Meet Khiara Mills

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

Hi Khiara, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
At Motivating Minds Mental Health Counseling PLLC, my mission is to create a lasting impact by providing accessible, culturally competent, and affirming mental health care. I specialize in supporting BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ teens and adults who struggle with anxiety, trauma, and life transitions. By offering a safe and nonjudgmental space, I help individuals heal, build resilience, and develop the tools they need to navigate life’s challenges.

Beyond individual therapy, I’m passionate about breaking the stigma surrounding mental health, particularly in marginalized communities. I provide group therapy, workshops, mental health education, and collaborate with schools and organizations to increase awareness and access to quality care. I believe that when individuals heal, they show up as their best selves in their families, relationships, and communities—ultimately creating a ripple effect that leads to a healthier, more emotionally resilient society.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Motivating Minds Mental Health Counseling PLLC is more than just a private practice—it’s a safe space for healing, growth, and transformation. I specialize in working with BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ teens and adults, helping them navigate anxiety, trauma, and life transitions. What sets my practice apart is the emphasis on culturally competent and affirming care. I understand the unique struggles that come with navigating mental health as a person of color or someone from a marginalized community, and I strive to create a space where clients feel truly seen, heard, and validated. Also to note, I am licensed in two states: Texas and Illinois, therefore, I can see anyone that resides in either of those states.

Another aspect that sets my practice apart is that I offer brainspotting, a powerful therapy technique that helps clients access and process deeply rooted trauma. Brainspotting works by identifying specific eye positions that correlate with stored emotional experiences, allowing the brain to heal itself in ways traditional talk therapy may not reach. It is highly effective for trauma, anxiety, and other emotional struggles, helping clients experience relief and breakthrough moments faster.

One of the things I’m most proud of is the impact my work has had on breaking the stigma surrounding mental health, especially within communities where seeking therapy hasn’t always been normalized. Seeing my clients grow in self-awareness, set boundaries, and take control of their lives is what keeps me passionate about this work.

Getting to where I am today was not easy. Leaving the security of a school-based setting to run my practice full-time was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever made. But I knew that my purpose was bigger than my comfort zone. I had to trust that the vision God placed in me was worth the risk. There were times when I doubted myself, times when I wondered if I had made the right choice. But I overcame those challenges by staying committed to the bigger picture, leaning on my faith, and surrounding myself with people who uplifted me.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that growth requires discomfort. If I had stayed where I was comfortable, I wouldn’t have been able to create the impact I have today. I’ve also learned that consistency and persistence matter more than perfection—waiting until everything is “just right” will keep you stagnant.

What I want the world to know about my brand and my story is that this isn’t just a business for me—it’s my purpose. I genuinely care about the people I work with, and my goal is to help them realize their worth, step into their power, and create lives that align with who they truly are. Mental health isn’t just about managing symptoms; it’s about healing, growth, and stepping fully into your best self. That’s what Motivating Minds Mental Health Counseling PLLC is all about.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Honestly, I’m still learning Dallas myself! Even though I’ve been here for a little over two years, my main focus has been growing my practice. My friends are down for whatever. I mainly like to try different food spots, museums, speakeasies, catch a Dallas Wings or Mavericks game and, of course, wellness activities.

There’s so much to do in Dallas, and I’m still discovering all the hidden gems, but one thing’s for sure—we’d eat well, have fun, and make the most of the city’s energy!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First and foremost, I owe everything to God. I would not be who I am or where I am if it weren’t for His favor, mercy, and grace. I’m beyond grateful that He has helped me discover my passion and walk in my purpose. At the end of the day, I’m just a vessel, doing what He has planned for me.

I also have to give credit to my family—my mom, my late Nana and dad. Though my Nana and dad are no longer here, their love, wisdom, and strength continue to guide me every day. Their sacrifices and support shaped me into the person I am, and I carry them with me in everything I do.

A huge shoutout to Steve Harvey’s book Jump—it was a game changer for me. It pushed me to stop procrastinating and take the leap into running my practice full-time. Leaving the school setting wasn’t easy, but I knew my growth was being limited, and more was meant for me. This book gave me the courage to step into that calling.

Music has also played a huge role in keeping me motivated. I’m a big fan of Nipsey Hussle and Lil Wayne—Nipsey’s music kept me inspired, and Wayne kept the beast in me. Their words fueled me through all the highs and lows of this journey.

Podcasts are another part of my daily routine. I listen to Joel Olsteen and Steve Harvey faithfully to keep my spirit right and my mindset strong. They remind me to stay focused, trust God’s timing, and keep pushing forward.

And of course, I can’t forget my two pups (Honey and Ace-my emotional support), close friends, past co-workers, and everyone I’ve networked with along the way. My clients, who trust me to walk alongside them in their journeys, have also been a source of inspiration. Even strangers who have shown support—I appreciate each and every one of you. This journey has been filled with so many people who have poured into me, and I’m beyond grateful.

Website: https://www.motivatingmindscounseling.com

Instagram: @_motivatingmills

Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/khiaramills

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/khiara.mills

Image Credits
Alex J. Martin