Hi Kiara, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?
This is such an amazing question! As so many individuals struggle with this today. I actually recently did a speaking engagement for AWS where I addressed this topic.
I am a firm believer in knowing and believing what you bring to the table despite being the only one. I have always seen being the only one in the room as an advantage. Because I am the only one, I bring a different perspective, different ideas and thoughts. I hone in what I know, the skills I have acquired that qualifies me to be sitting in that room and also my experience. I keep an open-mind and bring my full self authentically. Many may ask, what do you mean? Well, I bring my silly, talkative, empathetic, compassionate, and assertive self to those rooms.
Early on in my career, I learned that many people doubted me because I looked really young. This was always a barrier for me. So, I was working against something I really had no control over. Because of this, I had to develop the character of a person that would be respected. For me, it took me showing them my work ethic, my dedication to the role, and my ambition to support and work as a team to reach the agency’s goals. Despite the frustrations experienced as a result of many times being passively judged for looking younger than 99% of those in my role, I am so grateful that was my experience as it forced me to look within to find my inner strength and increase my self-esteem which in turn allowed me to comfortably show up in spaces where I was the only one.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Sure! My name is Kiara Luna and I am a Transformational Speaker, Author, Licensed Therapist and the owner of Knew You Psychotherapy, a fully virtual private practice in NYS.
Last year, we expanded our practice and added eight more therapists! It was a busy year finding the right fit and my dream team! I am most excited about the fact that we are ready to take on new clients and couples to support them in their healing journey. This really excites me because it has always been my dream to serve as many people as I can and knowing that I am now not only serving clients but also supporting therapists in their journey, it is priceless to me.
At Knew You Psychotherapy, we specialize in transformative psychotherapy through addressing childhood trauma. We take pride in offering a sanctuary for mental well-being and personal growth. Our mission is to empower individuals on their journey to mental health and resilience through personalized psychotherapy.
What sets us apart is our commitment to a tailored approach and working with our clients where they are at, including financially. We offer sliding scales to support our clients to still get the quality of services they deserve. Our team of mental health therapists collaborate closely with clients to understand their unique needs to ensure a personalized and effective therapeutic experience. We embrace a holistic perspective, we address mental, emotional, and relational aspects to foster comprehensive healing. At KYP, we prioritize the client’s comfort and progress. We’ve cultivated a warm, non-judgmental space where clients can explore, reflect, and evolve.
As I write this, I cannot help but smile because I always dreamed of having my own business, I just never thought my business would be doing the thing I am most passionate about addressing; mental health and emotional wellbeing. I am so grateful and blessed to have this opportunity to help and support.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Great question! The three most important skills that have contributed to my success are the following; Empathy, leadership skills, and communication.
Empathy has been a cornerstone of my success, it has enabled me to understand and connect with others on a very profound level. This skill has involved actively putting myself in others’ shoes, recognizing and sharing their feelings. By fostering a culture of empathy, I’ve built strong, positive relationships in both personal and professional realms. Additionally, empathy plays a pivotal role in conflict resolution, as it allows me to see different perspectives, facilitating open communication and finding mutually agreeable solutions.
My journey to success has been also shaped significantly by honing my leadership skills. The ability to make informed decisions decisively has been crucial as it has guided me through many challenges. Beyond decision-making, effective leadership involves inspiring and motivating teams. I take pride in setting a positive example, providing guidance, and recognizing my team’s achievements. This has allowed me to cultivate a culture of inspiration and continuous improvement in my company. Adaptability is another key facet of leadership that has allowed me to navigate changes confidently and guide others through transitions.
Clear and effective communication has been vital in my accomplishments. The ability to articulate ideas with clarity ensures that everyone involved understands their roles, responsibilities, and the goals that have been set. Collaboration is enhanced through transparent communication, whether working within a team or providing leadership. Moreover, communication is a powerful tool in conflict resolution. By fostering an environment where individuals feel comfortable expressing their thoughts, misunderstandings can be addressed, and resolutions can be reached amicably. In essence, these communication skills have been integral to creating a cohesive and successful personal and professional environment as well as clear boundaries.
For those embarking on the early stages of their journey my advice is to learn how to cultivate empathy, actively listen to others, seek diverse experiences, and engage in empathy-building exercises. It is also very important to work on leadership skills, take initiative in small roles, learn from mentors, and embrace continuous learning through workshops and literature. In terms of communication, welcome feedback to refine your style, and pay attention to non-verbal cues. Embrace challenges, build a strong support network, and reflect on experiences, both successful and challenging, to help you increase self-awareness. This is not only going to help you professionally but also personally. Patience, Persistence, and a commitment to learning will for sure pave the way for your success on this journey.
What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?
My biggest area of growth these past 12 months has been my spirituality. This last year, I made a conscious effort to strengthen my relationship with God. I have always been a believer but like many never really consciously engaged with him and his word.
I am currently so in love with God, so in love with Jesus. Having a deeper understanding of God’s character has allowed me to connect with myself at a much deeper level but also has allowed me to let go of what I know I cannot control easier because I know God got me. Growing in my spirituality has allowed me to feel an increased inner peace and live in a more state of gratitude.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://knewyoupsychotherapy.com/
- Instagram: mrskiaraluna & knewyoupsychotherapy
