My name is Ruth Christine Dimagmaliw, but you can call me “Ruth” or “Ruthie.” I’m a second-generation Filipina-American born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, deeply rooted in the values of community, resilience, and storytelling passed down from my immigrant parents. Growing up in a predominantly Filipino community, I found connection and expression through traditional folk dancing—from childhood performances at my local church to college presentations at Pilipino Cultural Night (known as Pilipino Cultural Celebration at my alma mater).
My cultural upbringing instilled in me a deep appreciation for the power of collective care, which shaped my passion for amplifying the voices of underrecognized communities. During college, I worked to foster spaces of belonging and advocated for resources that were often out of reach for students like me. This passion helped propel my career in the nonprofit sector, where I worked in philanthropy, education, and mental health to create and manage programs designed to uplift these communities. While I loved the systemic outcomes of program management, I realized the true impact lay in the stories of the people I served. Like many other therapists of color, I became a therapist to empower my community.
In 2024, I took a leap of faith and started my own practice after facing personal burnout, systemic inequities, and racism at my previous organization. Having spent years in the nonprofit world—where cycles of harm persisted and systems claimed to “help the community” while neglecting the well-being of on-the-ground staff, including therapists—I became deeply passionate about creating transformative spaces for healing and growth.
The turning point came when I realized I needed to align my work with what truly mattered to me: supporting other therapists as they navigate their own journeys. Having faced systemic barriers and burnout during my own licensure process, I became determined to create a space where therapists could feel supported, empowered, and equipped to achieve their professional goals.
Through therapy, mentorship, and education, I now dedicate myself to addressing systemic wounds, empowering individuals, and strengthening communities. My practice is designed not just for clients but as a space where therapists can find guidance, mentorship, and the tools they need to thrive in their careers.
By stepping into my calling, I’ve created a practice rooted in my values. I’m passionate about empowering therapists to thrive and fostering a ripple effect of healing that transforms individuals, systems, and communities.