Dr. Laura LaRain, C.Ht

Certified Hypnotherapist

Dr. Laura LaRain is the Founder and Director of Atlanta National Hypnotherapy Institute and Atlanta West Hypnotherapy Clinic. She has been a student and practitioner of Hypnotherapy for over 30 years.

Laura began suffering the symptoms of SLE (Systemic lupus) at the age of 14. The symptoms of SLE are so diverse and varied that doctors were unable to diagnose the illness. She suffered for years fighting infections, loss of vision, lack of energy, lowered lung capacity, multiple hospital stays, and the debilitating side-effects of a multitude of prescription drugs. Determined to live a full and healthy life to raise her 2 young children, Laura abandoned most of the prescription drugs and started a rigorous program of juicing. At the same time, she came upon a book on self-hypnosis and began to give herself suggestions of health and healing.

It wasn't until Laura was in her late 20's that doctors were able to properly diagnose her illness. She was told that the disease was in the later stages and, at the most, she had 3 years to live. Unwilling to accept the dire prognosis and treatment of the symptoms offered by traditional doctors, Laura began to study Hypnotherapy in earnest.

She studied under Dr.'s Kappas, Hodges and Sommerman in Georgia. After receiving her certification as a Clinical Hypnotherapist, Laura founded Atlanta West Hypnotherapy Clinic in Marietta, GA in 1978.

Her struggle to combat the symptoms of SLE is ongoing. Eight years ago, the disease caused her to become partially paralyzed and in a semi-unconscious state for 3 weeks. A student of Dr. Larain's, Laura Pagano, made a Hypnosis recording and played it repeatedly for her in the hospital. The recording talked about beautiful, blue healing cells floating through her body, healing damaged cells and restoring her body to health: the only memory she has of those 21 days.

40 years after being told that she has 3 years to live, Laura saw her children grow into adults, and has helped thousands of people with many issues. She credits Hypnosis for her life.

Laura's work and practice have led her to being nationally recognized as a leading authority in the field as well. Today, Laura continues to use Hypnosis to enhance her life and the lives of others, and never fails to be amazed at the positive benefits that Hypnotherapy can bring. She is an active Hypnotherapist helping people daily, and tirelessly promoting understanding and education in the field.

Hypnotherapy For Anxiety

I always thought of myself as a confident person but at the same time I'd crumble when I needed me the most. I would drive myself mad thinking. I finally ended up in many different kinds of therapies, from C.B.T to Hypnotherapy. I was diagnosed with Social Anxiety. For the last 2 years I've been hiding this, smiling on the outside and not on the inside.  I decided to try Hypnotherapy again, "one last try as I know ALL THIS is in my head". I noticed a huge difference from the first week; I was actually looking for my anxiety as it was the only way I knew how to think. It did make attempts to come back but the more I went back to see Dr. Laura LaRain the more fun my life became, I started dating again and I'm actually looking for people to go out and have fun with, instead of making excuses or thing of what to say. My life is back on track and fun again. I couldn't say enough about  Dr. LaRain and her team. There's a friendly environment from the minute you meet Rosa at the front desk until you leave with a smile on your face.

Thanks for everything,

P. Dunne

Used Hypnosis to control: Weight

I sought Hypnotherapy for a weight problem: that nasty little 20lbs. I had, and continue to have great success at shedding those pounds. I have experienced the additional benefits of increased energy, and overall physical and mental improvement.

Thank you for the loving care.

P.Mitchell
Canton, GA

Used Hypnosis to control:  Insomnia, pre-diabetes (weight control and exercise) and Anxiety

"I knew nothing about hypnotherapy so before scheduling an appointment with AWHC I did some research on-line to get opinions of hypnotherapy from highly respected professionals in the health field. All the ones I checked were in favor of hypnotherapy. With that assurance I scheduled an appointment. My reasons for going to a hypnotherapist, insomnia, pre-diabetes (weight control and exercise) and anxiety, all could have been treated with medication and often are. That was something I did not want to do without at least giving hypnotherapy a try. My sessions were with Laura LaRain. I cannot say enough about her professionalism, insight and demeanor. Results were immediate with the insomnia and diet while the anxiety took a little longer. But now I'm free and very happy with the results of my time with Laura. I feel happier and healthier than I have felt in many years and am so grateful not to be on any medications. Thank you!"

