Today we’d like to introduce you to Erika Acosta.
Hi Erika, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
You could say my story began as an adolescent experiencing symptoms of depression and anxiety. I felt alone and hopeless about the future due to a lack of access to resources and the inability to live the “normal teen life” I saw my peers enjoying. I could not participate in extracurriculars or freely engage in a social life because of the limitations my immigrant family endured, as well as the rigid expectations and norms placed on me as a female child of immigrants. Although my basic needs—love, food, shelter, and more—were met, adolescence was a confusing time to navigate, as many can relate.
After finally being able to participate in on-the-job training (OJT) as a senior in high school, gaining the freedom to work, become more independent, and enjoy a social life, my symptoms lessened. I vowed to dedicate my purpose to helping others realize they are not alone in times of struggle, and to support them in finding the resilience needed to overcome the many barriers we face in life.
I quickly entered college the same summer I graduated from high school and went on to complete my Bachelor’s in Psychology in 2011 at Florida International University. Afterward, I took a break to study for the GRE, backpack across Asia, learn about alternative holistic practices, and found a local start-up kombucha company. I later completed my Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology in 2017, also at Florida International University.
Between my formal studies, I embarked on a nomadic pilgrimage to study Ashtanga Yoga in India, where I became an internationally certified yoga instructor (RYT-200). I witnessed the presence of the Dalai Lama give a speech in his home in McLeod Ganj and deepened my understanding of Buddhism as I continued a solo backpacking trip—carrying only a 50-liter backpack—through India, Myanmar, Thailand, and Cambodia. During this journey, I learned more about yoga philosophies beyond the poses, Ayurveda, Buddhist psychology, and, most importantly, how to manage my anxiety through this precious newfound knowledge.
You could say I have made the 16-year-old who made that pledge proud. Today, I am a Board Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), honored to support others experiencing anxiety, depression, ADHD, and various life stressors and transitions. I use an integrative approach to therapy, blending Western and Eastern knowledge. I feel deeply grateful that this is my life today.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Some of my struggles included not realizing that I was experiencing ADHD-related difficulties, as I was never diagnosed as a child. This meant facing challenges such as difficulty concentrating, procrastination, racing to meet deadlines, overlooking details, heightened anxiety, and ongoing issues with time and organizational management while navigating college and graduate school. Despite these limitations—and the many nights spent cramming or finishing 30-page reports at 6 a.m.—I was still able to complete my studies with excellent grades.
Other struggles included experiencing heartbreak, making the conscious decision to close ties with my kombucha business partnership, and, once I was ready to teach yoga and practice as a counselor, working through the all-too-common “imposter syndrome” that can affect so many of us. These difficult experiences , prolonged my journey to becoming a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and creating The Mindful Life, Inc.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
The Mindful Vida is the concept of the life, I, as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, strive to support my clients in creating. It is a life rooted in conscious presence, aligned with one’s most authentic self, health-oriented, and self-aware—where individuals can regulate their emotions and confidently express their needs.
I specialize in working with adults experiencing anxiety, depression, and ADHD, as well as those navigating life transitions, PTSD, grief, self-esteem challenges, and trauma. My approach is integrative, alternative, and holistic, blending Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with Mindfulness-Based Therapy, biofeedback, yoga, and neuroscience psychoeducation.
Through this work, my clients gain a deeper understanding of their triggers and increase awareness of their internal experiences. This allows them to better regulate their emotions, practice healthier coping skills, establish effective boundaries, improve communication, and build more fulfilling relationships. At the same time, they experience a reduction in symptoms and unwanted behaviors, an increase in self-worth, and greater support in achieving their most meaningful goals.
I offer virtual therapy sessions as well as in-person coaching. My in-person sessions often take place in outdoor settings—such as at the beach or in a park—where nature and the elements become part of the healing and holistic process.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
Life is a risk. Love is a risk. Investing our money, time, and health is a risk. Anything that makes us feel truly alive often comes with a price that can feel frightening. But I strongly believe that the costs life demands of us are also the universe’s way of bringing us closer to our most authentic selves.
I took a risk when I founded my kombucha company. It pulled me away from my original plan of becoming an LMHC for more than four years. At first glance, it could have been seen—through a lens of cognitive distortion—as a “setback.” In reality, it was an opportunity: a chance to learn about business, marketing, operations, sales, social skills, and customer service, among many other things. It allowed me to connect with my community, strengthen my faith in myself, and see the trust others placed in me by embracing my offerings.
Risk is necessary for growth. Even when we fail, we still win wisdom—and with it, a better chance to navigate the future with more clarity and light.
Thank you for taking an interest in reading about my story! 🙂
Pricing:
- Accept insurance for telehealth sessions.
- In person coaching in nature, can inquire on site.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.themindfulvida.com
- Instagram: @themindfulvida
Image Credits
Nicole Dunn
