Thursday, October 1, 2026
Long Beach residents showed up to support a local author’s book talk, discussing her journey with bad dates and healing through hypnotherapy.
“I’m interested in the story of her life and the experiences she has had,” attendee Donna Denise said.
Rachel J. Lithgow promoted her new memoir, “My Year of Really Bad Dates” with a book talk, featuring her psychologist Dr. Lisa Zaretsky, followed by a book signing and purchasing at the Long Beach Public Library on Nov. 19.
“This is the first book I’ve ever published,” Lithgow said. “The book is about, a snapshot of a year in my life. It’s very raw, funny and honest.”
She has lived in Long Beach for a dozen years. Before becoming an author, she devoted most of her work to large cultural institutions in Jewish spaces, and served as CEO of Holocaust Museum LA for seven years.
In 2001, she married American actor Ian Lithgow — the son of actor John Lithgow — in 2001. They have two children together. The couple separated in 2018 and divorced in 2024. She went back into the dating world in late 2021, via dating apps. Her tumultuous journey of online dating would become the foundation of her now published book.
“The bad dates are really markers for the year, but as much as it’s got humor, I also hope that people find some resilience, hopefulness, warmth and the importance of friendships,” Rachel said.
Zaretsky sat alongside Lithgow in a 90-minute long book discussion. Lithgow credits Zaretsky in the book for playing a huge role in her healing journey.
“Her story is about her transformational process from those bad dates and being in that place of rock bottom,” Zaretsky said.
Lithgow spoke about undergoing hypnotherapy coaching under Zaretsky’s guidance. This therapeutic practice utilizes hypnosis, putting your mental state in a deep focus. This then allows the individual to explore their subconscious thoughts, resulting in possible positive changes.
“At first I was worried it would be like the cartoons,” Lithgow said. “I thought I would wake up and cluck like a chicken.”
She underwent three months of this coaching. In the span of these months she received three rounds of hypnotherapy, each three hours long.
“By tapping her subconscious and doing the work in the program, she completely renewed her life,” Zaretsky said. “This book is the story of that journey that came from her work with me.”
Prior to hypnotherapy Lithgow had mentioned that she was constantly crying. Once the sessions had concluded she was finally able to be happy again.
“It changed her life in just three months,” attendee Stella Pefani said, “this is very rare.’
The discussion concluded with Lithgow reading an excerpt of her book and answering questions.
“I won’t have the television on in the background before bed anymore,” attendee Regina Harten said. “I will read her book before I go to bed instead.”
Lithgow’s story is about reclamation, inspiring others that it is possible to get back up on your feet with tools like hypnotherapy.
“It’s like you are next to her and she’s telling you all these stories,” Pefani said. “
It’s just funny and entertaining and at the same time you can see yourself through her.”
Lithgow’s memoir can be bought where books are sold. It’s also available as an audiobook, narrated by Full House actress, Jodie Sweetin.
