Heart and Practice: Heart-lead conversations about mental health

Heart and Practice: Heart-lead conversations about mental health

by Dr. Lakesha Roney
Mental Health
Season 2
Co-Parenting with Heart: Collaboration without Losing Yourself
Season 2 closes out with a conversation that is close to home. Host Dr. Lakesha Roney is joined by Jamal Kelly, a Certified Substance Abuse Counselor and her coparent for their son Cairo, to talk about coparenting in real life, not the version people post about. Together they unpack how their communication has grown over the years, what it means to lead with your heart instead of reacting, the personal growth work coparenting requires, and how to raise a child who feels safe, supported, and free to be himself across two homes. They also talk openly about navigating an autism diagnosis, building the right support system, and why protecting your peace and putting the child first has to come before being right. This episode is for parents, coparents, caregivers, therapists, and therapy students who want practical tools for healthy parenting and honest conversations about parenthood, childcare, and mental health. By the end, you will have a simple framework for tough coparenting conversations, scripts you can borrow, and boundary habits that protect your peace. Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HeartandPracticeInc Connect with us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heartandpracticeinc/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@heartandpracticeinc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581813935336 Dr. Lakesha Roney on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lakesha-roney-776703389/ Heart and Practice is a weekly podcast exploring coparenting, healthy parenting, parenthood, childcare, and mental health for therapists, caretakers, and families navigating real life together.
S2 · E5
Sep 9, 2026
1:01:30
Strong and Tender: The Heart of Fatherhood
In this episode of Heart and Practice, Dr. Lakesha Roney sits down with Daryl Fraser, LCSW, owner of Fraser and Associates Complete Therapeutic Services and a father of four, for an honest conversation about the emotional weight fathers carry every day. Daryl shares their journey from growing up in Queens as the child of Caribbean immigrants to becoming an African centered healer devoted to serving Black men, youth, and families. Together, they unpack the myths that keep fathers stuck, the belief that men must only be disciplinarians, and the belief that they must be the sole provider, and explore what it really means to parent with both strength and softness. This conversation covers co parenting through differences, learning to see your child as their own person rather than an extension of yourself, protecting fathers from burnout, and simple tools like meditation and Daryl's own MAGIC framework for staying grounded in mind, body, and spirit. Whether you are a father, co parent, or someone who loves one, this episode offers language, tools, and permission to lead with a strong and tender heart. Listen to more episodes of Heart and Practice on your favorite podcast platform and subscribe on YouTube for new episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@HeartandPracticeInc Follow us on social media @heartandpracticeinc or @heartandpractice
S2 · E4
Sep 2, 2026
1:06:56
Holding It All Together: The Emotional Landscape of Motherhood
Mothers carry entire worlds. Schedules, emotions, decisions, fears, and hope, often without acknowledgement. In this episode of Heart and Practice, Dr. Lakesha Roney sits down with Felicia Bowman Chandler, LCSW, Clinical Supervisor and Somatic Practitioner, to name the invisible labor of motherhood and offer real tools for holding both heart and capacity. Felicia is the Founder and CEO of Soul Guided Healing & Wellness, a virtual mental health practice supporting women through anxiety, trauma, burnout, and life transitions. She is also co-host of the Trusting Her Journey podcast. In this conversation, Felicia and Dr. Roney talk about: Felicia's origin story and how growing up with a single mother shaped her path into social work The three lenses she brings to motherhood: clinical, personal, and generational Choosing presence over pressure, including her own experience of losing herself in survival mode Busting motherhood myths, including "single mothers are always strong," "struggling means bad choices," and "asking for help means she's not capable" The concept of emptiness syndrome and what happens when identity becomes fully wrapped around motherhood The difference between solitude and unsupported responsibility Felicia's VALID framework for emotional validation: Voice the emotion, Acknowledge the load, Listen without fixing, Invite support, Define what is needed Practical systems for decision fatigue, meal planning, co-parenting consistency, and building a village, even when family isn't nearby This episode is a reminder that mothers do not need saving. They need support. Connect with Felicia Bowman Chandler: Website: soulguidedhealingandwellness.com Instagram: @soulguidedhealing_wellness Podcast: Trusting Her Journey, available on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, and YouTube Listen to more episodes of Heart and Practice on your favorite podcast platform and subscribe on YouTube for new episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@HeartandPracticeInc #Motherhood #HeartAndPractice #MentalHealthMatters #SelfCompassion #CoParenting
S2 · E3
Aug 26, 2026
1:00:13
The Weight we Carry, Supporting Family Caregivers w/ Heart
Caregiving is love in action, but it can also be exhausting, isolating, and overwhelming for the person giving that care. In this episode, Dr. Lakesha Roney sits down with her own mother, Gwendolyn Goode, a retired educator of 38 years and lifelong caregiver, to talk honestly about what it really takes to support aging parents, navigate Alzheimer's, manage hospice and rehab transitions, and avoid burnout as a caregiver. Together they walk through four common caregiving myths, including the belief that asking for help means failing, and introduce the C.A.R.E. framework: Center yourself, Acknowledge the moment, Respect your limits, and Engage with compassion. Gwendolyn shares real family stories, from the Halfway House to caring for her own father through Alzheimer's, offering practical, heart led ways to stay grounded without losing yourself in the process. If you are caregiving for a parent, a spouse, or anyone you love, this conversation will remind you that you do not have to do it alone. Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HeartandPracticeInc #HeartAndPractice #CaregiverBurnout #Caregiving #Alzheimers #HospiceCare
S2 · E2
Aug 19, 2026
38:26
Recognizing the Signs, Responding with Compassion with Chanetta Booker
Explicit
Season 2 of Heart and Practice is here, and we're opening with a conversation every caregiver, parent, and mental health professional needs to hear. Host Dr. Lakesha Roney is joined by Chanetta Booker, a resident in counseling with over 15 years of experience in substance use and trauma recovery, to talk about how to recognize when a loved one is struggling — and how to respond with compassion instead of fear. In this episode, you'll learn: ✔️ Early warning signs of emotional distress and crisis that families and caregivers often miss ✔️ How to tell the difference between a "hard day" and a situation that needs immediate support ✔️ Why cultural stigma in Black and Brown communities keeps families silent about mental health and substance use ✔️ How to open honest, heart-led conversations with teens, parents, and loved ones — without creating panic ✔️ Practical, everyday tools for checking in and staying connected to the people you love Chanetta also shares her personal journey from working as a cosmetologist to becoming a substance use and mental health counselor, and the real stories from her work supporting individuals and families through addiction, trauma, and crisis. This episode is especially valuable for caregivers, family members, therapists in training, and clinicians supporting clients whose loved ones are navigating addiction or a mental health crisis. Remember: noticing isn't the same as diagnosing. You don't need all the answers — just presence and care. 📺 Watch this episode and more on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Ufp8H-mkGNY🎧 New episodes every week — subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts. Visit us at: https://heartandpractice.com Connect with our guest, Chanetta Booker (Loving Arms Counseling LLC): 📩 lovingarmscounselingllc@gmail.com #HeartAndPractice #CrisisCare #TherapistLife #NewEpisode #Podcast
S2 · E1
Aug 12, 2026
47:24
Season 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
S1 · E5
Apr 1, 2026
23:23
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.
S1 · E4
Mar 25, 2026
29:42
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.
S1 · E3
Mar 18, 2026
50:24
Heart-Lead to Handle Others, Use Your Heart with Mecca Williams, LPC
Explicit
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
S1 · E2
Mar 11, 2026
1:00:34
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
S1 · E1
Mar 4, 2026
5:00
1 of 2