We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Lane O’Donnell. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Lane below.

Alright, Lane thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Do you think your parents have had a meaningful impact on you and your journey?

My parents did a great job of instilling a strong work ethic and a sense of personal responsibility in me from a young age. They emphasized the importance of following through on commitments, doing things well the first time, and being accountable for my actions. Watching them consistently show up for work, family, and their community taught me the value of perseverance and integrity. I watched them run multiple businesses together throughout my childhood, working together through both successes and hardships. Looking back, even in the most difficult seasons, they always found ways to fill our home with joy. That mindset has shaped how I approach both my life and my career. It is important to me to take ownership of my work, stay committed to long-term goals, and put in the extra effort when needed. It’s also made me more resilient—when challenges arise, I can draw on that foundation to keep moving forward!

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Hi, I’m Lane! My journey into counseling began when I went through my own therapeutic experience as a teenager. The work I did in therapy during at that time profoundly shifted my perspective on life and my future, and built on a deep passion for helping others.
I work with individuals and couples, specializing in areas like post-traumatic stress, anxiety and phobias, and relational struggles. My approach is a blend of collaborative, client-centered therapy, with elements of humanistic therapy to emphasize a holistic understanding of each person. I believe in empowering my clients to take ownership of their growth and healing, and together, we build a safe and supportive space for personal exploration.
What might set me apart is my deep commitment to celebrating the small wins. Whether it’s leaving a job or relationship that’s causing stress, overcoming a major fear or phobia, or making progress in working through traumatic memories, I want to work side-by-side with my clients as a team. Their successes are deeply meaningful to me, and I take pride in being part of their journey. I’m most proud of the trust my clients place in me and the progress they make week by week. These small victories—no matter how seemingly minor—are the real markers of success in the therapeutic process.
The message I hope people take away from my work is rooted in a quote by Irvin Yalom: “Our ultimate freedom is the right and power to decide how anybody or anything outside of ourselves will affect us.” This is a guiding principle in my practice—helping clients reclaim their power and control over their own responses, healing, and growth.

Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?

As a counselor, it’s easy to get caught up in the emotional weight of the work, and if I’m not taking care of myself, I’m not going to be able to show up fully for my clients. Engaging in regular self-care helps me maintain my emotional well-being, set healthy boundaries, and stay grounded, which in turn allows me to provide the best care possible to my clients. It’s not just about taking time off or engaging in relaxation techniques, but about consistently checking in with myself, ensuring I have the energy and clarity to hold space for others, and being intentional about maintaining balance in my life.
Ultimately, self-care keeps me from burning out, helps me stay present in each session, and allows me to model healthy coping strategies to my clients. Without it, I wouldn’t be able to sustain the work I do in the long term.

If you could go back in time, do you think you would have chosen a different profession or specialty?

Yes, I would! Becoming a counselor has been incredibly rewarding, and it aligns deeply with my personal values and passion for helping others navigate their challenges. However, I also believe that it’s normal and healthy to dream new dreams or allow yourself to imagine what life could be like doing something different! While I’m fully committed to my work as a counselor, I think it’s important to remain open to new possibilities, growth, and evolution—whether that’s within my current profession or in another direction. In the end, it’s the journey of exploring new opportunities, learning, and growing that truly makes a fulfilling career.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.delilahcounseling.com/lane
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/delilahcounseling/
• Other: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/lane-odonnell-nashville-tn/1430676