Lela Altman, LPC-MHSP(t)

Counselor at the Nashville Office

LELA ALTMAN, LPC-MHSP(T)
INDIVIDUAL & COUPLES COUNSELOR


Specialties:

  • Trauma

  • Depression & Anxiety

  • LGBTQ+ Issues

  • Addiction Recovery

  • Disordered Eating & Body Image

  • Perfectionism

  • Conflict and Communication

  • Artist and Creative Professionals

Approach:

  • Internal Family Systems (IFS)

  • Brainspotting

  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

  • Guided Meditation & Somatic Experience Therapy

  • Existential Therapy

  • Sand Tray Therapy

Hours: Monday - Thursday | 9am - 7pm

Locations: Nashville Office, Online

Hi, I’m Lela.

In our work together, we’ll explore and reconnect with your most authentic self—the version of you that may have been hidden beneath layers of self-doubt, shame, or guilt. My role is to truly understand who you are and to support you in reclaiming the inner wisdom you’ve always carried.

Sometimes that wisdom becomes quieted by past experiences, harsh criticism, or the pressure to become someone you’re not—someone else's version of who you "should" be. In therapy, we will work to gently unravel those influences and reclaim who you are at your core.

This is a collaborative journey, and I’m here to walk alongside you as you move toward greater emotional, mental, and even physical well-being. Together, we’ll focus on strengthening your relationship with yourself and cultivating healthier, more fulfilling connections with others.

Clinical Experience

Before joining Nashville Therapy Group, I worked with both teens and adults at the Nashville Center for Trauma and Psychotherapy, supporting clients from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. My path to therapy has been shaped by time spent adjacent to the music and entertainment industry, giving me an intimate understanding of its unique pressures and lifestyle. I understand the rhythm of this world—and offer a grounded, empathetic space where creatives feel seen, heard, and supported.

In addition to my clinical training, my background as a yoga teacher deepened my appreciation for the mind-body connection, while my experience as an actor helped me develop a rich understanding of emotional expression, inner motivation, and the complexity of the human experience.

My approach is trauma-informed and person-centered, always meeting you where you are and adjusting the pace of our work to suit your individual needs. I integrate a range of evidence-based modalities, including Internal Family Systems (IFS), Brainspotting, somatic therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), guided meditation, and Sand Tray Therapy. Each session is tailored with care, intention, and curiosity—designed to support you in healing, growing, and reconnecting with your most authentic self.

Clinical Specialties

My clinical specialties include working with trauma, anxiety, depression, addiction and recovery, LGBTQIA+ concerns, sexual abuse, religious trauma, and challenges related to food and body image. I also support clients navigating perfectionism, interpersonal relationship issues, and the unique emotional demands of creative and performance-based professions.

I have a particular interest in the integration of whole-body wellness, recognizing the deep connection between emotional and physical health. This holistic perspective informs my work and allows for a more comprehensive, compassionate approach to healing.

Education

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

B.S., Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Groups

Surviving the Narcissist

This group is for adults seeking to understand, manage, or disengage from relationships with individuals who exhibit narcissistic traits. Through education and shared experiences, we will explore the impact of narcissism, gaslighting, love-bombing, and other forms of emotional manipulation.

Schedule: Sessions are two hours in-person at an unpublished time and location. 
Requirements: Members must be in therapy, and a consultation is required.
Cost: $75 per session. Reduced rates are available based on need.