Today we’d like to introduce you to Lillian Channing
Hi Lillian, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Generational trauma has had a profound impact on both my parents, effectively shaping their relationships and their identity in a limiting way. I inherited what they had not healed from and as a Parentified child I felt the urgency of wanting better for them and felt the burden of being the one to do that. in other words I spent a lot of my early years in a state of reactivity and unable to wonder what life had to offer outside of always looking for and putting out little fires. This was the case until I addressed both the inherited trauma and the tangible wounds from my own lifetime, which led to me embarking on a lengthy and transformative journey towards liberation from suffering, which I continue to navigate. The difference is that I do so now with a more grounded understanding of where “the fires” are coming from.
Throughout my personal healing work and journey to becoming a therapist, I’ve intentionally stepped into the depths of human hardship, and my early “therapist” experiences were in the capacity of crisis response. This was the case when I was a crisis responder for survivors seeking help from sexual assault, domestic violence and human traffic. In these roles, I found my support was best served by teaching self regulation and offering what might be soothing to the survivor. This was often very helpful and an honor to be a part of, however these survivors were needing more as they were often battling patterns that were rooted much deeper.
It was not clear at the time, how these exposures would influence me. It didn’t take long for me to feel the common burn out that advocates experience including compassion fatigue compounded by the disheartening pattern of survivors who had once mustered the courage to seek help only to return to their patterns of abuse and oppression. When I began my specialization in trauma healing, I discovered that I was seeing how unhealed attachment wounds have the power to perpetuate painful patterns even if a way out is presented. I wanted to be a part of helping people heal the wounds beneath the surface.
As a therapist, I have discovered profound inspiration and hope within attachment and generational trauma healing models, which now serve as the foundation of my practice, enabling me to confidently assert that individuals prepared to break free can overcome even the most entrenched obstacles to healing and personal growth.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has been a very challenging journey and has taken every bit of will power to this day to keep my energy and my heart open. Being a therapist during times of a pandemic and world upheaval has, on more than one occasion, left me questioning my ability to be helpful. In these challenging moments, I’ve on more than one occasion felt disconnected from my sense of confidence and the impact I can have on those I aim to support. In these times it has been an ongoing challenge to encourage my clients to be open to peace and balance in themselves when there’s so much turbulence and uncertainty amongst humanity right now. I have been fortunate to lean on an incredible support system of professionals in the field. When I went into the sometimes lonely work of private practice last year, I recognized my need for a community of like-minded therapists and healers and in turn I embarked on a mission to find my tribe. This search took me beyond my local area, connecting with professionals nationwide and even globally.
I’m thrilled to say that I’ve finally found that eclectic group of peers who resonate with my approach. This connection has not only alleviated my feelings of isolation but has also enriched my practice, allowing me to navigate challenging situations with greater clarity and support. I feel empowered and more equipped to offer assistance with deep healing to my clients, knowing I have a network to lean on in the trying times.
As you know, we’re big fans of Lillian Channing MFT Services aka Let Yourself Free Therapy. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
As a psychotherapist, I specialize in working with adults who have experienced adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) that continue to impact their lives today. Many of my clients initially struggle to connect their current challenges—such as anxiety, relationship issues, or low self-esteem—with their early childhood experiences, which can even date back to gestation. However, through our work together, they often begin to recognize these deep-rooted connections and understand how their past shapes their present.
For those who are open to it, I also explore the patterns and blocks that may stem from their familial lineage. This involves examining how ancestral experiences and traumas can influence their lives today. By addressing these obstacles, clients can gain clarity and begin to clear the path toward healing and personal growth. My goal is to create a safe space where clients can uncover and process these experiences, ultimately leading to profound transformation. I offer weekly sessions (60-90
minutes) and intensives (2-4 hours).
What were you like growing up?
Growing up I loved to be outdoors and this has not changed at all. I appreciate all of the seasons however you will never see me happier than I am on a hot day where I can be in the water. As I’ve been able to stretch my wings into adulthood, I discovered a deep love for traveling and immersing myself in new cultures and beautiful places. For me, it’s not just about seeing new destinations; it’s about understanding the lives of the people who call these places home. I want to know as much about distant lives—what shapes their family roles, beliefs, and traditions—as I do about the ones close to me. Each place has its own story, and I believe the more we learn about each other, the more we can understand the world in all its complexity. It’s this connection with different cultures that fuels my curiosity and desire to explore.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/lillian-channing-camarillo-ca/1192632
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/letyourselffreetherapy/profilecard/?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
- Other: https://insig.ht/ny0OPV8rsIb
