Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ivon Herrera. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Ivon, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about how you went about setting up your own practice and if you have any advice for professionals who might be considering starting their own?
Starting my practice, Fuego Therapy Counseling Services PLLC, was a journey fueled by a clear vision: creating a space where immigrants and children of immigrants could find support, healing, and empowerment. From the beginning, I focused on clarifying my purpose and defining my niche. As a bilingual therapist passionate about cultural identity and trauma, I knew my work would center on helping individuals navigate complex cultural dynamics while addressing their mental health needs. With this foundation, I began taking the first steps toward establishing my practice.
The initial phase involved setting up the legal and logistical framework. I registered Fuego Therapy Counseling Services PLLC as a business, ensured compliance with state regulations, and secured professional liability insurance. Finding the right office in Arlington, Texas, was equally critical. I wanted a space that felt welcoming, culturally sensitive, and accessible—a haven where clients could feel safe. Alongside this, I worked on creating a brand that reflected my mission. The name “Fuego,” was a choice made as a tribute to my bilingual abilities. I wanted a word that both Spanish and English speakers could say and understand the meaning of the word.
Despite this progress, challenges were inevitable. Balancing the financial demands of starting a private practice while managing the time-intensive roles of therapist, marketer, and administrator was daunting. The learning curve was steep, and self-doubt often surfaced. Trusting in my abilities and staying focused on my vision helped me push through these moments. Over time, I learned to juggle responsibilities more efficiently and developed systems that made running the practice more sustainable.
Looking back, one thing I would have done differently is building a support team sooner. Trying to manage everything on my own slowed down my progress and added unnecessary stress. Having a virtual assistant or a business coach in the early stages would have made a significant difference in easing the workload and accelerating growth. Still, every challenge taught me something valuable, and those lessons have strengthened both my business and the care I provide to clients.
For anyone considering starting their own practice, I encourage you to begin with a clear purpose. Define who you want to serve and why, and let that guide your decisions. Seek mentorship from those who have walked this path, and don’t hesitate to start small—your initial setup doesn’t have to be perfect. Focus on delivering excellent care, and the rest will follow. Most importantly, prioritize self-care; running a practice can be all-consuming, but your well-being is essential for sustainable success.
Establishing Fuego Therapy Counseling Services PLLC has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. It has allowed me to align my passion with my work while serving a community I deeply care about. For young professionals considering this journey, take the leap—challenges will arise, but so will opportunities for growth and fulfillment.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
My journey into the counseling profession began shortly after I graduated from college. My first job introduced me to a colleague who was a counselor, and through conversations with him, I learned about the profound impact this profession can have on individuals’ lives. His passion for the field sparked my curiosity and inspired me to research more about counseling. Before long, I found myself applying to graduate school, eager to make a difference in people’s lives through this meaningful work.
During my time in graduate school, I began reflecting on the need for culturally relevant mental health services, particularly for Spanish-speaking individuals. As a bilingual speaker and the child of immigrants, I recognized how often the immigrant community is underserved in mental health care due to language barriers and cultural stigmas. This realization motivated me to ensure that I could provide counseling services in Spanish. I was intentional in seeking employment opportunities where I could serve Spanish-speaking clients, helping them navigate their mental health concerns in a culturally sensitive and accessible way.
As my career progressed, my passion for working with the immigrant community deepened. Growing up as the child of immigrants gave me a firsthand understanding of the unique challenges faced by individuals and families navigating cultural, linguistic, and systemic hurdles. This connection fuels my work today at Fuego Therapy, where I specialize in helping immigrants and children of immigrants address issues such as anxiety, depression, family conflict, life transitions, and trauma.
What sets my practice apart is its focus on making therapy not only accessible but also culturally attuned. I offer services in English, Spanish, or Spanglish, tailoring my approach to meet clients where they are most comfortable. I also use a Solution-Focused Brief Therapy approach, which emphasizes identifying strengths and collaboratively building solutions. My goal is to empower clients to overcome challenges and achieve their goals, all while honoring their cultural identity and lived experiences.
I am most proud of creating a space where clients feel seen and understood. At Fuego Therapy, clients are not just receiving mental health care—they are connecting with someone who deeply understands the complexities of their experiences. Whether it’s helping adult children who experienced parentification, mothers adjusting to their evolving roles, or individuals processing trauma, my work is driven by a commitment to uplift and empower.
For potential clients and followers, I want them to know that Fuego Therapy Counseling Services PLLC is more than a practice; it’s a space of transformation, warmth, and understanding. My work is rooted in my personal journey and passion for giving back to a community that shaped me. Whether you’re navigating cultural transitions, processing trauma, or seeking personal growth, you are not alone—and together, we can build a path toward healing and fulfillment.
Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?
Other than knowledge and training, I believe the most helpful quality for succeeding in the mental health field is genuine empathy—the ability to truly connect with and understand others’ experiences without judgment. This profession requires creating a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients feel heard and supported, and empathy is the foundation of that connection. It allows therapists to build trust and foster meaningful therapeutic relationships, which are essential for effective healing and growth.
Another critical factor is cultural humility—the openness to learn from clients’ diverse experiences and the willingness to reflect on our own biases and assumptions. This is especially important in working with immigrant and minority communities, where understanding cultural nuances can make the difference between feeling misunderstood and feeling deeply validated. Flexibility and adaptability are also crucial. Every client is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. The ability to adjust approaches and meet clients where they are, emotionally and mentally, is key to supporting their progress.
Lastly, maintaining a strong sense of self-care and boundaries is essential. This work can be emotionally demanding, and therapists must ensure their mental and emotional well-being to effectively support others. Taking care of oneself is a professional responsibility and a model for the clients we serve, showing that prioritizing mental health is a vital part of life. Combining these qualities with knowledge and training helps create a well-rounded, compassionate, and effective therapist who can truly make a difference in clients’ lives.
Do you think you’d choose a different profession or specialty if you were starting now?
If I could go back, I might not have chosen the same profession I have now. While I find my work as a mental health professional incredibly fulfilling, I’ve always had a deep love for traveling and exploring other cultures. I could see myself thriving in the travel industry—perhaps as a travel writer, sharing tips for hidden gems and unique experiences, or even as a tour guide, helping others discover the beauty of the world firsthand. My curiosity about other cultures and the desire to immerse myself in different ways of life often make me wonder what a career in travel could have looked like.
The thought of connecting with people through shared adventures, learning about their traditions, and seeing the world through their eyes is exhilarating. I love the idea of helping others step outside their comfort zones and create memories that will stay with them forever. Travel not only feeds my curiosity but also allows me to feel more connected to the global community, which is something I deeply value.
That said, while I may not have chosen a career that involves physically traveling the world, my profession allows me to do so in a different way. As a therapist, I journey through the lived experiences of my clients, many of whom come from diverse cultural backgrounds. Their stories expand my perspective and knowledge, helping me “travel” to places I’ve never been through their eyes. Additionally, pursuing ongoing education in this field allows me to connect with other professionals and ideas from all over the world, broadening my understanding of human experiences.
So, while the path I chose didn’t lead me to airports and new destinations, it still brings a sense of adventure and connection that I treasure. My work continues to inspire me to explore the depths of human resilience, culture, and identity—proof that there’s more than one way to see the world.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.fuegotherapy.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fuegotherapy/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fuegotherapy
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivon-h-76b661114/
- Other: https://www.immigrationevaluationdirectory.com/listing/fuego-therapy-counseling-services-pllc/
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/ivon-herrera-arlington-tx/854625
https://www.alignable.com/arlington-tx/fuego-therapy-counseling-services-pllc
https://nextdoor.com/profile/01gNgXXyMPfhhsTbq
