We recently connected with Linda Ruvalcaba and have shared our conversation below.

Linda, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear about the things you feel your parents did right and how those things have impacted your career and life.

I feel incredibly fortunate to have four loving, supportive parents, each of whom has cheered me on in their own unique way. My stepmom is always the first to engage with my social media content, and I love her enthusiasm. My dad has always believed in me, teaching me the importance of loving what you do for work. My mom has been a constant source of encouragement, always ready to help me study or find creative ways to support my work. Though my stepdad recently passed away, he left me with the confidence to speak up against injustice and take risks. Even when I left a stable job in community mental health to start my own private practice, if they had any doubts, they never voiced them. I’m so grateful for their unconditional love, support, and empowerment. They provided me an emotional safety net that has allowed me to pursue my dreams and goals wholeheartedly.

Linda, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Hi, I’m Linda Ruvalcaba, a bilingual Chicana Therapist, and the founder of Empieza Aquí Counseling, Empieza Aquí Consulting, and Empezando Contigo: Association for Latine Therapists. My journey into this work has been deeply personal and driven by my passion for helping others heal, grow, and thrive. I’ve always believed in the power of connection, cultural understanding, and empowerment. These beliefs have shaped my career and the services I offer.

As a Latina with firsthand experience of the struggles that come with being the only person of color in predominantly white spaces, I understand the weight of systemic racism, internalized oppression, and the emotional labor required to navigate both overt and covert racism in school, work, and society. These lived experiences fuel my passion for serving BIPOC communities, particularly the Latine and LGBTQIA+ communities, and working to empower individuals who are facing the challenges of trauma, grief, anxiety, depression, cancer, life transitions, and the complexities of immigrant and first-gen experiences.

In my therapy practice, Empieza Aquí Counseling, I work one-on-one with individuals who are committed to real change, helping them navigate everything from mental health struggles to life’s inevitable bumps in the road. Whether they are facing personal challenges like trauma, anxiety, or grief, or grappling with the responsibilities of being a community activist, leader, or advocate, my approach is designed to meet clients where they are.

What sets me apart is my commitment to helping clients navigate both the internal and external challenges you face. Whether it’s unpacking the weight of internalized oppression, developing strategies for managing the pressures of leadership, or simply learning to live more mindfully and joyfully, I’m here to provide support every step of the way. I’m especially passionate about working with women, young adults, and members of the Latine and LGBTQIA+ communities—folks who may have been historically underserved or misunderstood in traditional therapy settings.

Through Empieza Aquí Consulting, I guide other therapists, particularly those working with Latine communities, to build their practices with intention. From starting a private practice to understanding cultural nuances in therapy, I provide consultation services that empower professionals to thrive while making a meaningful impact.

I also founded Empezando Contigo: Association for Latine Therapists, a nonprofit professional association supporting Latine mental health professionals through networking, clinical resources, advocacy, and comunidad.

What sets my work apart is my commitment to cultural sensitivity and authenticity. I’m proud of creating safe spaces where clients and colegas feel seen, heard, and supported. At Empieza Aquí, the focus isn’t just on individual healing but also on fostering a sense of belonging and community.

One of the things I’m most proud of is turning a small networking group during the pandemic into a thriving professional association that uplifts Latine therapists. I want potential clients and followers to know that my work is rooted in the values of connection, growth, and empowerment. Whether it’s through one-on-one counseling, consulting with fellow therapists, or building community through Empezando Contigo, my goal is to help others start their journey to healing and success—Empieza Aquí, empieza contigo.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

What has helped me build my reputation within my market is a combination of cultural attunement, authenticity, and community engagement. From the start, I’ve prioritized creating services and resources that genuinely resonate with the lived experiences of my clients and the Latine community as a whole. My ability to connect with others on both a personal and professional level has fostered trust and positive word-of-mouth referrals.

A key factor has been my authenticity—particularly through my public Instagram account, therapy.girl, where I share my own life lessons and coping strategies for navigating life’s challenges. By being open about my experiences, I’ve shown that therapists, too, are human and can relate to the struggles their clients face. This honesty has helped people feel seen, understood, and inspired to seek their own paths to healing.

Consistency has also played a major role. Whether it’s in my counseling work, consultations with fellow therapists, or my leadership in Empezando Contigo, I’ve worked hard to show up authentically and reliably for those I serve. My community knows they can count on me for thoughtful, effective, and culturally sensitive support.

Lastly, my willingness to lead and innovate has helped build my reputation. Organizing networking events for Latine therapists during the pandemic, transitioning those events online, and founding Empezando Contigo reflect my ability to adapt and create value for others. These efforts are rooted in a passion for community-building, which is what resonates most with my market.

Do you think you’d choose a different profession or specialty if you were starting now?

If I could go back, I would absolutely choose the same path that brought me to where I am today, though it might look a little different along the way. In undergrad, I switched majors several times—starting as a business major with dreams of working in the music industry, then pursuing journalism with a focus on photojournalism, before ultimately landing in psychology. I even applied to undergrad as a photography major, and while I wish I had stayed more connected to my creative side, I wouldn’t trade the journey or where it led me.

I love my life, my career, and the incredible community I’ve created as a therapist and leader. These experiences have shown me how each twist and turn played an important role in shaping who I am today. The creative energy I once poured into photography and storytelling now finds a place in my work with clients, whether it’s helping them reframe their narratives or navigate the complexities of their identities.

So, while the road may have looked different if I had stayed connected to the arts, I still would have wanted to end up here—doing work I’m deeply passionate about, surrounded by a community that inspires me every day.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.empiezaaqui.com and www.empezandocontigo.org
• Instagram: @empiezaaquicounseling , @therapy.girl , @empezando.contigo

Image Credits

Yelly Beans Photography
Meredith Comfort