Empezando Contigo: Association for Latine Therapist

Annual Miembros Meeting
2025-10-05 16:00 - 17:00 (America/Phoenix) | CA
✨ Miembros, it’s that time again! ✨
Join us for our Annual Miembros Meeting, where we’ll come together to celebrate our growth, share updates on the work we’ve been building, and hear directly from you about the future of Empezando Contigo.
📅 : Sunday, October 5th
🕰️: 4-5pm PST
🖥️: Virtual via Google Meet
This is our chance to reflect on what we’ve accomplished juntxs, and to dream big about what’s next para nuestra comunidad. Your voice matters—let’s keep shaping this space together. 💜
Hope to see you then!

EC: ALT Members Peer Consultation
2025-10-09 12:00 - 13:00, 2026-09-10 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Phoenix) | CA
This is a chance for us to connect, share stories, and support each other in the work we do. Our group is all about creating a space where we can:

Level up our clinical skills: We’ll dive into case discussions, swap ideas, and pick up new techniques to refine our practice.

Have each other’s backs: Let’s be real—this work can be tough. This group is a judgment-free zone where we can share challenges, cheer each other on, and trade helpful advice.
Keep growing professionally: Together, we’ll stay in the loop on best practices, ethics, and new trends that keep us at the top of our game.

Running late or need to leave early? No problem! Just show up when you can. We’re looking forward to coming together, learning from one another, and strengthening our work as a team.

This Peer Consultation group is only available to current Empezando Contigo Members.

Scavenger Hunt Walk (Phoenix)
2025-10-18 09:00 - 10:30 (America/Phoenix) | Tempe Beach Park, 250 W Rio Salado Pkwy, Tempe, AZ, 85281, United States
Join Us for a Scavenger Hunt Walk!

Date: Saturday, October 18 Time: 9:00 AM Location: Tempe Beach Park, 250 W Rio Salado Pkwy, Tempe, AZ 85281

Step outside, enjoy the crisp fall air, and explore the beauty around you! We’ll be hosting a fun scavenger hunt along the marina, looking for birds, flowers, reflections in the water, and more.

This walk is open to all and is a perfect chance to: Connect with nature Practice mindfulness Meet community members Have fun while moving your body

Hosted in connection with Empezando Contigo: Association for Latine Therapists, a community uplifting Latine mental health professionals and the communities we serve.

This gathering is open to Empezando Contigo miembros and other Latine therapists, or students interested in networking and learning more about our familia.

Bring a friend, a loved one, or just yourself, all are welcome!

Don’t forget your camera or phone to capture your favorite moments!
See less

Networking con Corazón (virtual)
2025-10-28 18:00 - 19:00 (America/Phoenix) | CA
Join Us for Our Monthly Networking Event!

Our networking group began in January 2020 as a space for Latine therapists in the Phoenix area to connect and support one another. What started as a small gathering has grown into an incredible community of over 100 Latine therapists from around the world.

Inspired by this powerful community, Linda Ruvalcaba from Empieza Aquí Counseling founded Empezando Contigo: Association for Latine Therapists to continue fostering these connections. We now host virtual networking events every month, along with expanding in-person events nationwide.
These gatherings are more than just professional networking—they’re about building meaningful connections, supporting one another, growing our referral lists, and addressing the challenges our comunidad faces. We believe in decolonizing the networking experience, so feel free to join however you’re comfortable: with your cenita, vino, cafecito, or even from your car. No worries if life gets in the way—join late, leave early, or have your kids in the background. This space is for you, just as you are.

We meet via Google Meet—be sure to download the app if joining from a phone or tablet: meet.google.com/bcd-nhct-xcr

Looking forward to seeing you there!

Annual Día de Muertos event (Phoenix)
2025-11-01 11:00 - 14:00 (America/Phoenix) | Phoenix Therapist’ Hub, 16601 N 40th St #216, Phoenix, AZ, 85032, United States
Join Us for a Day of Cultura and Remembrance!

