Diana Hughes shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Good morning Diana , it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
My husband and I have been taking dance lessons (salsa, bachata, merengue) for about 2.5 years now and we are getting ready to participate in our dance studio’s showcase. I’m so excited to perform and have fun as it feels like often times these experiences are just for kids. I also love engaging in learning and challenges outside of work and sharing that with my husband.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Diana Hughes, a mental health therapist based in the Kansas City area. I work with adolescents and adults who are seeking healing from trauma, mood disorders, and life-threatening behaviors. Since opening my own practice, I’ve been intentional about reaching a diverse population—particularly the Latino community—while also promoting cultural awareness within the mental health field. Over the past year, I’ve devoted significant time to creating The Cultural Values Card Deck and its accompanying worksheets, designed to help therapists working with diverse clients explore cultural values and support biculturalism.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
I want to say that a family member, mentor, or friend has most shaped how I see myself. But if I’m being honest, the relationships that have impacted me the most are with people I can’t talk about—people who will never meet those closest to me. The therapeutic relationships I’ve had, and continue to have, with my clients have pushed me to recognize parts of myself I might never have otherwise seen or acknowledged.
My job is to listen, to help people heal, and to provide a safe, judgment-free space for everyone—not just for those who share my values or worldview. Being a therapist has shown me that I can care for, enjoy, and learn from people who are vastly different from me in countless ways. This work has broadened my perspective and deepened my appreciation for the diverse ways people live their lives.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
When it comes to suffering, I can’t say I’ve experienced much beyond the typical losses, challenges, and disappointments of life. What I have experienced, however, are the fluctuations of what many consider markers of success—income, homes, jobs, titles, and setbacks. Looking back, I can say with certainty that none of these factors ever truly impacted the quality of my relationships, my marriage, or my overall life. Through those experiences, I’ve learned that jobs, money, and possessions come and go, but as long as I live in alignment with my values, my happiness remains steady.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
I love talking about cultural values! It’s difficult for me to identify just one, as I’ve chosen to retain many from the Mexican culture. But if I had to highlight a single value, it would be the importance placed on family—both nuclear and extended. Living in a society that emphasizes boundaries, independence, and individual success, I’ve had to be very intentional about making choices that strengthen and preserve my family connections. For me, this includes prioritizing time with loved ones, navigating difficult moments and relationships, and teaching my children how to do the same.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. If you retired tomorrow, what would your customers miss most?
One unique element I bring into my therapy sessions is the use of Mexican dichos—sayings or proverbs that carry wisdom and life lessons. They are different from analogies or metaphors, and I often share them first in Spanish before offering an explanation in English. Several clients have told me they value hearing a perspective that feels fresh and culturally grounded, and they appreciate the authenticity I bring to sessions when I share this part of myself.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.dianahughescounselingmo.com
- Instagram: dianahughescounseling
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diana-hughes-lpc-ncc-a98993ba/
- Other: https://www.dianahughescounselingmo.com/store
