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

Samantha, appreciate you joining us today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

The story of Moon Child Counseling began with my own journey. During my teenage and college years, I was what I like to call a “moon child.” I loaded up my schedule to the brim, constantly juggling responsibilities while trying to achieve a sense of control. When the overwhelm hit, I’d retreat into binge-watching shows or staying up all night, desperately searching for some kind of escape. My friends even nicknamed me “moon child” because I seemed to come alive at night when I’d finally give myself a moment to just breathe.

Over time, I came to realize that being a “moon child” wasn’t a bad thing. It simply meant I needed to learn how to manage stress and find sustainable happiness. This realization planted a seed in me—a desire to create a space where other young people could find the support I wish I had back then. I understood that preteens, teens, and college students face unique challenges, from anxiety and unprocessed experiences to navigating the pressures of today’s world. I wanted to build something that let them know they’re not alone and that thriving is possible.

The logic behind Moon Child Counseling was clear: I saw a need in my community for therapy specifically tailored to adolescents and young adults. Many practices treat clients of all ages, but I wanted to focus deeply on this stage of life. What excited me most was the chance to create a safe, understanding, and empathetic environment where young people could take a deep breath and feel like they truly belong.

What makes Moon Child Counseling unique is our holistic approach. We don’t just treat symptoms; we build connections. We create workshops, groups, and one-on-one sessions that help young people build confidence, process their experiences, and develop the tools they need to handle life’s challenges. Whether it’s a preteen dealing with school anxiety or a college student navigating their identity, we’re here to remind them that they’re understood, supported, and capable of growth.

The most rewarding part is seeing that transformation. When a client comes in overwhelmed and leaves feeling heard, empowered, and ready to take on the world, I know this was the right path. Moon Child Counseling isn’t just a business—it’s a community, and I’m honored to be a part of it.

Samantha, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m Sam, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Supervisor and the founder of Moon Child Counseling, a practice dedicated to helping preteens, teens, and college students navigate life’s challenges. My journey to becoming a therapist is deeply personal and has shaped the work I do today.

Like many of my clients, I’ve faced my own struggles with stress and anxiety. As a teen and young adult, I dealt with somatic symptoms like stomach aches and headaches, often feeling overwhelmed by the weight of expectations. I vividly remember wishing I had someone to guide me through those tough moments—a mentor who truly understood what I was experiencing. That longing eventually grew into a passion for helping others, and it’s what inspired me to create Moon Child Counseling.

At Moon Child Counseling, we focus on providing therapy that meets the unique needs of preteens, teens, and college students. Our services include individual therapy, workshops, and support groups designed to help clients overcome anxiety, process unhealed experiences, and develop the skills they need to thrive. We also empower parents by giving them the tools and understanding to better support their children.

What sets us apart is the relatability and compassion we bring to our work. My personal experiences remind me of how isolating and overwhelming adolescence can feel, and I use that understanding to create a safe, empathetic space for every client. Whether it’s through one-on-one therapy or creative workshops, our goal is to make therapy approachable, supportive, and transformative.

One of the things I’m most proud of is the trust our clients place in us. When a young person walks into our office and takes that first deep breath of relief, knowing they’ve found a place where they’re understood, it’s a powerful moment. We measure success not just by the progress our clients make, but by the confidence, happiness, and self-awareness they carry forward in their lives.

If there’s one thing I want people to know about Moon Child Counseling, it’s that we are here to remind young people that they’re never alone. Therapy isn’t just about addressing struggles—it’s about discovering strengths, finding joy, and building a brighter future. At Moon Child Counseling, we’re honored to walk alongside our clients on their journey to becoming the best version of themselves.

Any advice for managing a team?

My advice for managing a team and maintaining high morale is rooted in transparency, collaboration, and a shared sense of purpose. I lead by fostering an open environment where communication is key, and team members feel supported and heard. I maintain an open-door policy, especially when things get difficult, so my team feels comfortable sharing challenges and seeking guidance. We also have regular check-ins and monthly team meetings where we discuss important team priorities and brainstorm innovative ideas.

When challenges arise, we address them as a team. I understand that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach, and I value the feedback and perspectives of my team. We work together to find the best path forward that aligns with the goals of our practice and the needs of our clients.

One piece of advice I’d offer is to have patience with yourself and your team. Therapy is challenging work that isn’t fully covered in grad school, so there will be moments when you don’t have all the answers. Don’t be discouraged if things don’t go perfectly—take time to learn from those around you, and be open to feedback. It’s your business and your passion, but you’ll learn so much from the people around you. The key is building trust and working together to create a positive and fulfilling environment for everyone.

How did you build your audience on social media?

When I started building my audience on social media, I wanted to make sure that everything I shared felt authentic and relatable to my audience. A big part of that was infusing humor and positivity into my posts—whether it was sharing funny, relatable reels or offering lighthearted yet valuable advice on navigating anxiety, stress, or other challenges our clients face.

In addition to those lighter moments, I also focused on creating educational content that could really help my audience. I shared blog posts, tips, and insights into the work we do at Moon Child Counseling, introducing our therapists, and showing the human side of our practice. It was important for me to not only provide helpful resources but also let people know that therapy is a space where you can laugh, learn, and grow.

One thing that’s been key to growing my audience has been being consistent—whether it’s with positive encouragement or engaging with followers in the comments and DMs. Social media is all about building relationships and being present for your audience, and that’s something I always keep in mind.

For anyone starting to build their social media presence, my advice is to stay true to your voice, post content that feels authentic to you, and don’t be afraid to show your personality. People connect with real, relatable content, so don’t be discouraged if growth feels slow at first. Keep showing up, engage with your community, and keep evolving as you go.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Moonchildcounseling.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moonchildcounseling
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moonchildcounseling
• Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/company/moon-child-counseling

Image Credits

Honeysuckle Photography & Tara Welch Photography