Our Story
About Lantern Lane Farm Counseling
LLFC is dedicated to aiding those needing counseling services essential for their healing and well-being. With a sliding scale fee, generous support from our community, and our team of talented therapists and interns, we ensure that those in great need can access diverse therapeutic techniques. Our goal is to help individuals restore and heal, no matter what challenges they may be facing.
Lantern Lane Farm was founded in the early 2000s by Ralph and Joni Cook, along with their son Brandon and his wife Rachel, after their family experienced the power of healing through therapy. The Mt. Juliet location was the first location, and they chose the name Lantern Lane for its symbolism of safety and hope along the Underground Railroad. The lantern acts as a guiding light for safe passage. It was more than just a beacon in the darkness; it was a symbol of hope and safety for those in search of freedom. Hidden in plain sight, these lanterns were powerful symbols, offering a guiding light to freedom for those seeking solace and freedom. The subtle yet powerful method of communication was absolutely crucial in the perilous journey of countless individuals striving for liberation.
Elijah’s Place at Lantern Lane Farm was inspired by the Green family’s tragic loss of their infant son in 2010. They found the farm to be a non-judgmental haven for rest and healing amid a misunderstanding public. Through their work with horses and Ralph’s guidance, the Greens learned to Grieve Well, honoring Elijah’s memory as they embraced a new vision of family.
Lantern Lane became a non-profit 501(c)(3) public charity in 2008. Over the next five years, the growing list of clients required the hiring of additional licensed therapists and staff.
At Lantern Lane, several licensed and pre-licensed counselors and a growing number of counseling students from local colleges and universities have joined. The internship program at LLF provides professional counseling students with a unique opportunity to complete their master’s level programs while expanding the organization’s capacity to assist those in need, particularly those with limited financial resources, in accessing necessary mental health services. Community leaders recognized the organization's commitment to client care, leading to continued growth in church partnerships.
Since its inception, a central desire has been to ensure that no one is turned away due to an inability to afford therapy. Through continuous support from churches, individual donors, grants, and local businesses, LLF is dedicated to aiding those needing counseling services essential for their healing. With a sliding scale fee, generous support from our community, and our team of talented therapists and interns, we ensure that those in great need can access diverse therapeutic techniques. Our goal is to help individuals restore and heal, no matter what challenges they may be facing.
Many are willing to try therapy at the farm because it doesn’t feel clinical. This is especially true for children, who see a trip to the farm as a pleasant activity where they talk with a person they trust and enjoy. It’s a chance to visit the animals and connect with nature.
“For the many clients who have Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy or Equine-Assisted Learning integrated within their therapy…or even for those who just take a walk to the fence-line to pet the horses or talk to them…that feeling of ease, peace, presence, and safety is the single most important reason why we’ve been so committed to providing our clients therapy at the farm,” said Ralph.
Derek Hazelet, President of Lantern Lane Farm’s Board of Directors, said, “We’ve come very far on this journey. With the help of community partners, individual donors, and businesses, affordable and safe counseling services have been available for our community for over 15 years, and we will pursue this mission in the future.”
The year 2020 was a year of significant change for the world, and change at LLFC was no exception. Many contributions made the purchase of the farmhouse and property possible in 2020, and donations from individuals, members of our Board of Directors, and a generous grant from the Marlene and Spencer Hays Foundation allowed for barn renovations and the construction of a covered arena to expand its equine program. “We’ve broadened our counselor’s ability to integrate the horses in client sessions,” said Derek. “Equine programming is now based on client’s needs…not based on the weather!”
Covid-19 forced us all to transform how we work and at Lantern Lane, we added pavilions to our outdoor programs so counseling can occur in green spaces. “The addition of the pavilions, along with a new Greenhouse, further expand our ability to meet clients ‘where they are’ and offer experiential therapy to meet their needs," says Jeff Gregg, Executive Director.
“In addition to our Farm on Corinth Road,” said Jeff Gregg, “Lantern Lane now provides counseling service in peaceful settings throughout our region, including:
Germantown
Hendersonville
Hermitage
Madison
Mt Juliet Annex
Brentwood Farm
Franklin
Thanks to the unwavering support of our community, Lantern Lane Farm Counseling's transformative impact is just getting started! Your generous donations are helping us lay the groundwork for meaningful change, and together, we’re making a difference that will resonate for years to come. Join us on this incredible journey!
We invite you to share this story with friends and family. We consider Lantern Lane a safe place for those in need of counseling! If you would like more information on how you can contribute by Praying with us as we go, adopting an animal, or viewing our updated Wish List, please email us at info@lanternlanefarm.org!
If you’d like to learn more or help by donating or volunteering, please click on the one that best describes how you would like to contribute to our story. We are just getting started!