Heart and Practice: Heart-lead conversations about mental health

Wellness as a Shared Responsibility | Tuesday Talks with Dr. Lakesha RoneyWellness is more than just self-care—it's a collective effort that involves routines, relationships, support systems, and environments that help us feel calm, connected, and ready to learn or heal.In this episode of Tuesday Talks, Dr. Lakesha Roney, founder of Heart Practice Inc., explores what wellness truly means across different settings. Whether you're in schools, mental health environments, or at home, discover how predictable routines, movement breaks, emotional check-ins, and co-regulation create spaces that reduce stress and promote healing.Dr. Roney also shares a practical caregiver tip: keep one steady daily routine that supports emotional regulation and balance. Because at the end of the day, the basics matter—sleep, meals, movement, and downtime.Stay tuned for more insights on mental health, wellness, and community care!Interested in training for your team, booking Dr. Roney as a keynote speaker, or being a guest on the podcast? Visit HeartPractice.com for more information.Follow us on social media @heartandpracticinc on all platforms for weekly Tuesday Talks and wellness tips!

In this episode of Tuesday Talks, Dr. Lakesha Roney, founder of Heart and Practice Inc., breaks down how to set healthy boundaries with young people in therapeutic and caregiving settings.Boundaries aren't about control. They're about creating safety, respect, and consistency. Whether you're a therapist, school counselor, mental health professional, or caregiver, this episode offers practical guidance on establishing clear boundaries that help young people know what to expect and keep relationships safe.What You'll Learn: ✓ Why boundaries build trust instead of creating barriers ✓ Key elements of healthy boundaries: respectful language, personal space, privacy, and calm follow-through ✓ How to choose 2-3 simple boundaries and respond consistently rather than emotionally ✓ Why care and accountability can, and should, exist together ✓ Practical applications for schools, mental health settings, and homesPerfect for: therapists, counselors, social workers, educators, youth workers, foster parents, and anyone working with children and adolescents.

Welcome to Tuesday Talks: Our mini-episode series keeping you connected while we prepare Season 2 of the Heart and Practice podcast!Join Dr. Lakesha Roney, founder of Heart and Practice Inc., as she explores the soft skills that create emotional safety for young people in schools, mental health settings, and at home.In this episode, Dr. Roney breaks down why skills like listening, empathy, self-awareness, respect, communication, and asking for help aren't just "nice to have"—they're essential for building trust and helping young people feel safe enough to express themselves, solve problems, and develop healthy relationships.Key Takeaway: Dr. Roney shares a simple daily practice for caregivers: Ask three questions each day—What felt good? What felt hard? What do you need tomorrow? These small conversations build trust, connection, and emotional awareness.Whether you're an educator, mental health professional, parent, or caregiver, this bite-sized episode offers practical insights for creating emotionally safe environments where young people can thrive.Stay tuned for Season 2! In the meantime, visit HeartandPractice.com for training and keynote speaking inquiries, or connect with us on social media.

Welcome to Tuesday Talks—a little break between seasons of the Heart and Practice podcast!While we're preparing to bring you thoughtful, in-depth conversations with mental health professionals, therapists, social workers, and leaders in the helping professions, I wanted to stay connected with you through these weekly moments of reflection.I'm Dr. Lakesha Roney, founder of Heart and Practice Inc., and every Tuesday, I'm sharing bite-sized wisdom to help you realign with your purpose when life gets loud.In this episode: Purpose steadies us when life gets overwhelming. As therapists, social workers, and caretakers, we're trained to hold space for others—but how often do we create intentional space for ourselves?

This episode is for the helper who's great at holding space for everyone else. But, what happens when you need support?Dr. Lakesha Roney closes Season 1 with Dr. Marquita Garrett (PhD, LPC, ACS, RPT-S) in a conversation about vulnerability that goes beyond the surface. This isn't about performing vulnerability for points—it's about showing up on purpose, with heart and boundaries.You'll hear:• A powerful two-word boundary you can use this week• Why vulnerability creates authority (not weakness) in supervision• Real therapy scenarios: mistakes, repairs, and brave asks• Dr. Garrett's journey from grief to purpose-driven practice• The difference between vulnerability and oversharingIf you've ever felt like you need to have it all together, this episode will give you permission to be human—and the tools to do it without losing yourself.Guest: Dr. Marquita Garrett - Clinical Director, Play Therapist Supervisor, and advocate for the next generation of cliniciansPractical Takeaways:✓ One brave sentence to protect your energy✓ How to repair with clients authentically✓ The framework for vulnerability that doesn't floodSeason 2 launches soon. Until then—be gentle with yourself, be brave on purpose.---Connect with Heart and Practice:HeartAndPractice.com | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok | LinkedInFind Dr. Marquita Garrett:MarquitaGarrettPhD.com | @itsmedocg

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.

In Season 1, Episode 3 of Heart and Practice, Dr. Lakesha Roney and guest Mecca Williams, LPC explore what it means to live and work authentically. From aligning your values and voice to understanding the risks of performing wellness, this episode reminds us that being ourselves is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. Learn how truth-telling, boundaries, and alignment protect against burnout and foster genuine connection.Follow Heart and Practice on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and LinkedIn, @heartandpracticeinc or visit heartandpractice.com.Authenticity isn’t a vibe—it’s a practice. Start with one small truth today.

