Linda Espinoza shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Linda, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: Have you stood up for someone when it cost you something?
Yes. As a mental health clinician, I often encounter situations where a client’s health insurance company denies coverage for necessary care. In those moments, I choose to advocate on my client’s behalf, even though it can cost me both time and potential compensation. This advocacy means hours spent on the phone, writing appeals, and navigating complex systems—much of which is unpaid. While it can be frustrating, I believe that standing up for clients is part of my role, and ensuring they have access to the care they deserve is worth the personal sacrifice. It reinforces why I entered this field: to make sure people don’t feel alone while navigating barriers to mental health support.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Linda Espinoza, and I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and founder of Brightful Therapy, a private practice based in California and Texas. Brightful Therapy provides culturally responsive, trauma-informed care with a special focus on perinatal mental health, EMDR, and supporting communities of color.
What makes my practice unique is not only the professional expertise, but the lived experience I bring as a mother, wellness enthusiast (a fellow runner and yogi), and Latina therapist. I know firsthand the challenges of balancing family, career, and wellness, and I integrate that authenticity into my work with clients and supervisees.
Beyond therapy, I’m passionate about mentoring the next generation of therapists through supervision, expanding access to mental health resources, and building community partnerships. Currently, I’m also working on clinical supervision, where I help new clinicians build their own private practices or get their board of behavioral sciences hours to get license with confidence and sustainability. My hope is to continue creating spaces where healing feels accessible, empowering, and inclusive.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who taught you the most about work?
The people who have taught me the most about work are my own patients. Each person I’ve had the privilege to sit with has shown me resilience, vulnerability, and the strength it takes to seek healing. Helping them through their journeys has deepened my understanding of what it truly means to show up with empathy, patience, and presence. My clients remind me every day why I chose this path, and they continue to be my greatest teachers.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes, there have been several times when I almost gave up. Professionally, one of the hardest moments was while building my private practice and going through the process of getting paneled with insurance companies. The process was long, complicated, and discouraging at times—especially as a small private practice owner—but after a year and a half of back-and-forth, I finally succeeded.
On a personal level, marathon training has also tested me. I’ve gone through three training blocks and many half marathons where doubt crept in. One of the toughest moments was during my very first half marathon: the day before the race I tripped, fell, and broke three of my front teeth—but I still showed up and ran it. Both experiences taught me that resilience, patience, and determination can carry you further than you think.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes. The version of me that you see publicly is very much the real me. On my social media, I share both the good and the hard moments—whether it’s the wins, the struggles, or the lessons in between. I believe in being authentic and transparent, because showing the full picture helps others feel less alone and reminds us all that life isn’t just about highlights.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people say that I lived with purpose, compassion, and authenticity. That I showed up for others in ways that made them feel seen, valued, and less alone. I want my story to be one of resilience and generosity—someone who gave back to her community, broke barriers in mental health, and encouraged others to take care of themselves. Most of all, I hope my children and loved ones remember me as a person who loved deeply and left the world a little brighter than she found it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.brightfultherapy.com
- Instagram: @thebrightfultherapist