Calling all Latine mental health professionals and students! Join us for our annual Día de Muertos event — an afternoon of connection, cultura, and remembering our loved ones who have passed.
When: Saturday November 1st, 2025; 11am – 2pm
Where: Phoenix Therapists Hub — 16601 N 40th St #216, Phoenix, AZ 85032

What to Expect:
Delicious lunch (tacos de carnitas o de verduras, with a side of arroz y frijoles)
Community altar (bring photos & items to share)
Crafts for kids and adults
Familia welcome!Cost: Free for Empezando Contigo Miembros and their familias; $15 for Nonmembers; $5 for students. RSVP by October 29, 2025

To secure your spot, please complete our RSVP form and send your payment via Venmo to @empezandocontigoPlease include: Your full name and “Día de Muertos event” in the payment note

**Please note: No refunds will be issued after registration.

This event is for all Latine mental health professionals, students, and their families—a time to connect, remember, and celebrate life together.

Please RSVP by filling out this form AND submitting your payment via Venmo (@empezandocontigo) by Oct. 29th.

Nonmembers are also welcome to purchase their ticket at the link below for an additional $2 convenience fee ($17 total for Nonmembers)

Almuerzo y Aprendizaje: Intro to Grief Through a Mexican-American Lens
2025-11-10 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Phoenix) | CA
ECALT Presents: Intro to Grief Through a Mexican-American Lens

1 CEU Credit Available

This training will go beyond the traditional “stages of grief” model to explore a more culturally-sensitive approach. We will focus on the Mexican-American experience of grief, including the importance of family, faith, and community in the healing process.

In this training, you will learn to:

Understand Cultural Nuances: Recognize how cultural traditions like familismo, novenas, and Día de los Muertos shape the grieving process.
Embrace “Continuing Bonds”: Shift your focus from “letting go” to helping clients keep the memory of their deceased loved ones alive.
Apply Culturally-Informed Tools: Discover practical ways to help clients heal by using storytelling and rituals that honor their heritage.

Presenter: Patricia Abigail Caballero, MA, NCC, LPC

Who This Training is For: This training is designed for mental health and wellness professionals as it includes clinical content. It is also suitable for anyone interested in mental wellness.
This training is an opportunity to deepen your clinical skills and provide more compassionate, culturally-informed care to your clients.

*This is an Empezando Contigo Miembros only event. Want to become a member? Apply Here

Link provided to Members by email or found in our private Facebook group.

Presenters are approved to offer CEU trainings in accordance to the Arizona Board of Behavioral health examiners A.A.C. R4-6-802(D) 1.

Most but not all mental health professional regulatory boards accept out-of-state and/or online continuing education hours. CEUs are not nationally accredited.

Presented by Empezando Contigo: Association for Latine Therapists (ECALT)

Churros y Chisme (Long Beach, CA)
2025-11-16 11:00 - 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | 5150 E Pacific Coast Hwy, 5150 E Pacific Coast Hwy, #200, Long Beach, CA, 90804, United States
A Networking Event for Latine Mental Health Professionals in California

Join us for un dia de conexión, comunidad y conversación — with a side of churros y chisme (the good kind )!

This is your chance to meet other Latine therapists, nurse practitioners, psychologists, and psychiatrists who are passionate about mental health, cultura, and supporting nuestra comunidad.

Whether you’re a member or not (¡tod@s son bienvenid@s!), come network, share stories, and enjoy un buen momento with colegas who get it.

Because healing starts with connection — and a little bit of sweetness.

When: Sunday November 16, 2025; 11am-1pm

Where: 5150 Pacific Coast Hwy #200 Long Beach, CA 90804

What to Expect:
Churros and drinks
A welcoming space to unwind and connect
Cost: $10 to register by Friday November 14, 2025

Let’s nurture ourselves through camaraderie and support. Together, we grow stronger!

Please RSVP by purchasing your ticket by November 14.

