Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr, Kiley Dunne Lizama
Dr, Kiley, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Diaspora Therapy Group was founded in response to the profound need for mental health services that resonate with children of immigrants and first-generation Americans, populations often overlooked within traditional therapy settings. Launched with the vision of creating a nurturing space where both clinicians and clients are acknowledged and valued, the practice began in 2019 with myself and my colleague, Ezak Marquez. Together, we were committed to serving the BIPOC and queer communities, which helped to shape the inclusive ethos of our practice.
In 2021, the journey took a pivotal turn with the addition of Rup Malhotra, a long-time collaborator whose expertise in business operations was instrumental in overcoming early challenges. Her entry marked a significant evolution of the group, eventually leading her to become my business partner and co-founder, solidifying the framework for Diaspora Therapy Group’s growth.
Our approach has consistently been rooted in trauma-informed, culturally competent care, prioritizing an understanding of each client’s unique cultural and personal background. This focus not only addresses specific client needs but also supports our clinicians’ professional development, enabling them to provide empathetic and effective therapy.
A critical moment of growth was marked by an increase in client referrals, which underscored the demand for our services and highlighted systemic barriers in accessing mental health care. This insight drove us to broaden our mission from merely providing therapy to actively dismantling the barriers that hinder marginalized and working-class individuals from obtaining necessary care.
Today, Diaspora Therapy Group is a flourishing practice that supports a diverse client base and cultivates an environment for clinicians to thrive professionally. Continuously striving to meet the evolving needs of our community, we are committed to inclusivity, cultural sensitivity, and challenging systemic injustices. Looking forward, we aim to expand our reach through digital platforms, further enhancing access to culturally attuned mental health services for a global audience.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The journey of Diaspora Therapy Group has certainly not been without its challenges. From the outset, one of the primary struggles we faced was bridging the gap between our vision for culturally attuned therapy and the practical aspects of running a business. Many of us from marginalized backgrounds often lack access to business resources or mentorship, which initially made it difficult to navigate the complexities of legal compliance, financial management, and effective marketing within the healthcare sector.
Another significant challenge has been addressing the systemic barriers that our clients face, such as disparities in mental health access. It’s been an ongoing effort to not only provide therapy but also to work on dismantling the obstacles that prevent people from seeking help. This includes advocating for more equitable health policies and striving to reduce the stigma associated with mental health care in diverse communities.
Managing a team of therapists from marginalized communities introduces additional complexities, especially in mitigating burnout. The global socio-political climate and local events significantly impact our clinicians, who are navigating their mental health challenges while providing support to clients. Balancing the dual responsibility of ensuring clinicians feel supported and are capable of holding safe spaces for clients requires delicate management and a deep understanding of individual needs.
To address these challenges, we emphasize self-care and rigorous group supervision where difficult topics are explored to foster resilience and self-awareness among our team. We train our clinicians to become highly attuned to their bodily responses, which not only aids their personal well-being but also enhances their therapeutic presence. This self-reflective practice is crucial in helping them provide empathetic care to clients, ensuring that our sessions are both healing and transformative.
Despite these hurdles, our commitment to our mission has kept us moving forward. The struggles along the way have taught us valuable lessons that have only strengthened our resolve and enhanced our ability to serve our community effectively.
We’ve been impressed with Diaspora Therapy Group, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Diaspora Therapy Group is a specialized mental health practice that primarily serves the BIPOC and queer communities, focusing on providing culturally attuned, gender-affirming, and trauma-informed care. Our practice is renowned for its deep commitment to social justice and its approach to therapy, which integrates the nuances of cultural identity into the therapeutic process. We specialize in addressing the unique challenges faced by children of immigrants, first-generation Americans, and members of marginalized communities, offering support that acknowledges and respects the diverse backgrounds of our clients.
What sets us apart from other therapy practices is our foundational commitment to anti-oppressive, inclusive practices that not only support the mental health of our clients but also empower them. Our team of clinicians, all from similarly diverse backgrounds, brings a variety of therapeutic modalities and personal insights that enrich the support we provide. We specialize in modalities such as Brainspotting, Art Therapy, and Emotionally Focused Therapy, adapting these approaches to better suit the needs of our clients while respecting their personal narratives and cultural contexts.
We are particularly proud of how our brand embodies the principles of empathy, respect, and inclusivity. Diaspora Therapy Group is not just a therapy provider but a community advocate that actively works to dismantle systemic barriers to mental health access. This advocacy is reflected in how we manage our practice, care for our clinicians, and interact with the community. We hold space for our clinicians to grow and learn, offering rigorous supervision that challenges them to develop both personally and professionally, and we encourage our team to engage in self-care and self-reflection as integral parts of their professional activities.
For our readers, it’s essential to know that Diaspora Therapy Group offers a space for those often overlooked by mainstream mental health services. Our services are designed not just to treat mental health issues but to understand and celebrate each client’s entire being, creating pathways for healing that are as unique as the individuals we serve. Whether you’re looking for support with mental health challenges, seeking to understand more about your cultural identity, or needing a space to explore your gender and sexuality, Diaspora Therapy Group provides a supportive, affirming environment where you can feel safe and valued.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
Diaspora Therapy Group actively seeks collaboration and support across various sectors to enhance our impact and extend our reach within the community. We invite referrals to our culturally attuned, gender-affirming, and trauma-informed services, which are specially designed to meet the unique needs of BIPOC and QTPOC communities.
In our pursuit of creating collaborative partnerships, we work with educational institutions, healthcare providers, and other mental health professionals to deliver joint workshops and training sessions. These collaborations are vital in enriching our offerings and extending our educational outreach. Additionally, we deeply value financial contributions through donations and grants, which are crucial for providing sliding-scale options to those unable to afford therapy due to economic barriers.
Volunteer involvement is another cornerstone of our operation, providing expertise in various capacities such as supervision for our associate clinicians, delivering specialized therapeutic training, or assisting with administrative tasks. To further our mission, we encourage promoting mental health awareness, engaging with our content on social media, and supporting our advocacy efforts, all of which play a crucial role in dismantling the stigma surrounding mental health.
We also prioritize professional development and continual learning within our team, offering educational programs and workshops that focus on enhancing skills in culturally competent, anti-oppressive, and trauma-informed practices. For those seeking more hands-on experience, we periodically provide internships and career opportunities, making it possible for upcoming and seasoned professionals to join a team dedicated to progressive and inclusive mental health care.
By collaborating with Diaspora Therapy Group, you contribute to a broader effort to make mental health services more inclusive, accessible, and effective, especially for those from historically marginalized communities. We remain open to exploring new ideas and collaborative opportunities that align with our mission and values, continuously striving to expand our reach and deepen our impact.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.diasporatherapygroup.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/diasporatherapygroup/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DiasporaTherapy
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/diaspora-therapy-group-carlsbad
- Other: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/kiley-dunne-lizama-carlsbad-ca/1351473
