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Hello! Who are you?
My name is Scott Lyons and I am a licensed holistic psychologist, educator and author. As a renowned body-based trauma expert and Mind-Body Medicine specialist, I help people to break free from cycles of pain, limited beliefs, and trauma. With a background in transformative wellness and trauma therapy, I’ve taught over half a million people internationally over the past twenty years how to relieve stress and restore vitality.
What is your struggle and when did it start?
The official name of my struggle is an addition to drama. The addition of drama to my life and work has allowed me to delve deeper into the complexities of identity, culture, and interpersonal relationships.
In my practice, I often witness how narratives shape our understanding of ourselves and the world around us. Drama, in its many forms, serves as a powerful tool for reflection and connection. It encourages individuals to confront their stories, explore emotions, and engage in dialogues that can lead to healing and growth.
I see drama not just as a performance but as a medium for fostering empathy. When we step into the shoes of another character, we gain insights into perspectives that may be vastly different from our own. This has profound implications for how we interact with one another in our daily lives, bridging divides and enhancing our collective understanding.
Furthermore, my involvement in drama has ignited my passion for storytelling as a means of cultural expression. It allows me to highlight the richness of diverse experiences and the nuances of identity, particularly in marginalized communities. By integrating these themes into dramatic works, I hope to inspire others to share their narratives and validate their experiences.
Ultimately, my perspective on drama is that it is a vital part of the human experience—a lens through which we can better understand ourselves, our relationships, and the world. I am excited to continue this journey, collaborating with others to create pieces that resonate, challenge, and transform.
How did this struggle make you feel at your worst moments?
At my lowest, addiction to drama was a relentless storm, a tempest that threatened to consume every ounce of joy. The struggle was like carrying a heavy cloak of chaos, where happiness felt like a distant memory, obscured by the constant noise and turbulence. It was as if every situation, no matter how trivial, became magnified, blown out of proportion, and the weight of it all bore down on my spirit, leaving little room for peace or contentment. The happiness that I once knew seemed elusive, overshadowed by the drama’s insatiable appetite for attention and intensity.
In those times, I became a master of disguise, adept at hiding the turmoil beneath a veneer of composure. To the outside world, I appeared to be navigating life with ease, but inside, there was a cacophony of emotions I kept tightly guarded. It was a delicate dance of maintaining appearances while wrestling with an internal chaos that threatened to spill over at any moment.
Despite my attempts to conceal the struggle, those closest to me could sense the undercurrents. There’s a certain transparency to the human spirit, and even the most carefully constructed facades have their cracks. Friends and loved ones often picked up on the tension, the subtle shifts in energy, even when I thought I was successfully masking my inner turmoil.
This realization, though initially unsettling, became a turning point—a reminder that true connection and healing begin with vulnerability and authenticity.
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Was there a moment when you started to turn things around?
In my book, I recount a moment that felt like the first breath of fresh air after being submerged. It was during a particularly chaotic period, where the cycles of drama seemed to tighten their grip relentlessly. Yet, amidst the storm, there was a pause—a moment of clarity where I realized that the chaos wasn’t an external force but a pattern I was perpetuating. It was like seeing the matrix of my own making, and in that recognition, there was a profound shift.
This change was largely a result of intentional actions, a conscious decision to step off the treadmill of drama and reclaim my narrative. I’d say about 70% of the improvement stemmed from actively choosing to engage differently with life, while the remaining 30% was influenced by changing circumstances that allowed space for this introspection. It was a dance between taking responsibility and allowing life to unfold with less interference from the drama reflexes that had become so ingrained.
The struggle had been a long companion, weaving its way through my life for several years before I found the tools to begin unraveling it. The journey to that turning point was not swift, it was marked by trial and error, moments of progress, and setbacks. But each step, each decision to lean into awareness and action, slowly paved the way for a more grounded existence. It’s a journey that continues, as healing is not a destination but an ongoing process of learning and growing.
What steps did you take to overcome your struggle?
Ah, the journey of overcoming an addiction to drama is like untangling a web spun over years, a delicate dance of awareness and action. What truly helped me was first acknowledging the grip that drama had on my life. This meant recognizing the archetypes I embodied, like “The Center-Stager,” who feared insignificance without the constant whirl of activity. This self-awareness was the first step in breaking free from the cycle, like stepping into the light after dwelling in shadows.
