About Dr. Kiley Dunne Lizama
Hi! I’m Dr. Kiley, co-founder of Diaspora Therapy Group. Drawing from my multicultural background and biracial identity, I hold a deep appreciation for embracing diverse cultures and affirming gender identities. Having grown up in Uganda, a nation steeped in rich cultural heritage, I had the privilege of being immersed in a tapestry of customs, norms, and traditions. My personal narrative is woven with threads of trans-generational trauma; my mother emerged as a survivor of Ethiopia’s 1970s violent revolution, my father navigated his upbringing in Ireland during “the Troubles,” and my stepmother’s formative years were marked by the Yugoslav ethnic conflicts and genocide. These narratives have indelibly shaped my perspective, fostering a profound respect for global human experiences. I have witnessed firsthand how the ripples of trauma can impact family dynamics and echo across generations, sometimes fostering unhealthy patterns. These experiences have deeply seeded in me a reverence for individual diversities and journeys.
My therapeutic style is also greatly influenced by my upbringing as a light-skinned biracial individual raised by a single Black mother, where I developed a humbling understanding of the trials marginalized individuals endure within society. Consequently, I am committed to creating a therapeutic space that recognizes the multifaceted oppression clients face, addressing concerns such as racism, sexism, homophobia, and ableism.
At the core of my therapeutic approach is the belief that each person is a unique entity, shaped inexorably by their life encounters, thus coloring their outlook. My mission is to cultivate an environment characterized by security, acceptance, and inclusivity. The bedrock of my practice is cultural humility, guiding me to greet each client with respect and an authentic eagerness to learn. Embracing gender-affirming therapy is another pivotal facet of my practice. I believe in the importance of spaces where clients can openly express their identities, devoid of judgment or rejection. My therapeutic framework draws upon multiculturalism, gender affirmation, and social justice. I acknowledge that each individual arrives in therapy with distinct narratives, and I aim to offer a sanctuary that is sensitive and attuned to these myriad stories. My ultimate objective is to empower clients with the tools requisite for navigating their unique challenges and nurturing personal growth and healing.
In tandem with counseling, I also provide training to school districts and parents. I delve into the complexities of trauma and explore the far-reaching impact of systemic racism and ingrained biases on students and the educational landscape. Through interactive workshops for parents, I spotlight methods of supporting students grappling with anxiety, depression, and self-destructive behaviors.
In addition to my role as a clinician, I am an instructor of Adolescent Psychology for the University of California Berkeley’s extension program and was an instructor for practicum courses for the Master’s in Counseling Psychology program at Yorkville University.
Get to Know Us
Meet the powerhouse duo behind Diaspora Therapy Group: Dr. Kiley Dunne Lizama and Rup Duhra. Dr. Kiley brings a fresh, no-nonsense approach to therapy, specializing in complex trauma, identity exploration, and clinical supervision. Her therapy style combines directness with warmth and humor, making space for clients to heal deeply. Rup, the operational backbone, handles the day-to-day logistics with finesse, ensuring everything runs seamlessly. Together, they’ve crafted a practice rooted in empathy, cultural humility, and a mission to make therapy accessible for all.
Our Story
About Rup Duhra
Hi! I’m Rup, co-founder of Diaspora Therapy Group. Born and raised in a working-class, Sikh Indian immigrant family in rural Canada, my upbringing ingrained in me a deep appreciation for navigating complex cultural landscapes. This background became the foundation for my passion in developing Diaspora Therapy Group, a practice dedicated to delivering trauma-informed, culturally competent mental health care to diverse communities. I am driven by a commitment to reduce disparities in mental health access for traditionally marginalized groups.
As the business manager of Diaspora Therapy Group, my approach is centered around fostering an environment that is safe, accepting, and inclusive. Emphasizing cultural humility, I strive to ensure that our operations respect and respond to the unique journeys of all potential clients, connecting them with clinicians who can best meet their needs.
My role involves integrating principles of multiculturalism, gender affirmation, and social justice into every facet of our practice’s strategy and operations. I am focused on building a sanctuary that is attuned to diverse narratives, empowering clients to navigate their unique challenges and facilitating their healing and growth.
Additionally, my expertise in business development, grounded in a strong educational background in molecular biology and business management, directs my efforts in ensuring the sustainable growth of our practice. I am passionate about employing my business acumen to enhance the operational efficiency of small private therapy practices. Through consultation services, I aim to expand the reach and efficacy of mental health services, making them more accessible and relevant to a wider array of communities.