We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Lauren Greene a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Lauren thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Looking back on your career, have you ever worked with a great leader or boss? We’d love to hear about the experience and what you think made them such a great leader.

Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to experience amazing leadership. One person who stands out is my former supervisor, Anna Smith. Anna was generous, relatable, and incredibly down-to-earth. In 2018, my cat Jasper faced serious health issues that ultimately led to his passing. Knowing that Anna was also a pet lover, I shared what I was going through. When she learned about the significant veterinarian bills I had to cover, she gave me a small monetary gift to help with the expenses. I found this gesture to be both thoughtful and incredibly kind. For me, Anna modeled what good leadership looks like—combining empathy, generosity, and a genuine care for others.

Lauren , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Mentally Whole Counseling is virtual private practice that provides mental health services for African American women and teens. Our purpose is to assist and guide clients in their healing and personal growth journey. Our mission is to equip women and teens with the tools to break free from anxiety and depression and empower themselves by reshaping their thoughts and embrace change. What sets our practice apart is that we infuse humor and allow you to be your authentic self while in session. I encourage my clients to be themselves without wearing a mask. Currently, we offer individual therapy, family therapy & support groups. Mentally Whole Counseling also accepts insurance for services. We currently accept Maryland Medicaid, Carefirst, Cigna and United Healthcare for therapy services.

Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?

One key to success in my field is maintaining a consistent self-care routine. I often remind my clients, family, and friends that you can’t pour from an empty cup. If I’m not well, I can’t effectively serve others. To prioritize my well-being, I’ve established a daily morning routine that includes prayer and reading my Bible. I also schedule monthly or bimonthly check-ins with my friend groups and family to stay connected and grounded.

In addition, I plan solo dates to focus on my hobbies and interests, giving myself the time and space to recharge. Being active in my church community also plays a vital role in nurturing my spiritual and emotional health. I’m intentional about engaging in activities that replenish my energy and fill my cup, ensuring I can show up as my best self for others.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

I had to unlearn the belief that “I can do everything on my own.” By the end of 2023, I reached a point in my business where I was managing everything—billing, scheduling, and handling insurance issues—all by myself. It became clear that this approach was unsustainable, and I had to have an honest conversation with myself about how I wanted to run my business moving forward.

Determined to make a change, I began researching virtual assistants who specialize in supporting mental health practices. By the end of December 2023, I had the opportunity to interview three virtual assistants. That experience taught me an invaluable lesson: it’s okay to ask for help when I need it. Delegating tasks not only lightened my workload but also allowed me to focus on what I do best—serving my clients.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mentallywholecounseling.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mentallywholecounseling_
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mentallywholecounseling