**Please note: No refunds will be issued

Holiday Meet-Up (DMV Chapter)
2025-12-06 11:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | El Tamarindo DC, 1785 Florida Ave NW, Washington, DC, 20009, United States
Holiday Meetup for Latine Therapists
Let’s end the year juntos — in comunidad, connection, and celebration!
You’re invited to our Empezando Contigo DMV Chapter Holiday Meetup!
Come enjoy cafecito, good company, and meaningful conversation with fellow Latine therapists as we close out the year together.
Date: Saturday, December 6th
Time: 11am–1pm (Brunch vibes!)
Where: El Tamarindo DC
1785 Florida Ave NW, Washington, DC 20009
Cafe & Pan Dulce are on us!

This is a casual, corazon-centered gathering to connect, laugh, and recharge with fellow colegas. Whether you’re currently practicing, in training, or exploring your path in the mental health field — this is a beautiful opportunity to meet other like-minded therapists and grow your support network.
Please RSVP by 12/5
Hosted by Empezando Contigo – DMV Chapter
Can’t wait to see you there,
– Mishka Kimball , DMV Chapter Chair
Contact Mishka with any questions at: mishka@mishkakimball.com

Annual Holiday Fiesta (Phoenix)
2025-12-12 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Phoenix) | Testal Mexican Kitchen, 1325 Grand Ave Suite #1, Phoenix, AZ, 85007, United States
¡La temporada de celebración ya llegó!
You’re invited to Empezando Contigo: Association for Latine Therapists’ Annual Holiday Fiesta!
Date: December 12, 2025
Time: 6–8 PM
Location: Testal Mexican Kitchen (1325 Grand Ave Suite #1, Phoenix, AZ 85007).
This event is for all Latine mental health professionals, students, and their familia para una noche to connect, share laughs, and celebrate our comunidad.
Appetizers will be provided.
RSVP by 12/9/25

Almuerzo y Aprendizaje: Empowering Immigrant Communities Impacted by ICE
2026-03-11 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Phoenix) | CA
This is a clinical skills training for mental health professionals.
This session offering is for ECALT Miembros only.
Empowering Immigrant Communities Impacted by ICE
This training is meant for mental health professionals working with Immigrant and First-Gen clients who are experiencing fear of detention, deportation, even death due to recent ICE activity in the United States. Attendees will learn therapeutic techniques rooted in Existential Analysis to help clients to better understand their fear, assess their inner capacity to cope with difficulty, and activate that inner capacity to confront the current sociopolitical trauma experienced.
Skills Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Location: Virtual via Google Meet
Date: March 11th, 2026
Time: 12pm – 1pm PST
Investment: $35
In this training, you will learn: (1) The basics of Fundamental Motivations and how to help clients improve feelings in FM1 , which is tied to feeling safe to exist in the world. (2) The steps to explore the Gate of Death with clients, helping them to confront their fear. (3) The process of Personal Positioning Method, which is the method that engages a client’s inner capacity by being with the reality of the situation, their inner consent, and their ability to confront it.
Presented by: Linda Ruvalcaba, LPC
1 CEU available. Presenters are approved to offer CEU trainings in accordance to the Arizona Board of Behavioral health examiners A.A.C. R4-6-802(D) 1. Empezando Contigo: Association for Latine Therapist is a 501c6.
Registration: Please visit our Miembros Google Calendar or Miembros Facebook Group for the registration link, or email hola@empezandocontigo.org
Meeting link will be emailed at least two days before the training.
Attendance and Refund Policies: The training session is 60 minutes. Participants must log in on time. A 5-minute grace period is allowed. No entry will be permitted after 5 minutes from the scheduled start time. Registration is non-refundable. No refunds, credits, or transfers will be issued for missed or late attendance. Participants are responsible for ensuring they have a stable internet connection and access to the platform.
By registering, you agree to this policy.
Transparency: 75% of proceeds are paid to the presenter.

