TLC

Connecting the dots…

In the rush and press of life, we often form up small nuggets of ‘self’. These nuggets or parts are trying to help us navigate in life. When, as children, we are called upon to know or be more than we were able to at the point, an inner attempt is made to rise to the occasion by creating a mini-self that handles the situation we are faced with. It is our best-bet attempt, often made while under threat or duress or pressure to perform, to rise to the occasion. Following its initial appearance, it can become solidified inside us. In the case of trauma, this mini-self serves as a protective energy, stimulated into existence in the face of danger. It can be strong, fierce, angry; it can also be afraid, hidden, small. When older, a person may respond from one of these “nuggets” without realizing what’s occurring. This kind of “triggering” happens to us all.

When a person decides to seek greater self-understanding and knowing, the learning involves deepening the ability to feel and recognize these partial states. And, in facing, experiencing, and accepting the reactiveness and defensiveness that is involved, a person naturally begins to disarm parts of themselves that at one time were desperately needed. We see that it is not the full Self of ourselves but more like a stand-in actor, trying to help or protect. Embarking on a process of healing involves welcoming the parts or actors back into the fold, helping them to come home, letting them be who they are…while not letting them take over. As they all begin to experience the presence of the Self (with a capital S), trust, flow, and wellbeing result.

[Note: This approach is based in the work of Richard Schwartz, the creator of “Internal Family Systems.” Please see resources page for more information about IFS.]

A little about my background and approach

I have a PhD in Mythological/Religious Studies with an emphasis in Depth Psychology. After serving as a Washington state certified counselor for many years, my focus now, as coach-practitioner, is on the art and skill of life integration practices, involving psychological tools, both emotional and mental, and spiritual deepening. 

Depth Psychology

Depth or Transpersonal Psychology is based in the work of C.G. Jung, and many others. It emphasizes ways to explore one’s inner landscape against a universal/expanded backdrop, one that is not defined by cultural or short range concerns, thereby helping a person open to a larger sense of what it means to be human.

The process involves internal exploration. The eventual outcome can be greater curiosity and compassion about who and what one is.

Internal Family Systems

In addition, I’ve received training in Internal Family Systems (developed by Richard Schwartz), an approach that helps a person bring more conscious awareness (and loving relationship) to their inner elements/parts/aspects. Experiencing these “inner lives”, and understanding more about the ways they influence feelings and behaviors, leads to greater settlement and stability in a life, which in turn increases one’s ability to navigate inner and outer dynamics.

I am fascinated with human psychological dynamics! Ever since I can remember, I’ve wondered about my own and others psychological make up, how we form psychologies, and how we are affected by what we form. The search continues to offer benefits, to do with inner peace, settlement, and self-sovereignty. My desire is to pass these and other benefits on to others.

Join me in an exploration of inner and outer dynamics!

CONTACT INFORMATION

Elizabeth Lyell, PhD, MA, MAT

Phone: (206) 713-4593

Email:     spiritual.dimensions@earthlink.net

If you have questions, inquiries, and/or wish to set up an appointment, please be in touch.