Next, I found solace in connecting with my body, a practice that anchored me amidst the chaos. Through modalities like Body-Mind Centering and Cranio-Sacral Therapy, I learned to listen to the whispers of my body, which often held the keys to understanding my emotional storms. These practices taught me to be present, to feel at home in my skin, and to embrace stillness without fear. This was a profound shift, allowing me to separate past pains from present realities.
Another pivotal step was seeking the right therapist, someone who could hold space for my unraveling and reweaving. My therapist helped me identify the reenactments I was unconsciously creating, those situations that mirrored past wounds. Through this guidance, I learned to interrupt the cycle, to choose differently, and to foster healthier connections. It was like learning a new dance, one that didn’t revolve around chaos but around genuine intimacy and belonging.
For anyone in a similar struggle, I’d recommend starting with awareness—observe the patterns and archetypes that play out in your life. Then, find ways to ground yourself, whether through somatic practices or simply spending time in nature. Seek support from those who understand the nuances of drama addiction, and don’t shy away from vulnerability. It’s in those honest, raw moments that true healing begins. Remember, the journey is not linear, but with each step, you carve a path toward a life of more ease and connection.
Have you shared any of this with people around you in real life?
Initially, I found solace in speaking with those who had seen the cracks in my façade, like close friends who could sense the turbulence even when I tried to mask it. These were the people who, in their gentle way, held space for my chaos without judgment. They were like anchors amidst the storm, offering a safe harbor where I could be raw and vulnerable without fear of rejection.
There were definitely those I shied away from, particularly in professional circles where the expectation to maintain a composed, unflappable exterior was high. The fear of being perceived as less capable or too “dramatic” kept me from sharing with colleagues who might not understand the depth of what I was experiencing. It’s a tricky balance—wanting to be authentic yet fearing the repercussions of vulnerability in certain environments.
Opening up about mental health struggles isn’t always easy. There’s that nagging voice whispering about judgment, misunderstanding, or the dreaded pity. Yet, I’ve found that the more I embrace transparency, the more I invite genuine connection and support into my life. It’s a practice, a continual unfolding of trust and courage, and each conversation becomes a step toward dismantling the stigma that keeps us silent.
If you could give a single piece of advice to someone else that struggles, what would that be?
What I wish I had known earlier is the humility required to navigate this labyrinth of self-discovery. It’s not about rushing to the finish line or ticking off boxes on a checklist of healing—it’s about embracing the process, with all its twists and turns, and recognizing that each step forward is a victory in itself.
The beauty of this journey lies in the connections we forge along the way. Finding those who make us feel safe, who allow us to be vulnerable without judgment, is essential. These are the people who hold a mirror to our souls, reflecting both our strengths and the areas that still need nurturing. They remind us that humility is not a sign of weakness but a testament to our courage to grow. So, my advice to anyone struggling is to cherish these connections, lean into them, and let them ground you as you navigate the complexities of your healing journey. It’s not about reaching a destination but about finding grace and connection in every step you take.
What have been the most influential books, podcasts, YouTube channels, or other resources for you?
The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk: This book was a revelation, emphasizing how trauma is stored in the body and not just the mind. It helped me deepen my exploration into somatic therapies, reinforcing the importance of addressing trauma through a body-based approach.
Gabor Maté’s Work: Gabor’s insights into the mind-body connection and how trauma affects our overall health have been invaluable. His perspective on compassionately understanding our wounds has enriched my approach to healing and self-compassion.
Brené Brown’s Teachings: Her work on vulnerability and shame has been transformative. Brené’s research encouraged me to embrace vulnerability as a strength and to foster deeper connections both personally and professionally.
Peter Levine’s Somatic Experiencing: His pioneering work in somatic trauma healing has been foundational in my practice, teaching me how to help people release trauma stored in their bodies through gentle, mindful techniques.
Where can we go to learn more about you?
I am the author of the best-selling book Addicted to Drama: Healing Dependency on Crisis and Chaos in Yourself and Others I also host The Gently Used Human Podcast, a delightfully depthful and often hilarious exploration of what it is to be human, to have lived life, and come out gently used.
You can learn more about me on my website, and through my platform The Embody Lab. You can also connect with me on Instagram (@drscottlyons), TikTok (@drscottlyons), Facebook (Dr. Scott Lyons), LinkedIn (Dr. Scott Lyons), and YouTube (@drscottlyons).
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