Lela Altman

Counselor at the Nashville Office

Our work together will be, in part, a journey into uncovering your true, authentic self. My goal is to truly know you and to help you recover the wisdom that is already inside of you. Perhaps that wisdom has been buried under shame, self-doubt and guilt, perhaps that wisdom was challenged or criticized so much when you were younger that you began not to trust it. I’m looking forward to walking beside you on your journey toward your best self, finding and embracing better mental, emotional, and physical health.

Clinical Experience

Prior to joining Nashville Therapy Group, I worked with teen and adult clients of all backgrounds at Nashville Center for Trauma and Psychotherapy. Additionally, I have a background as a yoga teacher, where I learned to appreciate the somatic mind-body connection, as well as an actor, which gave me a foundation for understanding emotion as well as underlying goals and desires. I use a trauma-informed approach and modulate pace of therapy according to client need.

My therapeutic approach is person-centered, while also utilizing a variety of modalities, tailored for the individual client. I have completed training in, and utilize: IFS (Internal Family Systems), Brainspotting, Somatic work, DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy), Guided Meditation, and Sand Tray Therapy. 

Clinical Specialties

My areas of special clinical interest include: trauma, anxiety and depression, LGBTQAI+ issues, addiction and substance abuse recovery, sexual abuse, religious trauma, disordered relationships with food and body image, perfectionism, and interpersonal relationship issues. I have a strong interest in the integration of whole-body wellness, knowing that emotional and physical health can be very intertwined.

Education

M.A., Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Trevecca University

B.S., Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University