Valeria Avila
High School Engagement, Inclusion & Change Group, Program Participant
"I remember thinking, ‘Wow, I can go to college.'"
Wellness Support Groups
Immigrants Rising’s Wellness Support Groups help undocumented people stay grounded and connected to community.
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These 6-week Wellness Support Groups led by trained mental health providers or registered clinicians, are designed to help undocumented people feel less alone and more understood. The weekly virtual sessions are closed; meaning that advance registration is required, with the goal of creating a confidential space where 10-12 participants can feel grounded, find community, and share their unique experiences, challenges, and successes with one another. Note: though participation can be therapeutic, the groups are not a form of therapy. Click here to register and join a support group.
Upcoming Support Groups
Black & Undocumented Support Group
The focus of this group will be to help participants identify mindfulness practices to incorporate into their lifestyles. Together we will explore how mindfulness can improve emotional well-being; discuss how people experience stress; learn to identify dysregulation; understand the impact of connecting mind, body, and soul; and explore different types of mindfulness practices.
About the Facilitator
Akiah Robinson Selwa (she/her), LMFT, is a licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (Adv. I), and founder/president of Sunrise Therapy Center (STC). She has over 22 years of experience as a domestic violence prevention advocate, psychotherapist, clinical supervisor, human trafficking abolitionist, and clinical program manager in the public health and private practice sectors. Akiah approaches treatment with cultural humility that promotes acceptance, empowerment, and creativity. She is currently pursuing a certification in Somatic Experiencing, Herbalism, and Mixed Media Art. In her free time, Akiah creates junk journals, crochets every day, and takes mindful walks in nature.
Schedule & Info
Dates: 6 consecutive Wednesdays beginning on September 6, 2023
Time: 2 p.m. PT / 5 p.m. ET
REGISTER HERE
Life Outside the U.S. Support Group
Whether you have already decided to start a life outside of the U.S. or are just considering the possibility, know that you are not alone. In addition to our Life Outside the U.S. guide, which is designed to help you explore your options and arrive at the decision that best suits you, Immigrants Rising has created this 6-week non-clinical support group. If you would like to be in community with other individuals who are living outside the U.S. or are in the process of making this important decision, we invite you to join us. Together, we will explore the joys and challenges of living in the U.S. as well as the new challenges and exciting possibilities of a life abroad.
About the Facilitator
Lina Hannigan (she/her), Ph.D. is a licensed clinical psychologist in private practice. She earned her doctorate degree at Alliant International University, specializing in health psychology. She received extensive training in primary care behavioral medicine and chronic pain management at UCSF/SFGH and Kaiser Permanente, integrating the physical and mental domains to optimize health. As a Japanese American whose parents were immigrants, Lina grew up navigating between cultures. After graduating from the University of Washington, she lived for two years in a small town in Hokkaido, Japan before going to graduate school with a commitment to serving immigrant and AAPI communities. She works to fight bias and understand cultural influences within and between people. She is proud to be a volunteer therapist and group facilitator at Immigrants Rising.
Schedule & Info
Dates: 6 consecutive Tuesdays beginning on September 5, 2023
Time: 4 p.m. PT / 7 p.m. ET
REGISTER HERE
UndocuLove Support Group
If it feels like navigating romantic relationships while undocumented adds another layer of complexity to your life, you are not alone. This group is open to any person navigating mixed status relationships and/or dating while undocumented including folks of all sexualities and gender identities. Over the course of six weeks, we will share stories about dating and partnerships, mirror and validate one another’s experiences, and build community in a safe and nonjudgmental environment. The themes discussed throughout the six weeks will be determined by the participants, because you know best what support you need.
About the Facilitator
Huyen “Kiki” Vo (she/her), LCSW, is a DACAmented Vietnamese immigrant, a licensed psychotherapist, and a mental health clinician at Stanford Medicine, Children’s Health. She has the privilege of providing services to children, adolescents, individuals, and families from diverse backgrounds (e.g. low-income, AAPI, mixed status, undocumented, BIPOC, LGBTQ, etc.) throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. She values a holistic and collaborative approach to care, utilizing a trauma-informed cultural humility and strength-based lens to promote clients’ self-determination, potential, and resilience. She honors each client’s unique history, cultural background, personality, and lived experience, and meets them where they are in their respective self-discovery/healing journey.