Cafecito & Connection (Phoenix)
2026-04-12 12:00 - 14:00 (America/Phoenix) | Fillmore Coffee Co, 600 N. 4th St, Phoenix, AZ, 85004, United States
Cafecito & Connection ☕
Hola Phoenix colegas!
Come join us for a casual coffee shop meetup to connect, build community, and be in space with other Latine therapists. Whether you’re looking to network, decompress, or just not feel so alone in this work, you’re welcome here.
This is a Networking con Corazón event where we welcome all Latine mental health professionals and students — welcoming both Empezando Contigo members and nonmembers.
Please RSVP below by 4/11 but also feel free to stop by regardless!
When: Sunday, April 12th, from 12pm to 2pm.
Where: Fillmore Coffee Co. – 600 N. 4th St, Phoenix, AZ, 85004

*Heads up that you may have to pay for parking

Spring Meet Up for DMV Latine Therapists
2026-04-25 11:30 - 13:30 (America/New_York) | La Limeña Grill, 1093 Rockville Pike, Rockville, 20852, United States
Spring Meet Up for DMV Latine Therapists
You’re invited to our Spring Empezando Contigo meetup. Let’s welcome the season of renewal by coming together en comunidad.
Come join us as we share a space to connect, build relationships, and enjoy meaningful conversations and un poco de chisme!
Saturday, April 25th
11:30am–1:30pm EST
La Limeña Grill (Peruvian Restaurant)
1093 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD
A reservation has been made for a small group (15 max) to keep the gathering intimate, so be sure to reserve your spot early!
Whether you’re new to the field or have years of experience — this is a space for us all.
Te esperamos!

— Mishka Kimball, DMV Chair of Empezando Contigo, Association for Latine Therapists.

Estate Planning Workshop
2026-05-07 17:00 - 18:00 (America/Phoenix) | CA
As therapists, we show up for everyone else but have you taken time to protect your own future?

Join us for a practical Estate Planning Workshop designed with you in mind. Emily R. Taylor, an attorney in estate planning will discuss living trusts, wills, power of attorney, and how to make informed decisions with your life, your finances, and your future in mind.

Please note that this is a Members only event.

Virtual, May 7th from 5-6pm (PST)
Free for members
RSVP required

Have questions you want Emily to answer: please submit them to admin@empezandocontigo.org by May 1st

Summer Meetup for DMV Latine Therapists
2026-06-13 11:30 - 14:30 (America/New_York) | CA
Summer Meetup for DMV Latine Therapists
You’re invited to our Summer Empezando Contigo meetup. Come join us para un dia de Verano as we explore the small town of Havre de Grace, MD!
Saturday, June 13th
11:30am
Private residence in Havre de Grace, MD
Address and parking info provided after registration
Please RSVP here by June 11th
Whether you’re new to the field or have years of experience — this is a space para nuestra comunidad. Acompáñanos as we gather for some food, a mini walking tour of the town, and have fun together!
Cafe and light brunch will be provided.
Te esperamos!
– Mishka Kimball, DMV Chair of Empezando Contigo, Association for Latine Therapists

Cafecito & Connection (Phoenix Chapter)
2026-06-20 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Phoenix) | Brick Road Coffee, 1337 S Gilbert Rd Suite 120, Mesa, AZ, 85204, United States
Cafecito & Connection
Come share space in a group of Latine mental health professionals where the time is spent bonding and connecting over shared experiences!
This space is open to all Latine mental health professionals and students. If you know any Latine colegas needing community please bring them along.
This event is casual and the vibes will always be chill. Stay for the whole time or stop by and say hello. We hope to see you at the coffee shop!
This month’s coffee meet up will be held in the East Valley as part of our rotating Metro Valley locations.

