Heart and Practice: Heart-lead conversations about mental health

Dr. Lakesha Roney
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Mental Health

Heart and Practice Inc. blends a mission-driven speaking practice with a practical, heart-led podcast to equip educators, counselors, and teams with evidence-informed tools for wellbeing, trauma-informed care, and inclusive practice.

Episodes

  1. Tuesday Talks: Compassionate Boundaries: Holding the Line With Heart

    May 26

    Tuesday Talks: Compassionate Boundaries: Holding the Line With Heart

    What does it look like to hold a boundary and keep a relationship intact? In this episode of Tuesday Talks, Dr. Lakesha Roney explores the framework of compassionate boundaries — a research-informed approach that balances warmth with structure for young people across home, school, and mental health settings. Dr. Roney breaks down how compassionate boundaries: Reduce shame while reinforcing accountabilitySound different in classrooms, therapy rooms, and living roomsHelp young people feel safe, supported, and guided — all at onceWhether you're a therapist, educator, school counselor, or caregiver, this episode gives you practical language and a shared framework you can use today. 🎧 Listen, share, and bring this conversation to your team. Interested in a training, keynote, or joining the podcast? Visit heartandpractice.com

    1 min
  2. Tuesday Talks: Conflict Repair Over Punishment: Teaching Resilience Through Soft Skills

    May 19

    Tuesday Talks: Conflict Repair Over Punishment: Teaching Resilience Through Soft Skills

    Conflict is inevitable—but punishment doesn't have to be the default response. In this episode of the Heart and Practice podcast, Dr. Lakesha Roney explores how teaching conflict repair builds resilience, accountability, and trust in young people. Dr. Roney breaks down the essential soft skills that help children and teens navigate conflict in healthy, productive ways—including listening, emotional regulation, perspective-taking, and problem-solving. Whether you're a therapist, educator, or caregiver, you'll learn practical strategies to shift from punishment-focused approaches to repair-centered practices. In this episode, you'll discover: • Why soft skills are critical for conflict resolution in schools and mental health settings • Three powerful reflective questions to guide conflict repair: "What happened? Who was affected? What can we do next?" • How caregivers can model accountability and stay calm during difficult moments • Why hard moments don't define us—and how repair teaches responsibility and resilience Ready to transform how you approach conflict? Tune in and learn how to create environments where young people can repair harm, rebuild trust, and grow stronger through challenges. Connect with Dr. Lakesha Roney: Website: HeartPractice.com Follow us on social media for more resources, training opportunities, and keynote speaking information.

    1 min
  3. Tuesday Talks: Wellness is more than self-care....it's a shared responsibility.

    May 5

    Tuesday Talks: Wellness is more than self-care....it's a shared responsibility.

    Wellness as a Shared Responsibility | Tuesday Talks with Dr. Lakesha Roney Wellness 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!

    2 min
  4. Tuesday Talks: How to Set Healthy Boundaries with Young People

    Apr 21

    Tuesday Talks: How to Set Healthy Boundaries with Young People

    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 homes Perfect for: therapists, counselors, social workers, educators, youth workers, foster parents, and anyone working with children and adolescents.

    2 min
  5. Tuesday Talks: Soft Skills That Support Emotional Safety

    Apr 14

    Tuesday Talks: Soft Skills That Support Emotional Safety

    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.

    2 min
  6. Tuesday Talks: Leading with Purpose: A Framework for Mental Health Professionals

    Apr 8

    Tuesday Talks: Leading with Purpose: A Framework for Mental Health Professionals

    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?

    2 min
  7. Vulnerability and Having the Courage to Show Up with Dr. Marquita Garrett

    Apr 1

    Vulnerability and Having the Courage to Show Up with Dr. Marquita Garrett

    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 oversharing If 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 clinicians Practical Takeaways: ✓ One brave sentence to protect your energy ✓ How to repair with clients authentically ✓ The framework for vulnerability that doesn't flood Season 2 launches soon. Until then—be gentle with yourself, be brave on purpose. --- Connect with Heart and Practice: HeartAndPractice.com | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok | LinkedIn Find Dr. Marquita Garrett: MarquitaGarrettPhD.com | @itsmedocg

    23 min
  8. Make Your Own Choices Intentionally with Dr. Marquita Garrett

    Mar 25

    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 choices Whether 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.com Social Media: Instagram: @heartandpracticeinc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581813935336 TikTok: @heartandpracticeinc Remember: You don't need a new life—you might just need to make more intentional choices.

    30 min
  9. Authenticity: Embracing Who We Are with Mecca Williams, LPC

    Mar 18

    Authenticity: Embracing Who We Are with Mecca Williams, LPC

    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.

    50 min
  10. Heart-Lead to Handle Others, Use Your Heart with Mecca Williams, LPC

    Mar 11

    Heart-Lead to Handle Others, Use Your Heart with Mecca Williams, LPC

    Heart-Led to Handle Others, Use Your Heart: Difficult Conversations for Therapists with Mecca Williams, LPC In 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 counselors PRACTICAL 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' reactions 4. Implement self-care rituals to prevent carrying work stress home 5. Practice compartmentalization and redirect to joyful thoughts This 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: @meccapresents ABOUT 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

    1h 1m
  11. Heart-Led Mental Health Conversations: Empathy, Self-Care & Professional Growth for Counselors

    Mar 4

    Heart-Led Mental Health Conversations: Empathy, Self-Care & Professional Growth for Counselors

    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 voices WHO 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 care CORE 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 | Advocate For more information, visit heartandpractice.com or connect with us on social media @heartandpractice

    5 min
  12. Welcome to the Heart and Practice Podcast: Trailer

    Trailer

    Welcome to the Heart and Practice Podcast: Trailer

    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

    24 sec

Trailer

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Heart and Practice Inc. blends a mission-driven speaking practice with a practical, heart-led podcast to equip educators, counselors, and teams with evidence-informed tools for wellbeing, trauma-informed care, and inclusive practice.

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