We recently connected with Kiara Luna and have shared our conversation below.
Kiara, appreciate you joining us today. How did you get your first job in the field that you practice in today?
It was my final year of undergrad, and I was navigating the uncertain waters of what life would look like after graduation. During this time, I was completing an internship, guided by a supervisor whose wisdom and encouragement had a profound impact on me. One day, she mentioned an opening at a substance abuse program and encouraged me to apply. Despite my initial hesitation about whether I was ready, I followed her advice and took the leap.
The interview was nerve-wracking. I first met with one of the owners in Brooklyn, who immediately saw potential in me. They were enthusiastic about my application and believed I could excel in the role despite my lack of experience. However, I then had to travel to Manhattan to meet the other owner, who was much more skeptical. They expressed concerns about whether I could truly handle the complexity of the role given my limited background. It felt like a daunting challenge to prove myself, but the first owner’s belief in me ultimately tipped the scales. Against the odds, I was offered the job.
At just 19 years old, stepping into this position was both exhilarating and overwhelming. I was young and eager, filled with dreams of making a real impact. I had also recently become a mother, which added another layer of complexity and motivation to my journey. I started my internship with the Department of Investigations (DOI) when my baby was just three months old, and by the time I began working in this role, he was six months old. Balancing the demands of a new job with the responsibilities of motherhood was a challenge unlike any I had faced before, but it also gave me an even deeper sense of purpose.
The work was intense, as I supported individuals grappling with substance use, mental health challenges, homelessness, and more. Each day brought new layers of complexity and heartache. I often felt the weight of the world on my shoulders, balancing my desire to help with the emotional toll the work demanded.
There were days I had to pause and check in with myself, reflecting on the immense responsibility I had taken on. I learned the importance of self-care and setting boundaries. These lessons became crucial tools that not only kept me grounded but also shaped the clinician and leader I would become. The environment was often chaotic, requiring me to think on my feet and adapt quickly. I grew up in that role—not just professionally but personally.
Looking back, I’m deeply grateful for that experience. It was a baptism by fire, but it taught me resilience, empathy, and the art of truly listening. It equipped me with a toolkit I still rely on today, whether I’m leading a team, working with clients, or mentoring others entering the field. While it was undoubtedly one of the most challenging chapters of my life, it set the foundation for everything I’ve achieved since.
At the time, my aspirations were simple: to help people, to make a difference, to find my place in a field I was so passionate about. What I didn’t realize then was how that first job would ignite a lifelong mission. The challenges, the triumphs, and even the doubts all played a part in shaping the path I’m on today. I’ll always be thankful to the owner who believed in me, to my supervisor who saw my potential, and to the younger version of myself who took that first, brave step into the unknown.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
My name is Kiara Luna, and I am the CEO and founder of Knew You Psychotherapy (KYP), a thriving mental health practice dedicated to helping individuals and couples heal, grow, and transform their lives. My journey into the field of mental health began at a young age, driven by a deep desire to understand human behavior and support others in overcoming life’s challenges. From my first job in a substance abuse program to building a multi-six-figure private practice, my experiences have shaped both my professional and personal life in profound ways.
KYP specializes in addressing childhood trauma, helping clients navigate the emotional scars left by their past and empowering them to create fulfilling lives. We offer a range of services, including individual therapy, couples therapy, and group therapy, all grounded in a holistic approach that integrates the mind, body, and soul. For couples, we focus on enhancing emotional connection and communication, rediscovering intimacy, and resolving conflicts with empathy and understanding. Our therapeutic techniques, such as the Gottman Method and mindfulness practices, provide clients with the tools they need to build healthier relationships and achieve personal growth.
What sets KYP apart is our authenticity and commitment to creating a safe, welcoming space for healing. We prioritize making clients feel seen, heard, and understood, and our team of skilled therapists shares my dedication to empowering individuals to live unapologetically and embrace their truth. We’ve built a brand that is approachable yet professional, blending warmth with expertise to support our clients through their journeys.
I am most proud of the impact KYP has had on our clients and the community. From helping individuals break free from generational trauma to guiding couples toward deeper connection and understanding, our work changes lives. We’ve recently reached the milestone of serving 100 clients and continue to grow our reach and influence. Personally, I’m honored to have been featured in publications like Fatherly, Psych Central, and Bustle, and to share my expertise through speaking engagements, workshops, and my best selling book, “Becoming a Knew You.”
At KYP, we believe in the transformative power within everyone. Whether you’re seeking support to heal from past trauma, improve your relationships, or simply find clarity and purpose, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Our mission is to make mental health care accessible, impactful, and meaningful, and to help our clients achieve lives filled with joy, balance, and fulfillment. This is not just a business for me—it’s my purpose, and I’m deeply committed to pushing forward the conversation around mental health and breaking barriers in our communities.