Schedule & Info
Dates: 6 consecutive Tuesdays beginning on September 5, 2023
Time: 7 p.m. PT / 10 p.m. ET
REGISTER HERE
Coping With Uncertainty Support Group
Navigating life as an undocumented person means facing uncertainty on a daily basis. There are so many forces outside of our control that shape our lives and impact our ability to plan for the future. In this group, we will discuss the different ways that uncertainty impacts how we show up in our relationships, the personal and professional choices we make, and our overall mental and emotional well-being. We will make space to connect, support, and learn from one another throughout the group process and the facilitator will introduce and guide participants through various coping strategies and relaxation techniques.
About the Facilitator
Jose Perez (he/him), LMFT, is a DACAmented licensed marriage and family therapist based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Jose has the privilege of running the mental health department at Samaritan House San Mateo where he helps increase access to mental health for uninsured immigrants. Additionally, Jose has a private practice specializing in immigrant mental health and treating trauma, depression, anxiety, and acculturation difficulties. Jose aims at providing a collaborative approach to care utilizing strength-based approaches to help clients reach their self-actualization, resilience, and healing. In his spare time, Jose is finishing his PsyD in clinical psychology and enjoys hiking and trying new foods and eateries.
Schedule & Info
Dates: 6 consecutive Wednesdays beginning on September 6, 2023
Time: 5:30 p.m. PT / 8:30 p.m. ET
REGISTER HERE
UndocuLGBTQ+ Support Group
Being LGBTQ in a heteronormative society isn’t easy, and it can be more challenging when you are from a culture that is not accepting of your identity. Add to the mix the pressures of being undocumented, and you have yourself an intersectional identity that can be ripe for distress! This group is open to all individuals who identify as LGBTQ seeking a safe space. Over the six weeks, we will share stories that can be mirrored and validated, discuss relevant issues facing our community, and build community in a safe and nonjudgmental environment. The themes discussed throughout the six weeks will be determined by the participants, so anyone who is LGBTQ can join and show up as you are.
About the Facilitator
Mayra Jimenez (she/her), LMFT, is a formerly undocumented Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist living in Southern California. She has worked in the non-profit mental health sector for over 10 years in a variety of roles ranging from administrative coordination to clinical work and supervision. She utilizes her lived experiences to guide the way she engages clients in therapy. Mayra’s commitment to providing mental health services that are equitable, accessible, and affordable led to the creation of her business, Contigo Counseling Inc, which is focused on serving the undocumented community.
Schedule & Info
Dates: 6 consecutive Tuesdays beginning on September 5, 2023
Time: 3 p.m. PT / 6 p.m. ET
REGISTER HERE
UndocuWomen Support Group
The support of sisters is unique and nourishing. This group is open to all UndocuWomen seeking a space for sharing and connection in times of uncertainty. Exploring an intersectional identity can lead us to learn new coping skills and strategies from one another as we examine the impact of our multiple identities. The themes we’ll explore in this group will be determined by the first session—because you know your support needs best. We will come as we are, share what we know, and celebrate one another’s successes.
About the Facilitator
Stephanie Del Chiaro (she/her) is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) who was born and raised in San Francisco’s Mission District. She helps people find meaning, give language to experiences, develop deeper self-understanding, and create more peace in their lives and relationships. Stephanie provides therapy through a lens that embraces her client’s culture and lived experience. The work that she does with clients is led by the client and builds upon their strengths, values and personality. She infuses humor, creative and visual arts, and an eclectic mix of therapeutic modalities that best suit each client and their situation.
Schedule & Info
Dates: 6 consecutive Wednesdays beginning on September 6, 2023
Time: 2 p.m. PT / 5 p.m. ET
REGISTER HERE
UndocuLatinx Support Group
Life with an undocumented status means facing uncertainty on a daily basis and noticing how it impacts many aspects of life. In this group, we will collectively discuss the different ways that uncertainty affects life, relationships, and wellbeing for each participant. As a group, we will also have an opportunity to reflect on experiences confronting uncertainty in the past and present. We will make space to connect, support, and learn from one another throughout the group process. The facilitator will introduce and guide participants through coping strategies and relaxation techniques that can be utilized at any point.
About the Facilitator
Muriel Casamayor (she/her), LMFT, is a Latina therapist in California. She specializes in serving BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) living with depression, anxiety and trauma. Muriel understands the journey of immigrating to another country and rewriting your own narrative. Her practice is located in Riverside and Tustin, but she provides telehealth services throughout California.
Schedule & Info
Dates: 6 consecutive Mondays beginning on September 4, 2023
Time: 10 a.m. PT / 1 p.m. ET
REGISTER HERE
Interested in facilitating a support group?
Please contact our Mental Health Team at mentalhealth@immigrantsrising.org for more information.