Today we’d like to introduce you to Diana Guzman.
Hi Diana, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I was born in Cuba and made the brave transition to the United States at the age of 15, carrying with me the weight of a challenging past. My father left Cuba when I was just two years old. This early experience left me with a lingering sense of rejection that accompanied me into adulthood. Unfortunately, like so many children around the world, I faced the harsh reality of sexual abuse during my childhood, inflicted by someone I should have been able to trust. Growing up in a conservative family, I felt compelled to keep this secret for years, enduring the pain in silence.
You might wonder, as many do, why I didn’t speak out. At around eight years old, I began to feel a sense of exposure and shame that I couldn’t quite understand. How could I? I was just a child, filled with innocence and confusion. There’s a deep loneliness in having something so important to share but feeling unable to voice it. Even now, I sometimes reflect on my silence, but I’ve come to understand the reasons behind it.
When I arrived in the United States, I hoped to leave my past behind and start anew. However, the shadows of abandonment, emotional and verbal abuse, and trauma continued to shape my early years. I struggled with low self-esteem, found myself in unhealthy relationships, and battled a deep depression that lingered throughout my youth. By 23, I was a young mother of two, navigating the challenges of a divorce while grappling with my own mental health issues. I had faced the trauma of rape, a reality that affects one in five women in the United States. Many women who have experienced sexual abuse often choose to keep their stories to themselves, carrying the heavy weight of shame and guilt. I can relate to this feeling deeply. However, life has a unique way of challenging us and revealing our inner strength, and this was a significant turning point for me.
The accumulation of these painful experiences led to a severe depression that persisted for much of my life, evolving into anxiety and panic attacks, ultimately resulting in a diagnosis of PTSD. For many years, I experienced deep feelings of despair, and there were extended periods of time when I felt so lost that I considered ending my life as a way to find relief. I made three attempts during that difficult time. Each time I woke up feeling frustrated about my lack of success, I found myself regretting my actions and feeling a bit ashamed. It was as if I was caught in a cycle that just kept repeating itself, making it hard to break free. Yet, now I find myself on the other side, helping others find their way from darkness into light. One valuable lesson I’ve learned on my journey, which I want to share with my clients, is that while it can be tempting to stay in the comfort of the victim role, true empowerment blossoms when we take responsibility for our healing. I came to this heartfelt realization and made the conscious choice to actively pursue my own healing journey. By reclaiming my power, I discovered the strength to rise above my trauma and redefine myself.
Today, I’m proud to be a licensed mental health counselor, specializing in trauma, addiction disorders, and crisis prevention and intervention. My journey has been one of continuous growth and healing over the past 18 years, and I cherish every step along the way. I understand that healing isn’t about quick fixes; it’s a heartfelt commitment to dedication, patience, and the courage to keep moving forward. I see myself as a work in progress, and I celebrate that journey wholeheartedly.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
When you ask me if it has been a bumpy road, I can’t help but chuckle a little. “Bumpy” feels like an understatement! It’s been quite a journey, filled with its fair share of challenges and triumphs. I’ve navigated through deep depression, PTSD, and panic attacks, often finding myself in relationships that didn’t quite nurture my sense of self-worth. There were moments when I felt utterly lost, including three attempts to take my own life and facing job losses while trying to heal.
One of the most heart-wrenching experiences was reaching out for help as a trauma therapist, only to be let go after sharing my struggles with my supervisor. It was a painful moment, but instead of letting it define me, I found renewed strength and determination. I started an internship in a victims’ services program, working with clients who had gone through similar trauma. Reflecting on my journey, I can’t help but chuckle at the unexpected challenges life tossed my way. During my internship at a program dedicated to supporting women who had experienced sexual assault, I found myself navigating a whirlwind of emotions. Meeting these incredible women stirred up a lot within me, and when I bravely shared my own story with my supervisor, I was met with an unexpected turn—I was let go from my unpaid internship. It’s a little amusing to think about now, but who would have thought someone could be fired from an unpaid internship? Well, I guess that would be me!
As a single mom, I faced numerous challenges along the way—being evicted from multiple apartments, having my car repossessed, and experiencing homelessness for a year. Yet, every hardship has been a stepping stone, shaping me into the woman I am today. I wouldn’t trade my experiences for anything, as they have led me here, and I’m so grateful for the strength I’ve found within myself.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a licensed psychotherapist with a heartfelt focus on trauma, addiction, anxiety disorders, and crisis prevention and intervention. For over 15 years, I’ve dedicated myself to supporting individuals navigating the challenges of addiction and crisis, and I feel truly honored to walk alongside them in their journeys.
I hold a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s in mental health counseling, but my path has been quite an adventure! You might find it amusing that my first dream was to become a firefighter. I even trained as an EMT and went through the fire academy process three times, but the physical part proved to be a hurdle I couldn’t quite overcome. I then took a turn toward the emergency room as an EMT, hoping to transition into nursing. However, after a couple of tries, I realized that biology and anatomy weren’t my strong suits. But rather than seeing that as a setback, I saw it as a sign to redirect my passion for helping others into counseling. And here I am today!
Looking back, I’m immensely proud of my younger self for persevering and discovering my true calling. Nowadays, what fills my heart with pride is the role I play as a mother, daughter, and friend to those I cherish. For the past decade, I’ve also had the joy of being a teacher, guiding my students to embrace their authentic selves and become the best versions of themselves.
My greatest pride, however, comes from my children. Despite the challenges we faced during my struggles, they have blossomed into gracious, loving, and responsible individuals. Their resilience inspires me every day, and I often marvel at their strength, especially considering the dark times I once experienced.
What truly sets me apart is my deep passion and commitment to not just survive but to thrive in life. I choose to dance through my journey, finding fulfillment and healing in my work while continuously learning, growing, and evolving. My hope is to offer others a glimpse into the beauty of healing and the joy that can come from it.
I’m currently serving as the clinical director at Recovery First, where we support individuals navigating substance use disorders at every level of care. This work brings me so much fulfillment! What some may see as intense or even overwhelming, I view as a heartfelt blessing—a chance to give back and to guide others on their journey to healing. It’s a privilege to witness the transformative power of recovery firsthand.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
I am deeply grateful for the grace and favor of God, which has guided me out of darkness and into a brighter version of myself. My children, with their boundless inspiration and grace, uplift me every single day. I feel incredibly fortunate to have had wonderful mentors along my journey. One of them is Simone Mack, my second internship supervisor, who offered validation for my trauma and helped me process my experiences from my first internship.
I also want to express my appreciation for Claire Mostel, one of my professors at Miami Dade, who encouraged me early on to find my voice, even when it felt shaky and uncertain due to my insecurities about not being fluent in English. Most recently, I have had the honor of working with Dr. Ana Viamonte Ross, the medical director at Baptist Health. She has been an incredible boss and taught me the importance of staying true to myself, speaking up, and embracing my truth—always with a touch of fabulousness. The lessons I’ve learned from her while building the wellness and crisis response program there have been some of the most impactful in my career.
Though the path has been long and, at times, exhausting, I am reminded that countless people have supported me, both directly and indirectly. While I may not remember every name, I want everyone who has played a role in my journey to know just how much their kindness and support have meant to me.
This is the beauty of healing: you never have to walk this path alone.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/diana_raw_therapist?igsh=MTJ6bmEwbG9pZHB4Zg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lifeisnowcounseling/
