Clinical Hypnotherapy
Clinical Hypnotherapy in Newport Beach, California
Clinical hypnotherapy in Newport Beach is provided by Arolyn Burns, LMFT, LPCC — a dually licensed psychotherapist and certified hypnotherapist practicing since 1997. She uses hypnotherapy for phobias, anxiety, habit change, chronic pain, and performance blocks, at her Corona del Mar office or by secure video anywhere in California.
Written and clinically reviewed by Arolyn Burns, LMFT, LPCC
Psychotherapist · EMDR Certified · Certified Hypnotherapist · Author of Anxiety Annihilated · Practicing since 1997
Hypnotherapy delivered by a licensed psychotherapist
There is a meaningful difference between a hypnotist and a licensed clinician who uses hypnosis. Arolyn is both a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and a licensed Professional Clinical Counselor as well as a certified hypnotherapist, so hypnotic work sits inside a full clinical assessment — including recognising when the presenting issue is trauma, an anxiety disorder, or a medical concern that needs a different route.
Clinical hypnosis is a state of focused, relaxed attention. You remain aware, in control, and able to stop at any point. Nothing is implanted and nothing happens against your will; the state simply makes the automatic, below-conscious layer of the mind more accessible to change.
What hypnotherapy is used for
- Specific phobias — flying, dental treatment, driving, needles, heights (five-session protocol)
- Anxiety, panic, and chronic worry
- Chronic pain and psychosomatic pain reduction
- Habit change — smoking, nail biting, hair pulling and other BFRBs
- Sleep difficulty and rumination
- Performance anxiety, stage fright, and athletic performance blocks
- Confidence, motivation, and self-sabotaging patterns
- Preparation for medical or dental procedures
What a session is like
The first appointment is conversation, not trance: what you want changed, what has already been tried, and what your nervous system does under stress. Hypnotic work then begins once there is a clear target.
In session you will be guided into a comfortable, focused state and given suggestions and imagery built around your specific goal. Most clients describe it as deeply relaxed but entirely aware — closer to being absorbed in a film than to being asleep. You will usually be given a recording or a self-hypnosis practice to reinforce the work between sessions.
Hypnotherapy is often combined with EMDR and somatic regulation here, especially when the presenting issue has a trauma component.
Who you would be working with
Arolyn Burns, LMFT, LPCC is a Newport Beach psychotherapist specializing in anxiety, phobias, trauma and chronic pain. She provides EMDR therapy and clinical hypnotherapy and has been practicing since 1997.
- CA LMFT #MFC40173, LPCC #LPC54
- M.A. Clinical Psychology, Azusa Pacific University
- 10× Best Newport Beach Therapist
- 2333 E Coast Highway #C, Corona Del Mar, CA 92625
Creator of The A.R.O.L.Y.N. Method™, the framework behind this work.
Frequently asked questions
Related pages
Ready to take the first step?
In-person appointments at 2333 E Coast Highway #C, Corona Del Mar, CA 92625, and secure video sessions anywhere in California. Mon–Wed 11am–8pm, Thu 11am–2pm (by appointment only).