Heart-Led to Handle Others, Use Your Heart: Difficult Conversations for Therapists with Mecca Williams, LPCIn this powerful episode of Heart and Practice, Dr. Lakeisha Roney sits down with Licensed Professional Counselor Mecca Williams for an honest conversation about having difficult conversations with heart, intention, and authenticity.Being heart-led doesn't mean being soft—it means being present and understanding while still standing in your truth. Whether you're navigating challenging conversations with clients, supervisees, colleagues, or loved ones, this episode offers practical wisdom for staying grounded in your values without burning out.MEET MECCA WILLIAMS, LPC:Mecca Williams brings 20+ years of experience as a Licensed Professional Counselor in Central Virginia. She currently serves as a Clinical Supervisor at a Community Services Board and is the founder of The Wellness Destination, where she mentors LPC residents. Specializing in trauma, addiction, anxiety, and depression, Mecca blends clinical expertise with real-life relatability. She's also the founder of The Style Effect, using fashion to break mental health stigma in the Black community and contributing to Richmond's recognition of Black Mental Health Week each October.KEY TOPICS EXPLORED:• How to approach hard conversations without losing yourself• Setting boundaries with care in clinical supervision• The difference between being heart-led and people-pleasing• Navigating difficult conversations with residents, clients, and colleagues• Burnout prevention strategies for mental health professionals• The importance of intention: "Do I want to be right, or do I want to be in a relationship?"• Gatekeeping and protecting the integrity of the mental health field• Self-care practices that help you release difficult conversations• Modeling healthy boundaries for the next generation of counselorsPRACTICAL TOOLS YOU'LL LEARN:1. Ask yourself: "What is my intention for this conversation?"2. Before giving feedback, ask: "Are you venting, or do you want my input?"3. Remember: You're responsible for speaking your truth with care, not for others' reactions4. Implement self-care rituals to prevent carrying work stress home5. Practice compartmentalization and redirect to joyful thoughtsThis episode is essential listening for clinical supervisors, counselor educators, LPC residents, mental health students, and any therapist who wants to lead with heart while maintaining healthy boundaries.Connect with Mecca Williams on Instagram & TikTok: @meccapresentsABOUT HEART AND PRACTICE:Heart and Practice is a podcast for mental health professionals, educators, and caregivers who are ready for honest, heart-led conversations about the real experiences in our field. Hosted by Dr. Lakeisha Roney, each episode explores topics like counselor education, clinical supervision, mental health equity, trauma-informed care, burnout prevention, and sustainable practice.🌐 Visit heartandpractice.com for resources, show notes, and more📧 Connect with us: Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube@heartandpracticeince Subscribe now and join our community of professionals committed to practicing with heart.#HeartAndPractice #MentalHealthPodcast #ClinicalSupervision #TherapistSupport #BurnoutPrevention #CounselorEducation

Welcome to Heart and Practice, the podcast where mental health professionals, educators, and caregivers come together for honest, heart-led conversations about the real experiences in our field.Hosted by Dr. Lakeisha Roney, a counselor, supervisor, educator, and advocate with over 20 years of experience, this podcast creates the space we've been missing—one where we can be vulnerable about our challenges, celebrate our growth, and empower each other to show up in meaningful, sustainable ways.WHAT MAKES HEART AND PRACTICE DIFFERENT:We go beyond clinical theory and professional skills to explore the human side of mental health work. This is where therapists, counselor educators, students, and caregivers can find community, support, and practical wisdom for both professional practice and personal wellness.TOPICS WE EXPLORE:• Counselor education and clinical supervision strategies• Mental health equity in underserved communities• Autism care and LGBTQIA+ mental health support• Trauma-informed practices and healing• Burnout prevention and sustainable self-care• Cultural humility and inclusive therapeutic approaches• Authentic conversations with seasoned professionals and emerging voicesWHO THIS PODCAST SERVES:✓ Licensed mental health professionals (therapists, counselors, social workers)✓ Counselor educators and university faculty✓ Clinical supervisors and training directors✓ Graduate students in counseling and psychology programs✓ Caregivers and mental health advocates✓ Anyone committed to compassionate, equity-focused careCORE VALUES:Every episode connects back to empathy, growth, inclusivity, and healing—because we believe that caring for ourselves and our communities is just as important as the clinical work we do.Heart and Practice features solo episodes, expert interviews, and panel discussions that will leave you feeling seen, supported, and inspired to continue your vital work in mental health.New episodes weekly. Subscribe now and join our community of professionals who are committed to practicing with heart.Hosted by Dr. Lakeisha Roney | Mental Health Counselor | Educator | AdvocateFor more information, visit heartandpractice.com or connect with us on social media @heartandpractice

Welcome to Heart and Practice, where evidence-informed training meets heart-led conversation. This podcast empowers therapists, educators, caretakers, counselors, and therapy students with practical tools for well-being, trauma-informed care, inclusive practice, and emotional resilience. Hosted by mission-driven educators and mental health professionals, each episode blends compassion with actionable insights to support healing-centered work in classrooms, clinics, and communities. Tune in to elevate your practice, nurture connection, and lead with heart.✨ Learn more at heartandpractice.com