Today we’d like to introduce you to Lakenya Humphrey.
Hi Lakenya , so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I did not know exactly what I wanted to be when I grew up, so I began in education. Education is a field that is deeply rooted in my family, and allowed me to serve, guide, and support others in tangible ways. That work mattered to me. But over time, I realized I was being called toward something that allowed for deeper connection and emotional healing.
Long before therapy became widely accepted, I was a client myself. As a trauma survivor, therapy changed my life. It gave me a space that felt safe, non-biased, non-judgmental, and deeply affirming. That experience stayed with me as I moved through different roles, and eventually chose the path that felt most aligned.
I founded Start Anew Counseling, LLC because I wanted people to know that it’s never too late to create a new beginning, even if that means starting, stopping, and starting again after multiple times. Today, there is often so much pressure that one is supposed to have everything figured out. People often treat life as a checklist of “to do” items, rather than as lived experiences. The practice grew organically, and now centers on serving individuals who are often high-functioning on the outside, but carrying unseen emotional weight.
Today, Start Anew Counseling is a trauma-informed practice and platform for healing and growth. It is rooted in the belief that transformation doesn’t require a perfect timeline, just the willingness to begin again.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Oh, not at all! Building this practice has not been a completely smooth road, but that’s been one of the greatest teachers. In the early stages, I didn’t have a clearly defined niche, so I started as a generalist. I saw little children, teenagers, and adults. I genuinely wanted to help as many people as possible, but I quickly learned that trying to meet too many needs at once was exhausting and unsustainable. Spreading myself thin didn’t serve my clients or practice at the level I wanted.
Another challenge I faced was that I did not have ANY knowledge of entrepreneurship. I had to learn the business side of practice ownership in real time, and that came with costly lessons. I lost and invested money where knowledge was missing. While some of those decisions were difficult, they were also formative.
Now, I’m in a season of refinement. I am clarifying who I serve, strengthening systems, and learning to delegate. This practice is my baby, but I’ve realized that doing everything myself limits growth. Letting go of control has been just as important as building my clinical skills, and it’s allowing the work to expand in healthier, more sustainable ways.
As you know, we’re big fans of Start Anew Counseling, LLC. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
I am a licensed clinical social worker, speaker, and the founder of Start Anew Counseling, a trauma-informed mental wellness practice based in Cordova, Tennessee. I am licensed in both Tennessee and Arkansas, and see clients both via telehealth and in-person (Tennessee). My client base consists of a diverse group of high achieving professionals navigating anxiety, self-doubt, imposter syndrome, burnout, life transitions, and/or relationship challenges. They are often individuals who appear composed externally but feel disconnected internally.
My work integrates trauma-informed care, strength-based strategies, and identity-centered healing, with a strong focus on nervous-system regulation and radical self-compassion. While individual therapy is the foundation of my practice, I am intentionally building toward expanded offerings, including group experiences, workshops, and future programs like Regulated Style. This is a program that will explore how system regulation, embodiment, and self-expression support confidence, authenticity, and self-trust. I take a lot of pride in my appearance. I become more motivated to strive for my goals and work harder when I look and feel good. It doesn’t take a lot of time for me to get dressed as people may suspect, but I had to put in work on the front end to gather a system that aligns with my mood, style of dress, etc. It goes beyond referring to a basic capsule wardrobe on the Internet and generic advice on the Internet. I’m excited to unveil this project, so look for details soon to come. At its core, Start Anew Counseling, LLC exists to remind people that healing is not linear, and that it’s never too late to begin again.
I am a proud University of Memphis tiger, a graduate of the Goldman Sachs: One Million Black Women in Business Program, a member of The National Association of Social Workers, and a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is to stay committed to myself, even in moments of doubt. There were times when things felt uncertain, and I’ve questioned, “What am I doing?” I had to develop the audacity to keep going anyway, tune out the naysayers and doubters, lean into my vision, claim space, and trust myself…. before there was proof. That decision is changing everything.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.startanewcounseling.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startanew_counseling
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/startanewcounseling
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lakenya-humphrey-8b542388/
