Grief counselors and therapists in Plano, TX

Hi! I’m Griselda Ruvalcaba, a bilingual Licensed Professional Counselor; I bring nearly two decades of experience working with children and families, including over 15 years as a bilingual elementary school educator and several years as a school counselor in Plano ISD.

I specialize in working with children through Play Therapy, providing a warm, safe, and welcoming space where kids can express themselves, build confidence, and develop emotional regulation skills. My approach is child-centered, and I believe that every child has the capacity to grow when given the tools and support to navigate their inner world.

In my role as a school counselor, I’ve led individual sessions, group work, and classroom guidance lessons focused on emotional awareness, anxiety, grief, and building coping skills. I work closely with caregivers, teachers, and school staff to support each child holistically—academically, socially, and emotionally.

Life is hard and sometimes scary. We all need a safe place to get support and help. I am here to walk alongside you and navigate the uncertainty.

I have a BA in sociology from The Ohio State University and a MA in Mental Health Counseling from Northwestern University. I am an inclusive counselor, an LPC, in the state of Texas and a National Certified Counselor through the NBCC. I see see adolescents and adults specializing in trauma and addiction.

My story is a bit unique as to how I became a psychotherapist. I studied abroad in Costa Rica during college where I learned the Spanish language and where my love of adventure and exploration began. After moving to Los Angeles for several years, I decided to then move to New York City to pursue a career in music which is my first love. I was living in NYC and working for Sony Music on September 11, 2001 which changed my life dramatically. I decided to return to The University of Texas in Austin and obtained my Masters in Social Work in an effort to pursue a career in helping others which is my second love.

My therapeutic approach is grounded in the Relational Model as I believe that relationships, both with ourselves and others, are what allow us each to feel fulfilled, secure, and empowered. My hope is that we can work together as a team to unlock your inner strengths so that you can confidently manage life's stressors in the past, present, and future.

I love working with adolescents and I have a warm, non-judgmental, humorous, but direct approach that seems to fit well with teenagers. I have worked for many years in community mental health and as such have been successful with almost every diagnosis that exists, all age groups, and all genders. I look forward to working with you and your family.