Meet Lauren Larkin, LMHC
** Lauren is not currently accepting new therapy clients but she is available for consultation work.**
Hi, I’m Lauren (she/her). I’m so glad you’re here!
Lauren Larkin is the founder of LEL Therapy, a dynamic, virtual NYC-based mental health practice staffed with therapists relational therapists committed to treating clients holistically. At LEL therapy, who are human and humans who are therapists. While Lauren no longer accepts new therapy clients, her passion for the field continues through various professional services, including clinical consultation, supervision, speaking engagements, and brand partnerships. With a diverse background in entertainment and PR, she now blends her entrepreneurial skills with her clinical expertise to empower both clients and fellow clinicians.
Therapeutic Approach
Lauren's therapeutic approach is grounded in relational therapy, which allows her to show up as an authentic human in sessions, rather than a blank slate. She draws from an eclectic range of modalities, including mindfulness-based CBT, to create a treatment plan that is individualized and holistic. Her philosophy emphasizes looking at the whole person, not just their symptoms, to promote wellness and recovery.
Having personally navigated an eating disorder and gone through the recovery process, Lauren offers a deep level of empathy and understanding. Her approach integrates not just clinical expertise but lived experience, making her a compassionate guide for others seeking recovery from eating disorders, trauma, and anxiety.
Education & Credentials
Lauren holds a Master’s Degree in Mental Health & Wellness from New York University (2020). Before entering the mental health field, she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Entertainment Industry Studies & PR from Belmont University in Nashville, TN. Lauren’s unique background in entertainment provides her with a creative and entrepreneurial approach, which she applies not only to therapy but to her consulting, supervision, and speaking engagements as well.
Her post-graduate experience includes working in two private practices where she was trained in relational therapy, mindfulness-based CBT, and eating disorder treatment. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in New York, Lauren has built a reputation for providing holistic care that considers the full spectrum of her clients' wellbeing, beyond merely addressing symptoms.
From Personal Recovery to Professional Inspiration
Lauren's journey into the mental health field is deeply rooted in her personal story. After struggling with an eating disorder during her time in the entertainment industry, Lauren saw firsthand the gaps in mental health support and advocacy, particularly when it came to eating disorders. She was inspired to become the therapist and a voice of hope in recovery that she once needed—someone who not only understands the clinical aspects of mental health but also offers compassionate, authentic, relational care.
Through her own recovery, Lauren realized the power of vulnerability and connection, leading her to a career where she could share her story and create spaces for others to heal, grow, and thrive. Lauren has grown her social media platforms on both TikTok and Instagram through vulnerably sharing her story and offering tips for fellow therapists.
Services Offered:
Clinical Supervision & Consultation
Lauren offers clinical supervision for licensed clinicians seeking support in their work with eating disorders, trauma, anxiety, and relationship therapy. Her supervision sessions are designed to help therapists view their clients through the lens of self, others, and the world, encouraging a holistic, relational approach to treatment.
Lauren also provides consultation services for therapists looking to build or grow their private practice. Drawing from her background in PR and marketing, she helps clinicians step into entrepreneurship, offering step-by-step guidance on everything from building a caseload to marketing and branding their practice.
Speaking & Training Engagements
Lauren is a sought-after speaker on mental health topics, including eating disorders, fertility, and burnout. She has partnered with organizations like Project HEAL and Arise, and speaks from both her personal experience and her clinical background, offering nuanced perspectives on the complexities of mental health.
She provides professional development training on topics such as:
Mental health and leadership in preventing burnout
Group therapy
The differences between disordered eating and eating disorders
Marketing and social media for therapists, particularly in private practice
Writing & Media Contributions
Lauren frequently writes and is interviewed to contribute to articles on wellness, trauma, and eating disorders. Her writing focuses on destigmatizing mental health and normalizing conversations around difficult topics, such as fertility and eating disorder recovery. Lauren is available for interviews and media contributions—learn more through her Media Page.
Networking & Retreats
Lauren is passionate about building community among therapists, particularly in the often-isolating world of private practice. She hosts monthly therapist networking events to foster meaningful, cross-referral relationships, creating an environment that is fun and authentic.
In addition, Lauren organizes wellness retreats for therapists, such as her upcoming retreat in Costa Rica, offering a balance of self-care, connection, and professional development.
Brand Partnerships
Lauren has built a significant presence as a social media influencer in the mental health and wellness space on both Instagram and TikTok. She collaborates with brands that align with her values, offering authentic product reviews, partnerships, and user-generated content. Some of her past partnerships include brands like Maybelline, TOMS, QuickBooks, Nutrafol, and Sony.
If you’re a brand or company looking to collaborate on a mental health, wellness, or lifestyle initiative, Lauren is open to discussing opportunities that resonate with her audience and mission.
Outside of Work
When she’s not working, Lauren can often be found exploring New York City’s music scene, attending live concerts, or indulging her love for movies and film analysis. She’s a dedicated Swiftie and enjoys everything from dance music to country. Practicing yoga, reading novels & thrillers, and spending time with friends at new restaurants are also high on her list of favorite pastimes. Her love for adventure takes her traveling whenever possible.
Wanting even more? Follow Lauren on TikTok and Instagram for In Between Sessions, where she offers recovery tips and discusses therapeutic topics in between sessions.
Services Offered at LEL Therapy:
LEL Therapy is a completely virtual therapy practice offering mental health counseling services in New York. Our therapists are relational therapists who specialize in therapy for all types of eating disorders, including but not limited to Anorexia, Binge Eating Disorder, ARFID, Bulimia, Disordered Eating, and body image concerns. We are experts in couples therapy/relationship therapy, offering support to all types of relationships — romantic, platonic, familial, etc. We specialize in trauma therapy. We offer group therapy for survivors of sexual assault. And we treat anxiety and general mental health conditions. We would love to help you on your mental health journey.