how do i go from working in photoshop elements to lightroom

The usual procedure to work with LR together with Elements is to manage the files in Lightroom by first importing them in the LR catalog, then editing them (non-destructively) in LR, then using the option in LR to open the files in PSE for ulterior detail/local or layered work. So it's streamlined for opening in PSE from LR, not what you want which is the contrary. Keep in mind that you can't work in LR if the file has not been imported in the catalog.

Also, LR won't manage layered files. You have to save your PSE work and from LR, import the file before opening and editing it. It may be easier to save the file for LR in a dedicated temporary folder to import it.

Also, PSE offers a version of ACR (limited compared with LR or the full Photoshop ACR) which covers the main tools of LR. You can use the menu 'open in Camera Raw' instead of switching to LR .

LR has the necessary conversion tool to recover Organizer catalogs, This recovers nearly all your organization and ideally, it's recommended to change your workflow: organization and general non-destructive editing in LR with the option to open in PSE for local and layerd editing. For occasional editing in LR from PSE, you might choose to first include the file in the organizer catalog, open the file in ACR, editing in ACR with two options: either clicking 'Open' and editing in the pixel editor of PSE or simply clicking 'Done'. In the second case, when you catalog the file in LR, the ACR settings are recognized by LR.