Prudy O'Rear

Used Hypnotherapy to: Stop Smoking

"I tried gum, patches, cold turkey and nothing worked. This is what I needed, because is different it worked deep in my mind.I feel that I never want to smoke ever again or why I ever wanted to in the first place. Also the fear of gaining weight is gone. I know walk in my neighborhood to lose weight. I am happier and sleep better. My way of thinking gets better and better so I can make better decisions. My nerves are coming together. I smile and laugh a lot more than before. Life is good after all. Thanks to Laura and her gift."

Lina Moore

Atlanta, GA

"Hypnosis has helped me greatly in quitting smoking after 40 years of smoking. It has been three weeks and I have gained only two pounds. I could have never quit smoking by myself"

P. Moss

Used Hypnosis to control: Her son's social difficulties

"I brought my son to AWHC 5 months ago with several social difficulties. First he was so noisy. He made nonsense sounds in order to keep himself regulated and it was disruptive in his classroom. This has improved dramatically. I hardly have to re-direct him at home any more. Secondly was his fanatical need to always win. Wow! This is so improved. He still does not like to lose but does not have a melt down when he does.

Thank you AWHC and Dr. Thomas for making everyday living so much easier for my son"

Used Hypnosis to improve: her child's study habits

"AWHC has been instrumental in helping my son learn to cope with the stress at school and in his everyday life. I am totally satisfied and pleased with the results of his sessions."

J. Deason

Used Hypnosis to improve: Sports Performance

"Hypnotherapy helped me concentrate and relax in baseball but also in life. In school my grades have improved. In baseball my batting has improved. Life is less stressful, more relaxing and comfortable. I don't get mad as much as I used to. Now I simply talk to the person or just ignore them. Life is much better!"

P. Mitchell

By Alice & Joaquin

One day in March 2000, all our lives changed. Daniel had what was called a psychotic episode. He became extremely paranoid, depressed, thought he was turning into a werewolf, and afraid that there were people out there trying to kill him and his family. No one can tell us why this happened. After thorough medical evaluation no physiological reason could be found to explain Daniel’s dramatic turn. Daniel was then evaluated by a psychiatrist who prescribed antidepressant and anti-psychotic medication.

It was a challenge to find professionals, who had any experience in dealing with mentally challenged people. We saw several therapists with many different ideas. We even tried “tough love”, as suggested by a licensed psychologist, but not to the extent he wanted us to. Looking back, we feel it did more harm than good in trying to resolve Daniel’s problems. One therapist even told us Daniel’s condition was just teenage rebellion, his psychiatrist did not agree. Over the next seven months Daniel’ condition deteriorated even more. There were days when he would not eat and drank very little. We could not even give him his Glaucoma eye drops. Finally, Daniel was admitted to Ridgeview Psychiatric Institute for eleven days. While he was there, we went to visit him. Some days he would not even come out to see us. When we did see him, the almost constant look of panic and fear on his face was heartbreaking.

When he was released from Ridgeview, all he did was stay in his bed; we could not even get him to go to church, where he had been a Eucharistic Minister. He was scared to go anywhere and did not know why. We were almost sure he was hearing voices and hallucinating, but he was unable to verbalize this to us. Daniel continued attending therapy (sometimes reluctantly) weekly and he was still on medications. It was a daily challenge just to get him out of bed. Very gradually, we started going to karate and bowling but he would not get out of the car, so we sat in the parking lot. He continued to be scared but did not know why and still had a look of fear and panic on his face.