When: Saturday June 20th, 10am – 12pm
Where: Brick Road Coffee — 1337 S Gilbert Rd Suite 120 Mesa, AZ 85204
Save your spot and RSVP below by June 18th

Cafecito & Connection (Phoenix - West Valley)
2026-08-15 12:00 - 14:00 (America/Phoenix) | New Penny Cafe, 735 N 114th Ave, Avondale, AZ, 85323, United States
Cafecito & Connection
Cafecito & Connection
Come share space in a group of Latine mental health professionals where the time is spent bonding and connecting over shared experiences!
This space is open to all Latine mental health professionals and students. If you know any Latine colegas needing community please bring them along.
This event is casual and the vibes will always be chill. Stay for the whole time or stop by and say hello. We hope to see you at the coffee shop!
This month’s coffee meet up will be held in the West Valley as part of our rotating Metro Valley locations.

When: Saturday August 15th, 12pm – 2pm
Where: New Penny Cafe – 735 N 114th Ave, Avondale, AZ 85323
Save your spot and RSVP below by August 13th (but also feel free to come by if you don’t get a chance to RSVP)

Therapy in the Manosphere Era: How to Engage Male Clients and Provide Therapy
2026-08-22 09:00 - 12:00 (America/Phoenix) | CA
Therapy in the Manosphere Era: How to Engage Male Clients and Provide
Therapy is a 3-hour virtual training designed for therapists who want
to actually reach male clients and not just manage their resistance.
Trainer: Augusto Blanco, Licensed Clinical Psychologist, specializing in men’s
mental health.
Hosted by Empezando Contigo: Association for Latine Therapists
Location: Virtual via Google Meet
Date: Saturday, August 22nd, 2026
Time: 9am – 12pm PST
Investment: $55 Non-Members | $45 ECALT Members
Register by 8/21. Meeting link will be emailed morning of the event.
We’ll cover:
• How masculine socialization shapes emotional expression, coping, and
engagement in therapy
• The roles of machismo, marianismo, and other gender norms in clinical work
• Why the manosphere is pulling your clients and what psychological needs it’s
meeting
• Practical, evidence-informed interventions to build rapport, reduce resistance,
and foster real therapeutic change
You’ll leave with a framework you can apply in your practice the next day.

Attendance and Refund Policies: Participants must log in on time. A 5-minute grace period is allowed. No entry will be permitted after 5 minutes from the scheduled start time. Registration is non-refundable. No refunds, credits, or transfers will be issued for missed or late attendance. Participants are responsible for ensuring they have a stable internet connection and access to the platform.
By registering, you agree to this policy.
Transparency: 75% of proceeds are paid to the presenter.
3 CEUs available. Presenters are approved to offer CEU trainings in accordance to the Arizona Board of Behavioral health examiners A.A.C. R4-6-802(D). Empezando Contigo: Association for Latine Therapist is a 501c6. Not all states may approve of these CEUs, we encourage you to check with your state board if you intend to use these CEUs for your license renewal.

Networking con Corazón: Culture & Therapy (Los Angeles)
2026-08-23 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Phoenix) | Reflexión by Cafe Juayua, 2700 West Main St, Alhambra, CA, 91802, United States
Dear Los Angeles based Latine colegas and students,
We invite you to our next in-person Networking con Corazón event on

Date: 8/23/26
Time: 10am to 12pm
Location: Reflexión by Cafe Juayua (2700 West Main St. Alhambra, CA. 91802)

You know our Los Angeles Chapter loves a theme! This event’s theme and topic of conversation will be: Culture & Therapy. We look forward to discussing how your cultura shows up to in the room.

Our Networking con Corazón events are open to all Latine mental health professionals and students. It provides us with an opportunity to go beyond trading business info and really connecting with each other through our shared experiences, values, y cultura.

Save your seat today by RSVPing below.

We look forward to seeing you then!

