About Us

Empezando Contigo is a professional association dedicated to prioritizing the needs of Latine therapists, striving to enhance our capacity to address the mental health needs of the Latine community.

Nuestra Misión

We aim to centralize the needs of Latine mental health professionals by providing them with a safe space for cultivating meaningful connections, empowering one another, decolonizing the mental health field, and uplifting the Latine community.

Historia

In January 2020, our visionary founder, Linda Ruvalcaba took a leap of faith within Arizona’s therapist community. With a simple Facebook post, she extended a warm invitation to her fellow Latine therapists, seeking kinship in a profession that often felt unwelcoming.

To her delight, the response was overwhelming. Strangers became friends over cafecito at Fair Trade Cafe, a cozy spot in Phoenix, owned by a fellow Latina. Energized by this initial connection, they reconvened the following month, sharing stories and laughter amidst the comforting aroma of brewing coffee.

But life has its twists. When the pandemic swept in, Linda swiftly adapted, shifting the gatherings from in-person to virtual. Despite the physical distance, the bonds only grew stronger, expanding across borders and time zones, uniting over a shared passion for mental health, especialmente in the Latine community.

As months turned into years, the group flourished, embracing virtual meetups as a lifeline of support, occasionally gathering in person in Phoenix and later, in Long Beach, California.

By the close of 2023, Linda felt a stirring within her—a desire to formalize this nurturing network into something more. So, Empezando Contigo: Association for Latine Therapists was born, a testament to the resilience and unity of the community.

Today, Empezando Contigo continues to welcome Latine mental health professionals from all walks of life, offering a safe space for connection, empowerment, and growth. Together, we embark on this journey of transformation, guided by the shared values of inclusivity and solidarity.

Join us as we write the next chapter of our story juntos!

"I am honored to be considered to be part of this community. Ever since I started in this field I sought out other therapist who I could identify with however they were few and far between not 20 years later we have an official community!"

Jennifer Salazar, LPC

Founding Board Members

Linda Ruvalcaba, LPC: Founder and President of Empezando Contigo, long-time host of networking events that inspired this organization, and owner of @empiezaaquicounseling

• “Hi there! I am passionate about empowering mi comunidad, love to spend time con familia, and can be found connecting with creative pursuits when I’m not busy in my therapist role. Follow along with my personal journey at @therapy.girl.”

Abbey Caballero, LPC: Vice President, a literal influencer as she sparked the idea for this organization, and owner of @bilingual_counseling

• “¡Hola a todos! Empowering mental wellness for our comunidad is my passion. When I’m not advocating for the cause, you’ll find me trying new foods, listening to audiobooks, or planning my next home renovation!”

Alayn Ortiz, LCSW: Secretary, co-host of networking events in Los Angeles, and owner of @nahui.therapy

• “¡Hola, hola! I enjoy traveling with my family and eating my way through my travels. Si no me encuentro viajando, I’m watching a soccer game or at a concert somewhere.”

Viridiana Zendejas, LCSW: Treasurer, a wealth of knowledge regarding therapy and the nonprofit world, and owner of @generacionescounseling

• “¡Hola, que tal! Call me Viry. When I’m not in my Generaciones Counseling office, you can catch me enjoying a live sporting event, training for my next race, or booking an upcoming trip.”

Lluliana Flores, LCSW: Member-at-Large, peer consultation facilitator, and owner of @florestherapyandwellness

• “¡Hola! Soy Lluliana. When not working with patients, I may be at a Brainspotting event, o me encuentran con familia y amistades bailando, pintando, viajando, o probando un nuevo pasatiempo.”

Founding Miembros

As founding members, these individuals placed their faith in the potential of our comunidad and played a crucial role in its early development.

“I believe that shared cultural background and similar life experiences, will foster deeper understanding and empathy among members. This shared cultural context can enhance your ability to provide and receive more effective counseling. Being part of a Latine group allows you to advocate for and represent the unique needs and challenges of the Latine community within the broader field of counseling. This can contribute to more inclusive and culturally competent practices within the profession.”

Diana Rosen, LPC

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