she/her/hers)
3123 W Ave L 8, Lancaster, CA 93536
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No in-person sessions offered at this address. Please note that I am licensed in California, USA. I am not licensed to practice out of state or country.
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Appointments can be made by calling the office or submitting the contact form. Thank you, and I look forward to speaking with you soon!
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