Meet Diana Cardona | Founder of Influential Therapy, Licensed Mental Health Counselor & Qualified Supervisor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Diana Cardona and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Diana, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?
In recent years, there has been an increased awareness of the importance of mental health and how early experiences can shape our worldview into adulthood. I believe that everyone deserves access to quality mental health care, regardless of where they live. The idea is to provide a comprehensive and coordinated approach to mental health care. The heart of Influential Therapy derives from the increasing availability of telehealth services, which has made it possible to provide therapy to clients in different states. The American Counseling Association (ACA) Compact Law will soon make it easier for counselors to provide therapy across state lines. This solution will promote and address the shortage of mental health providers in forgotten areas. I may not have the power to change the world, but I can dream of a world where everyone has access to mental health care, regardless of where they live or how much money they have; a world where people can get help right when they need it.

I am also committed to giving back to medical and human service professionals who work so hard to help others. By doing so, Influential Therapy will offer therapists the same benefits that they offer their clients. Therapists and other professionals in the field should have access to therapy even if they are in different states. This is because many therapists are now working in private practice and may not have access to health insurance or other benefits.
Additionally, I believe in paid internships for registered interns in Florida. Normally, interns often have to pay for their own supervision, so why not create a culture that is rewarding to interns and individuals in need of help. Influential Therapy aims to benefit both groups as a whole.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?

Influential Therapy is evolving into a platform that provides mental health services to individuals, consultation services to agencies, and internship opportunities to aspiring therapists. I have many ideas for the future of the business, but they will take time to develop. What sets Influential Therapy apart from other platforms is its culture where it is based on ethics, passion, and advocacy. We are not focused on being the biggest business, but rather on making a positive impact in the community. We hire therapists who are passionate about their work and who share our values.
I am most proud of myself for taking the leap and starting this business. I believe in the power of therapy, and I want to make it accessible to everyone. I am also proud of the work that we are doing to support agencies and interns.
Starting any business is hard work. It requires long hours and a lot of dedication. There are many challenges along the way, but I am determined to overcome them through mindset, setting intentions, and consistency. A few important lessons include not giving up, no matter how difficult things get, surround yourself with positive people who believe in you. These people will help you to stay motivated and to achieve your goals.
To anyone reading this who is struggling, I want you to know that you are not alone. Everyone struggles at some point in their lives. But it is important to remember things can get better. There is always hope, and a solution, even if it is not the one, we want to hear. Never give up on yourself.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were to visit me for a week, we would probably spend most of our time at home, talking non-stop, ordering food, and having a glass of wine. But I would also take her to my favorite pizzeria, Jawbrewski, which I’m convinced makes the best pizza in the world (I’m convinced makes the best pizza!). It’s a hidden gem in Loxahatchee, FL, and we would probably have a drink there after our meal because we would be too full to go anywhere else. During the day, we would start our day with a workout or yoga class, just like we used to do before life got in the way. Then, we would head to the beach to relax and enjoy the sunshine.

I find the most interesting people to be those who are fully present and enjoy the company of others. It’s not about their location, status, or expectations. It’s about their ability to connect with others on a genuine level.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I am grateful to Dr. Jeremy Petit, a professor of psychology at Florida International University, for inspiring me to work with individuals with severe mental health disorders. His interest in research studies specific to depression, anxiety, and suicidal behaviors was a driving force in my decision to pursue a degree and career in mental health. He was one of the first people in my academics to believe in me as an intern and in my future. I am also grateful to my partner, Yadalla, for his unconditional support. He continues to be there for me, even when I have made decisions that have been risky or uncertain. He has never judged me or made me feel like I was not good enough. And of course, I would not be the person I am today without the love and strength of my parents. They have always been there for me, no matter what. Through them I learned the importance of hard work, perseverance, and resiliency. I am so grateful for their love and support.

Website: https://influential-therapy.clientsecure.me/

Instagram: InfluentialTherapy_

Other: contact@influentialtherapy.com

Image Credits
Diana Cardona, LMHC Founder of Influential Therapy Qualified Supervisor for Mental Health Counselor Interns Influential Therapy Our purpose is to provide support, healing, and understanding to adults who are struggling with a variety of mental health challenges. We believe that everyone deserves to live a happy and fulfilling life, and we are committed to helping our clients achieve their goals.