Heal The Healer: Reiki & Soundbath class with Healing Tree Collective (Tempe, AZ)
2026-08-23 14:00 - 15:30 (America/Phoenix) | The Healing Tree Collective, 1801 S Jentilly Ln, Ste B8, Tempe, AZ, 85281, United States
Heal The Healer: Reiki & Soundbath class with Healing Tree Collective
As therapists we offer a lot of ourselves and our energies to create a safe environment for our clients to process and feel. It’s also important that we find these spaces for ourselves as we help carry many mental health journeys.
Join us for the first edition of Healing The Healer, an Empezando Contigo membership perk of wellness classes for self-care and healing. We are extending the invitation to our fellow Latine colegas!
We are partnering with The Healing Tree Collective for a Sound Bath & Reiki class!
Date: Sunday, August 23rd, 2026
Time: 2pm – 3:30pm PST
Location: The Healing Tree Collective – 1801 S Jentilly Ln Ste B8, Tempe, AZ 85281
Investment: $40
Register here: https://momence.com/l/6khAVrrV
The Healing Tree Collective is a holistic wellness studio and community space in Tempe, Arizona, created to support real life stress, anxiety, burnout, grief, and major transitions through practices that help regulate your nervous system, reconnect with your body, and return to yourself. In this class attendees engage in the selected practice, whether it’s lying back for a sound bath, exploring breathwork techniques, or receiving group reiki energy healing. “The environment is intentionally designed to be a safe environment and welcoming, allowing participants to relax, feel safe enough to express and connect with themselves fully” (Healing Tree Collective).
SOUND HEALING: RECALIBRATING THE NERVOUS SYSTEM Promotes deep relaxation, sound frequencies slow brain waves, enhances creativity & problem-solving, and aids in sleep & recovery (Healing Tree Collective).
REIKI: RESTORING BALANCE & ENERGY FLOW Reduces stress-induced fatigue, clears energetic blockages, supports mental & emotional well-being, and aids in emotional processing, preventing suppressed stress from manifesting as burnout( Healing Tree Collective).

Networking con Corazón (virtual)
2026-08-25 18:00 - 19:00 (America/Phoenix) | CA
Join Us for Our Monthly Networking Event!

**Meetings for July, August, September will be on the 4th Tuesday of the month at 6pm PST/9pm EST**

Our networking group began in January 2020 as a space for Latine therapists in the Phoenix area to connect and support one another. What started as a small gathering has grown into an incredible community of over 100 Latine therapists from around the world.

Inspired by this powerful community, Linda Ruvalcaba from Empieza Aquí Counseling founded Empezando Contigo: Association for Latine Therapists to continue fostering these connections. We now host virtual networking events every month, along with expanding in-person events nationwide.
These gatherings are more than just professional networking—they’re about building meaningful connections, supporting one another, growing our referral lists, and addressing the challenges our comunidad faces. We believe in decolonizing the networking experience, so feel free to join however you’re comfortable: with your cenita, vino, cafecito, or even from your car. No worries if life gets in the way—join late, leave early, or have your kids in the background. This space is for you, just as you are.

We meet via Google Meet—be sure to download the app if joining from a phone or tablet: Networking con Corazón (virtual)
Google Meet joining info
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/cgy-dxoi-fmb
Or dial: ‪(US) +1 650-667-3517‬ PIN: ‪165 637 457‬#
More phone numbers: https://tel.meet/cgy-dxoi-fmb?pin=8997436895112

Looking forward to seeing you there!

**Meetings for July, August, September will be on the 4th Tuesday of the month at 6pm PST/9pm EST**

Meetings for the final quarter of this year will be in alignment with EST timezone.

Miembros Fiction Book Club
2026-09-06 16:00 - 17:00 (America/Phoenix) | CA
Attention, fiction book–loving Miembros:
Join us in a discussion of the book We Don’t Talk About Carol by Kristen L. Berry at our next Fiction Book Club meeting.
📅 September 6th
🕓 4–5 PM PST
💻 Via Google Meet (link available in our shared calendar and private FB group)
Come even if you’ve only read part of the book—or just want to listen in on the conversation!
See you then! 📚
