Today we’d like to introduce you to LaKendra, Johnson
Hi LaKendra, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Becoming a counselor wasn’t my first career choice at all! As an LPCC-S and PMH-C (Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with Supervisor Designation and Perinatal Mental Health Certification), people are often surprised to hear I started out wanting to be a novelist.
The name “Changing Lanes” actually comes from this journey of mine. Just like when you’re driving and need to switch lanes to get where you’re going, sometimes life calls for brave transitions. That’s what happened to me in college at Ohio University. I was set on becoming a writer, even had my journalism path all mapped out. I did this great internship in Texas, wrote for club newsletters, the whole nine yards.
I took this introduction to psychology class my freshman year, and something just clicked. I loved it so much that I ended up minoring in it! Looking back, it’s wild how that one class changed everything. The journalism world was looking pretty intense at the time – this was during the 2008 recession – and I wasn’t quite ready to make that leap to NYC or LA. It helped me make the decision to pursue counseling as a career, as a backup, until I could find a way to make a living as a writer.
My journalism background turned out to be this unexpected gift in my counseling work. Those interviewing skills, the way I learned to really listen to people’s stories? It’s like having this extra tool in my toolkit that helps me connect with clients in a unique way.
After getting my Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in 2013, I got to work with all sorts of different populations back home in Cleveland – children, adults, folks dealing with trauma, substance use, you name it. Each experience was like adding another piece to the puzzle of where I belonged in this field.
The real lightbulb moment came when I started working with postpartum clients. Something about their stories just hit different – I could see my family members, my friends in their struggles. These were women carrying the weight of the world, trying to be superwomen while dealing with postpartum depression, lack of support, and so much more.
During the pandemic, I dove deep into training about supporting Black mothers and birthing people. That’s when everything crystallized. Did you know Black women are 3-4 times more likely to die in pregnancy or the first year postpartum than white women? That statistic lit a fire in me.
I started Changing Lanes Counseling Services about a year after having my own son. There’s nothing like personal experience to really understand what your clients are going through, right? I wanted to create this safe space where we could work on reducing the impact of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) and be part of the solution to this maternal mortality crisis.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
While I’ve been blessed in many ways, this journey hasn’t always been smooth sailing. Running a private practice comes with its own set of challenges that nobody really prepares you for. Like figuring out how to balance being a clinician with being a business owner – from managing insurance panels to building the right support team while keeping that personal touch my clients need.
There were definitely moments where the stress had me questioning everything. I remember times at previous jobs where I seriously thought about leaving the field completely. But you know what? Those tough moments taught me something crucial about self-care. Not just the bubble bath kind (though those are nice too!), but the real, boundary-setting, saying-no-when-needed kind of self-care.
Being a new mother while running a practice? That was like getting a master class in balance! I had to learn how to be fully present for my clients during sessions while also honoring my role as a mom. It taught me so much about the very things my clients struggle with – mom guilt, setting boundaries, finding support.
I’ve been blessed with amazing mentors along the way who saw potential in me that I sometimes couldn’t see myself. They pushed me to dream bigger, and now I try to pay that forward whenever I can.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My practice is really special to me because it’s built around supporting Black mamas through their entire journey – whether they’re trying to conceive, pregnant, postpartum, or dealing with challenges like infertility or loss. I take an approach that blends narrative therapy with cognitive behavioral techniques, all while keeping it culturally and trauma informed. Beyond individual therapy, I have offered group sessions, workshops, and even consultation for healthcare providers who want to improve their cultural competency.
But what I’m most proud of? Being a Black woman in the perinatal mental health profession. Do you know how powerful it is when a client walks in and doesn’t have to explain certain cultural experiences or code-switch? That’s the space I create – one where Black women can just be. No pretense, no superwoman cape required or expected.
This work is so much bigger than just therapy. It’s about addressing this crisis in maternal health care where Black women aren’t being heard or believed. When I say I aim to reduce the Black maternal mortality rate through recognition, de-stigmatization, treatment, and support – that’s not just a mission statement. That’s personal.
More than anything, I want to be known as someone who creates a space where a person can take off their mask and be as soft as they want to be, without judgment. Mothers get enough of that from the world and frankly, we deserve better!
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
I’m actually an introvert at heart, but I’ve learned that networking doesn’t have to mean working a room like an extrovert. Some of my best connections have come from simply being curious and authentic. I’ve found that asking thoughtful questions opens up amazing conversations.
I’ve been fortunate to have mentors who were supervisors and coworkers who really invested in me, and now I make it a point to do the same for others. Sometimes the best networking happens organically and can bring different perspectives to your work, like having my mom help with certain aspects of the practice, or collaborating with my partner on the business side. These connections often create this beautiful ripple effect, leading to other opportunities and relationships.
My advice? Lead with genuine curiosity, be yourself, and don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone to ask questions. The maternal mental health community, especially, is often so welcoming and collaborative – we’re all working toward the same goal of supporting families and saving lives.
Pricing:
- Consult (15 minutes) – Free
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.changinglanescounseling.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/changinglanescounseling/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChangingLanesCounselingServices
