We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Linh-ly Vinh a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Linh-ly, appreciate you joining us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.
One of the biggest risks I’ve taken was starting my career as a therapist by opening up my own solo private practice. It was a decision. I made that took lots of discussions with other professionals and loved ones and lots of challenging doubts I had about myself and my capabilities. But it is a decision I made that I am very happy about and glad that I had such a supportive circle to do so.
During my master’s program, my plan was to always join a group private practice after I graduated and became licensed as a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, and eventually decide about opening my own solo private practice later in my career. However, we cannot always anticipate what we learn from our experiences and what opportunities lie ahead. In my internship during my master’s program, I learned a lot about not only what being a therapist looks like, but also about the business side of things: billing, marketing, and the importance of networking. From my experience, I gained more information than I would have thought about what the back end of a private practice looks like. This, however, was not what made me decide to open up my own private practice.
In the months after I graduated, I was studying for my licensing exam and looking for a supervisor (which I needed to become licensed as a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate) and group private practice to work at. I was having a hard time finding a good fit at a group private practice. There was something that came up with the ones I was looking at and applied for; they either weren’t responsive or didn’t have the type of environment I wanted. As I was seeking advice and guidance from one of my mentor/colleagues, she suggested considering opening my own private practice if it’s something I’m even considering of doing in the future. To say I was hesitant would be an understatement. I immediately told myself ‘I can’t do that’, ‘I’m too new’, ‘that’d be too difficult’, ‘I can’t handle all of that’, and etc. I truly did not think that was option, but there was a small voice in the back of my head that said ‘what if you could do it?’.
That small voice led me to talk about and discuss the possibility with close ones. My parents were supportive and told me I could do it, some of my friends agreed that it would be too hard, some friends thought it would be really cool, and some people were just unsure. But one friend reminded of how much I’ve already done and how much I’ve handled before, and very firmly and lovingly told me that it wouldn’t be too hard for me because I’ve already proven my capability to do things I’ve set my mind to. And that helped that small voice soar into thinking about all the possibilities and all the ways it could turn out well.
So, I did my research and I started the process of opening my own private practice. Now, it has been a little over a year since I’ve opened and it is going well. There is always more learn and to adjust to, but I’m very happy with my decision. Sometimes, you just have to believe in yourself and take that leap because what is on the other side could be all those wonderful what if’s at the back of your mind.
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 name is Linh-ly Vinh, and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate. I opened my private practice, LV Counseling, in September 2023 with the mission of providing a welcoming space for individuals seeking help with their mental health. Whether someone is navigating anxiety, managing other mental health challenges, or simply needing a safe place to process and explore their emotions, I am dedicated to offering that support. At the core of my practice is the belief that everyone deserves to be truly heard and seen, without judgment.
I specialize in working with teenagers and adults facing a range of challenges, including anxiety, depression, daily stressors, life transitions, self-esteem issues, family conflict, disordered eating, and body image concerns. My therapeutic approach is eclectic and collaborative, tailored to meet each client’s unique needs. I draw on techniques from various evidence-based modalities, such as person-centered therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), narrative therapy, and motivational interviewing.
A significant focus of my work is supporting the Asian American community. As an Asian American myself, I deeply understand the importance of culturally informed mental health care. In many Asian American families, mental health is often overlooked or stigmatized, making it challenging to seek help. Additionally, family dynamics common in Asian American households can be difficult for those outside the culture to fully grasp. While Asian American clients can benefit from working with therapists of any background, having a therapist who inherently understands these cultural nuances can alleviate the burden of having to explain or educate. Unfortunately, there are limited resources and education available to support mental health within the Asian American community. Through my work at LV Counseling and beyond, I am committed to advocating for mental health awareness and culturally competent care within this underrepresented group.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
A pivotal moment in my life is also the story of how I became a counselor. From the age of 3 to 17, my entire world revolved around becoming a ballet dancer. My life was structured around rigorous training, a tailored school environment, and an unwavering focus on ballet. I never envisioned another path—until I began to struggle mentally and felt my love for dance slipping away. At 17, I allowed myself, for the first time, to question my future as a dancer. That realization opened a floodgate of uncertainty: What do I do now? Who am I without ballet?
Letting go of that identity required a drastic pivot. The journey of self-discovery that followed was filled with grief, joy, and exploration. It forced me to redefine my sense of self and uncover new passions. That process ultimately led me to mental health and the profound fulfillment I find in helping others. Without taking that leap, I wouldn’t be where I am today—doing work that truly feels like my calling.
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 profession. Becoming a therapist feels like the sum of all my life experiences, each one guiding me to where I am today. I believe that everything happens for a reason, and even challenges or missteps have shaped me into the person and professional I am now. Rather than dwelling on regrets, I see experiences—whether successes or mistakes—as opportunities for growth. They teach me what I can do better and help me identify areas where I can continue to evolve.
I’m incredibly grateful to do this work, helping people navigate their mental health, discover their own strengths, and seeing their growth. Whether being a therapist remains my lifelong career or leads me to other paths in the future, I trust the journey and the lessons it will bring. Ultimately, my focus will always be on growth, connection, and making a meaningful impact.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lv-counseling.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/linhly.listens/
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/lvcounselinghtx
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/linh-ly-vinh-0b56981a5/
- Youtube: https://www.yelp.com/biz/lv-counseling-no-title
- Other: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/linh-ly-vinh-houston-tx/1186094
Image Credits
Katie Modlin