We’re looking forward to introducing you to Linh-ly Vinh. Check out our conversation below.
Linh-ly, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
Reading, for sure! Whether it’s a fantasy novel or a psychology or self-help book, I can get completely lost for hours without even realizing it. A good book makes me think differently or helps me feel and express emotions in new ways. I love how reading lets me escape into different worlds and perspectives, but somehow it also brings me closer to understanding myself and the world around me. It’s such a great way to reflect, learn, and keep discovering new parts of who I am.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Linh-ly Vinh, a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate and the founder of LV Counseling, which I opened in September 2023. I created my practice to be a warm, welcoming space for people who are ready to take care of their mental health and reconnect with themselves.
These days, I focus on working with adults who struggle with people-pleasing, perfectionism, and navigating cultural or family expectations. Many of my clients are Asian American, and I know from personal experience how complex it can feel to balance who you are with what’s expected of you. My goal is to help clients untangle those pressures, understand where they come from, and start building a life that feels more authentic and self-compassionate.
My approach is collaborative and flexible. I draw from person-centered, CBT, DBT, and narrative approaches to meet each person where they are. At the heart of my work is the belief that everyone deserves to feel truly seen, heard, and supported, without judgment.
Outside of therapy, I’m passionate about advocating for mental health awareness and increasing access to culturally responsive care within the Asian American community.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
I think what truly breaks the bonds between people is dishonesty and a lack of intention. When we choose to hide the truth or avoid being honest, trust begins to break; and once that trust is broken, it can be really hard to rebuild.
Intention is something we don’t talk about enough. It’s the thoughtfulness and care we bring into our relationships. When we stop being intentional, when we move through our connections on autopilot or stop considering how our actions affect others, we stop nurturing the bond that keeps us close.
What restores connection is the opposite: honesty, intention, and genuine effort. Repairing a relationship isn’t easy, but it’s possible when both people actively choose to show up, take accountability, and rebuild trust over time.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
The fear that’s held me back the most in life is the fear of judgment. Worrying about what others might think or how I might be perceived has often made me overthink, make assumptions, and sometimes even stop myself from taking action. For a long time, focusing so much on other people’s voices made me almost completely ignore my own… and thinking about that now makes me a little sad.
When we’re constantly trying to please others, it’s exhausting because there’s so much noise. Over time, I’ve realized that I can’t be everyone’s cup of tea, and not everyone is going to like me, and that’s okay. What I can do is be authentic, listen to my inner voice, and honor what feels true to me. I’ve found that when I do that, it creates space for genuine connections, support, and relationships that actually feel meaningful.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What truths are so foundational in your life that you rarely articulate them?
One truth that feels really foundational for me is the importance of moderation and balance. Extremes on either end rarely bring peace or clarity… they often feel more limiting. Life isn’t just black and white; so much of it exists in the gray spaces in between.
It’s in that gray area where we really learn, grow, and start to understand ourselves and others more deeply. I’m still learning how to embrace that nuance every day. Things don’t always have to be “all or nothing,” “right or wrong,” or “good or bad.” Holding space for multiple truths at once has helped me feel more calm and accepting of myself.
That perspective also shapes how I work with clients. It reminds me to honor their complexity, meet them where they are, and recognize that growth often happens in those gray spaces: messy, imperfect, and very human.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people remember me as someone who did her best to support others and make meaningful change; both in their lives and my own. I hope they remember my kindness, bravery, and authenticity. I know I’m not perfect, and I try not to aim for perfection, but I do try to create meaningful connections and leave places a little better than I found them. There’s something powerful in giving others space, empathy, and understanding that lasts, and I hope that’s part of the story people tell about me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lv-counseling.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/linhly.listens/
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/lvcounselinghtx
- Other: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/linh-ly-vinh-houston-tx/1186094
Image Credits
Joy Yang, SNAPS WITH JOY (snapswithjoy.com)
