Make Your Own Choices Intentionally with Dr. Marquita Garrett

Have you ever looked up midweek and realized you're living a life you didn't actively choose? One day you're trying to help people and be a decent human, and the next you're saying yes to things you don't even remember agreeing to. If you've ever asked yourself "How did I end up here?"—congratulations, you're a fully functioning adult on autopilot.In this episode of Heart and Practice, host Dr. Lakesha Roney welcomes Dr. Marquita Garrett, PhD, LPC, RPT-S, ACS, NCC—counselor educator, clinical supervisor, and Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor—for an honest conversation about intentionality in mental health practice and life.Dr. Garrett shares her journey from special education teacher to building a thriving group practice, revealing the pivotal moment when she chose to step out on faith and lead with ethics and intention. She discusses the power of delegation, the necessity of rest, and why "no" is a complete sentence.In This Episode: • What intentionality really means (beyond motivational posters) • How to recognize when you're on autopilot—professionally and personally • The "Spoon Theory" for communicating boundaries and capacity • Why Dr. Garrett runs a 4-day work week to prevent burnout • Practical strategies for therapists, supervisors, and students • A 7-Day Intentionality Challenge to transform your choicesWhether you're a practicing therapist, counseling student, clinical supervisor, or educator working with children and adolescents, this episode offers practical wisdom for creating balance, preventing burnout, and making choices that align with your values.Guest Bio: Dr. Marquita Garrett is a counselor educator, supervisor, therapist, and podcast host. She maintains a private practice specializing in training and supervision of counseling interns and residents in therapeutic work with children, adolescents, and families. With a deep commitment to social justice and culturally responsive care, her research integrates environmental awareness and mental health. As co-author of the ACES 2025 Climate Change and Environmental Justice Competencies, she brings a unique perspective to play therapy and addressing climate-related trauma in marginalized communities.Resources: • Connect with Dr. Garrett: MarquitaGarrettPhD.com | CenteringElements.com • Heart and Practice: HeartAndPractice.comSocial Media:Instagram: @heartandpracticeincFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581813935336TikTok: @heartandpracticeincRemember: You don't need a new life—you might just need to make more intentional choices.