Affirmative Online Trauma & Grief Therapy in California
Lisa Sonin Larsen, PsyD (CA Lic.# PSY19046)
3123 W. Ave. L 8, Lancaster, CA 93536
Phone: 661-233-6771
Does your overthinking mind cause unnecessary stress?
Ericksonian Hypnotherapy helps you access deeper wisdom within
If you've had something bad happen to you, you ruminate about it and feel on edge physically and emotionally. You want an escape from overthinking but the alternatives -- drinking booze, smoking, zoning out --aren't good for you. Believe it or not, hypnotherapy is a great tool for learning how to really let go.
Hypnosis isn't what you've seen on TV and in the movies taught you. Real hypnotherapy isn’t about losing control; it’s about gaining it. If you’ve ever been so absorbed in a moment that the rest of the world melted away, you already know what this focused, calm state feels like.
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The American Psychological Association (Division 30) describes hypnosis as “a state of consciousness involving focused attention and reduced peripheral awareness characterized by an enhanced capacity for response to suggestion.” In plain terms, it’s a deeply relaxed state where your mind lets go of external chatter and becomes open to meaningful change. Using tailored Ericksonian hypnotherapy, I help you quiet self-doubt and open the door to lasting, somatic healing.
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Take your session with you
Because repetition builds new pathways, I provide a recording of every session so you can revisit the work, anchor your growth, and continue healing long after you've left the office.
Learn more about hypnotherapy!
Can Ericksonian Hypnotherapy Help You?

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. Erickson hypnosis 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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Ericksonian 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. People often say how gentle and relaxing it is, while still being powerful and effective.
Frequently asked questions
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? Ericksonian 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 Ericksonian 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 other hypnotists who charge exorbitant rates—often requiring upfront payment for a package of sessions—I offer fair pricing, ensuring accessibility to those who need it. Often the people charging huge sums of money don't even have clinical degrees or experience! With me, you have an established, licensed mental health professional as well as a skilled hypnotherapist.
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After each session, you’ll receive a recording of the hypnosis session 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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I also offer guided meditations and other recorded on-demand products that can help you relax and enjoy greater success in all areas of your life. If interested, click here.
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If you’re ready to explore the benefits of hypnosis, please call or click the button below. I’d love to help you on your path to healing and self-discovery.

Online Ericksonian Hypnotherapy in Lancaster, CA
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.
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Please call to make an appointment or submit your phone number in the contact form. Thank you. I look forward to speaking with you soon!







