Today we’d like to introduce you to Samantha Davila
Hi Samantha, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Helping others has always been a core part of who I am, especially when it comes to supporting adolescents and guiding people through life’s stages. My journey truly began with my family—I’m the middle child of five siblings. Growing up in a large household taught me the importance of showing up for one another and fostering a sense of community, values that continue to shape my work today.
Initially, I envisioned a career in law enforcement and pursued a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and Criminology. However, during college, my internships in human trafficking, domestic violence, and child abuse opened my eyes to the broader ways I could make an impact. I realized I wanted to play a more active role in helping individuals and families heal and thrive.
After earning my Master’s in Social Work, I returned to my home state of Connecticut and began my career working in an in-home program with at-risk youth. That experience deepened my understanding of the complexities of family dynamics and the unique challenges adolescents face. Over time, my work in diverse treatment settings—hospitals, outpatient services, and in-home care—reinforced that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to care. These insights inspired me to create a practice designed to be a safe and welcoming space where clients feel seen, supported, and understood.
Moon Child Counseling was born out of my personal experiences as a teen and college student navigating anxiety, burnout, and the physical symptoms that often accompany them. I vividly remember struggling with unexplained stomach issues and overthinking everything. Today, I often tell my clients, “Trust me, this will all make sense,” because I’ve been in their shoes.
During my college years, I was constantly in “go mode”—juggling a full course load, striving to excel, and staying up far later than I should have. It became so common that my friends started calling me one with the moon, a true “Moon Child. That nickname has become something I now hold dear and represents the foundation of the practice I’ve built—a place for all the moon children out there.
Whether clients are dealing with physical symptoms they can’t explain, battling overthinking tendencies, or feeling stuck in unhelpful patterns, my goal is to create a space where they know they belong. Moon Child Counseling is about fostering hope, building connections, and empowering real change for those ready to find clarity and move forward.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Owning a private practice comes with its fair share of ups and downs, and there are many aspects of the journey that grad school simply doesn’t prepare you for. While you learn clinical skills, running the business side of things is a completely different challenge to navigate—and often, you’re doing it on your own.
Even now, I still face challenges and know there will always be new learning opportunities as I continue this journey. What helps me is embracing the mindset of being okay with not knowing everything and staying open to learning. I approach my business with the same curiosity I bring to my work with clients—acknowledging that I don’t have all the answers and leaning into the process of discovery. Just as my clients are the experts in their own lives, I see my role as one of continuous learning and growth, always adapting to meet current needs.
We’ve been impressed with Moon Child Counseling, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Moon Child Counseling is a practice dedicated to preteens, teens, and college students seeking a safe, supportive space to navigate life’s challenges. We’re known for our relatable, empathetic approach—coming from a place of “we get it.” Many of us on the team have been in similar places to our clients: the shy kid, the awkward one, or even someone with plenty of friends but still feeling misunderstood. These experiences shape our work and fuel our dedication to showing up authentically for our clients.
What sets us apart is our ability to balance serious, meaningful therapy with creativity and fun. We understand that the needs of younger generations are ever-evolving, and we adapt by offering innovative, engaging services that truly resonate with them.
I’m incredibly proud of our team’s growth and the supportive, uplifting environment we’ve cultivated—not just for our clients, but for ourselves as well. We’ve created something truly special, where every team member feels valued, encouraged, and inspired in their work.
Our current offerings include individual therapy, group therapy, and unique workshops designed to meet the needs of our dynamic client base. We’re passionate about helping the younger generations feel seen, understood, and empowered to move forward in their lives with confidence.
What does success mean to you?
Success looks different for everyone. For me, it’s about living the life you truly want—one that aligns with your values and brings you joy. I believe success is fluid; it doesn’t have to remain tied to a single vision just because that’s what you wanted at one point.
In both my career and personal life, I define success as finding genuine happiness each day—through the work I do and the people I share my life with. It’s about letting go of the pressure to meet excessive expectations and finding fulfillment in the little things.
On a daily basis, success often means coming home, spending time with my fiancé and our pups, Archie and Lady, and feeling a deep sense of gratitude in those simple, meaningful moments.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Moonchildcounseling.com
- Instagram: @moonchildcounseling
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moonchildcounseling
Image Credits
Honeysuckle Photography & Tara Welch Photography