How do you keep your team’s morale high?
I really love this question! Managing a team and maintaining high morale is a dynamic process that requires intentionality, empathy, and adaptability. Over the years, I’ve learned a few core principles that have helped me foster a positive, productive environment within my practice, Knew You Psychotherapy (KYP):
Lead with Empathy: As a leader, understanding and valuing your team members’ perspectives is crucial. Taking the time to listen, validate their feelings, and address their concerns fosters trust and respect. Empathy goes a long way in building a supportive culture where everyone feels valued.
Communicate Clearly and Consistently: Open and transparent communication is the foundation of any successful team. Ensure that team members understand their roles, responsibilities, and how they contribute to the overall mission. Regular check-ins and team meetings can help keep everyone aligned and provide a space to share updates or address challenges.
Recognize and Celebrate Achievements: Acknowledging both big and small wins boosts morale and motivates the team to continue striving for excellence. Whether it’s a shout-out during a meeting, a handwritten note, or a team celebration, showing appreciation goes a long way.
Invest in Professional Growth: Providing opportunities for training, development, and mentorship demonstrates that you care about your team’s long-term success. Encouraging growth not only benefits individual team members but also strengthens the overall team dynamic.
Foster a Collaborative Environment: Encourage teamwork and mutual support by creating opportunities for collaboration. When team members feel they are working toward a shared goal and can rely on each other, it enhances camaraderie and morale.
Promote Work-Life Balance: Burnout is a real concern in any field, especially in mental health. Prioritizing work-life balance through flexible schedules, mental health days, and open discussions about self-care sets the tone for a healthier, happier team.
Be Accessible and Approachable: Leadership isn’t about being distant or unapproachable. By maintaining an open-door policy and being willing to have honest, supportive conversations, you create an environment where team members feel comfortable sharing feedback or seeking guidance.
Model the Behavior You Want to See: As a leader, your actions set the tone for the team. Demonstrating professionalism, integrity, and a positive attitude inspires others to follow suit.
Address Issues Promptly and Fairly: Ignoring conflicts or challenges can erode trust and morale. Approach issues with fairness and transparency, ensuring that all parties feel heard and that solutions are aligned with the team’s values.
Keep the Mission Front and Center: Remind your team of the shared mission and values that brought them together. When everyone feels connected to a larger purpose, it creates a sense of pride and motivation to contribute their best efforts.
Maintaining high morale is an ongoing process that evolves with your team’s needs. By fostering a culture of respect, growth, and support, you create an environment where team members feel empowered to thrive and make meaningful contributions.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
Shifting from being a therapist to becoming the CEO of Knew You Psychotherapy (KYP) was one of the most transformative journeys of my career. It required not just a change in responsibilities, but a fundamental shift in mindset. One significant lesson I had to unlearn was the belief that I had to handle everything on my own in order to ensure the success of my practice.
As a therapist, I was used to being the primary point of contact, managing every client interaction and handling most decisions directly. When I transitioned into the CEO role, I initially carried that same approach with me, thinking I needed to be involved in every aspect of the practice. However, as the practice grew, it became increasingly clear that this mindset was unsustainable. I was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of tasks, from administrative duties to supporting my team and managing client concerns.
The turning point came when I realized that trying to do everything myself was not only impacting my well-being but also limiting the potential growth of KYP. I recognized that I needed help to effectively lead and scale the practice. This realization led me to take a bold step: I hired an administrative assistant to take over the operational tasks that were consuming so much of my time. This decision allowed me to focus on strategic leadership and client care, rather than getting bogged down in the day-to-day details.
In addition to hiring an admin, I decided to promote two therapists on my team to supervisory roles. This was a pivotal moment for the practice because it not only relieved me of some responsibilities but also empowered these therapists to step into leadership positions. By delegating supervisory duties, I was able to foster a sense of collaboration and trust within the team. It also created opportunities for professional growth, which further strengthened our practice.
Unlearning the belief that asking for help was a sign of weakness was a challenging but necessary process. I came to understand that seeking support and delegating responsibilities are essential aspects of effective leadership. By building a strong support system within KYP, I’ve been able to focus on the bigger picture: guiding the practice toward long-term success and ensuring that our clients receive the highest quality care.
The lesson I carry forward is this: Leadership isn’t about doing everything yourself; it’s about recognizing when you need help and having the courage to seek it. By hiring an admin and promoting team members to leadership roles, I’ve not only lightened my own workload but also created a thriving environment where everyone can contribute to our shared mission.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://knewyoupsychotherapy.com
- Instagram: knewyousychotherapy
- Facebook: knewyousychotherapy
- Linkedin: knewyousychotherapy
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@KnewYouPsychotherapy
