Lighthouse Within
Welcome to the Lighthouse Within Podcast. I’m Raina Rose - a coach, psychology nerd, and someone who believes healing is about coming home to who you’ve always been.
My passion is sharing - sharing thoughts, conversations, stories, and space. This is a space to simply show up as you are where we can unpack all the learning, unlearning, and in-between moments that shape us.
When we open up, we remember we’re never doing this alone. There’s so much belonging in the reminder that we can always come home to ourselves - and from that place, live in alignment with what truly matters to us.
Whether it's a solo episode or a meaningful shared conversation, this podcast is all about self-exploration, connection, and the courage to expand and show up as you - knowing that’s always been enough. Every episode is a chance to pause, reflect, and tune into your inner light.
So let’s get cozy - and shine together.
Lighthouse Within
#13 Unmasking the Ego: From Rigidity to Freedom | with Dr. Les Cole
In today’s illuminating conversation, I’m joined by the one and only Dr. Les Cole, a psychotherapist with over 45 years of experience in mental health, spirituality, and trauma work. Les brings a rare blend of wisdom, warmth, and wit to help us understand the evolving nature of the ego. Together, we explore the fascinating journey of ego development - how our ego forms, how trauma can shape it into rigid patterns, and how we can soften and transform it to uncover ‘the more of who we are’.
Les shares his wisdom on how the ego evolves from defensiveness to fluidity and uses rich metaphors, like The Wizard of Oz, to illustrate these concepts in a way that feels relatable and human. We discuss what trauma is, how it impacts our sense of self, and how understanding these processes can lead to deeper self-awareness and freedom.
This episode is an invitation to look within, meet yourself with curiosity, and remember: your ego isn’t the enemy - it’s a part of your story that’s ready to evolve.
Explore Dr. Cole’s work: Psychology Today profile
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