In the summer of 2001, I stopped by Atlanta West Hypnotherapy Clinic just out of curiosity and desperation. I met Barbara Sands who explained how hypnosis works. I was very impressed with her quiet, soft-spoken manner and could see she really cared. Although she had never worked with mentally challenged people she was willing and said she would get back with me after speaking with her boss. I came away with some hope for the first time in quite awhile. Daniel started seeing her in July and it took three months before he would close his eyes even for a short time. He started to look forward to seeing Barbara weekly and it was his decision to stop seeing his therapist at the Psychiatrist office around November 2001. Daniel was still under the care of his psychiatrist for medications. We saw Daniel start to smile more, talk with his friends and be more willing to go places because of the hypnotherapy sessions.

Now it is 2003 and almost two years since Daniel started seeing Barbara. He now willingly gets dressed to go to karate, bowling, church, and his social club. He once again, is stating to take pride in his appearance and some days, even combs his hair. He smiles more, is getting his sense of humor back, and enjoying life again. These may seem like little things, but believe me it means so much. He has regained his interest in football, baseball, and basketball. He keeps up, by reading sports magazines, and once again, the sports section of the daily newspaper, is his alone. He has taken a job readiness program at Tommy Nobis Center and they are trying to find him employment. For the first time in a long time, he initiates conversations while out in public and even sees things that need to be done. For example, while grocery shopping, he puts the carts back, bags our groceries and straightens cans on the shelves.

Daniel is still on medication; his psychiatrist is gradually decreasing them and wants to get him on as few as possible. There are still times, when he is scared, but they are not as often. Best of all he smiles more and his wonderful special outgoing personality is shining through. Other adults, who have known him for over twenty years, have noticed the difference. Daniel is once again putting a smile on many people’s faces. He still goes to see Barbara and looks forward to it. For Daniel this is a time when she helps him to relax mentally and allows his mind to rest. There is no doubt in our mind that the alternative treatment of hypnotherapy has been the turning point in Daniel’s recovery. Sometimes thinking outside the box of regular medical treatment pays off.

Hypnotherapy for Self Improvment

"When I find something good and exciting in my life, I love to tell others about it."
I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to benefit from hypnotherapy. Perhaps no one can appreciate this better than I, for I am a person with a past history of traumatic experiences with which I could not cope.

When I came to Atlanta West, I must admit that I came, not only because of a need, but I came because of curiosity.

I studied in college about psychiatry and the different methods of therapy, and I spent thousands of dollars with psychiatrists and psychologists. I was given all kinds of prescriptions drugs for “nerves” neurosis, and psychosis. (I feel lucky that I didn’t become addicted.)

At one point in my life, I was diagnosed as having “hysterical neurosis”. However, when I studied about neurosis in my college psychology books, I realized that I had just about every neurosis that was ever thought of or written about.

Even though I knew about it mentally, I couldn’t control or overcome this terrible situation. Three different times I had emotional or “nervous breakdowns”. I finally decided that I had to completely restructure my life. After 35 years of marriage, I decided to leave home. It was simply a matter of survival; there was no alternative. I tried to start over again. The emotional scars were still there. I lived every day with insecurity, unhappiness, self-doubt, guilt, depression, and self-incrimination. I wanted to forget the past and start over again, but my mind, thoughts, and emotions were truck in a grove, and I couldn’t move on to a higher level of self-motivation or achievement. I was super sensitive. Anything anybody said, even the slightest hint of rejection was like a knife in my heart.

I feel so fortunate to have walked into Laura’s office, and can think of many friends and relatives that could benefit from the same experience.

I feel a sense of freedom, self-worth, motivation, and personal success. I have learned how to relax and reach deep into my heart and soul to find peace of mind, and freedom from doubts and fears. I have been more productive, more efficient, I can think clearer. A new me is being discovered.

Hypnotherapy is no dark secret, nor is it sensational mumbo-jumbo. It is a practical, and very successful type of help. It cuts out all the time, expense, and nonsense that are involved in so many other kinds of therapy. There are no dangerous drugs to be taken in order to artificially induce a feeling of relaxation.

Hypnotherapy has been for me a direct, quick, safe, easy, and inexpensive way to restore my mind and emotions to the “natural” level and to heal my emotions. It has given control back to me.

I can’t describe how it works; I only know that for me it has worked very successfully.

Geneva