From my earliest memory, I knew I was adopted. And from that knowing came questions I held deep inside: Why didn’t my mother want me? Why did she leave me? These questions ruled my life, undermining my sense of safety and self-worth.
I learned that to stay safe, I had to stay small — to be accommodating, take care of others before myself, and invisible enough that no one would leave. I internalized the belief that if I took up too much space, I’d be too much to love and that people would leave me. That belief shaped how I moved through the world — clinging to people, performing worthiness, and hiding the parts of me that felt confused and unlovable. It cost me connection, left me feeling alone and unseen, and made me question whether I mattered at all. And yet, even in the hiding, I longed to be seen.
Through years of education, therapy, storytelling, creative expression, and community I did the deep work to stop abandoning myself. I began migrating toward wholeness — not by pretending the pain wasn’t there, but by honoring it and integrating it. I learned to believe that I am lovable and valuable as I am. That my voice matters. That taking up space isn’t something to fear — it’s how we embody our worth and live our truth. And now, my work is to stand with others as they reclaim their stories, embody their truth, and take up space without apology.
Why I Do This Work
What I believe
Your story matters — even the parts that have been silenced or forgotten.
Every chapter holds meaning. Naming your truth is an act of reclamation.You are not broken — you are carrying what was never yours to hold.
Healing begins when we stop blaming ourselves for the harm we’ve inherited.You deserve to be seen, heard, and held in your wholeness.
You don’t have to perform worthiness. Your presence is enough.You can be big and still be safe.
Taking up space isn’t a threat — it’s your birthright.Voice is a healing tool.
Speaking, writing, and witnessing our truth is how we move from fragmentation to integration.Healing is a relational act.
We do not become whole in isolation — we heal in community, through connection and reflection.There is power in naming what once felt unspeakable.
Breaking silence isn’t exposure — it’s liberation.
About Liz
Dr. Liz DeBetta (she/her) is a scholar-artist-activist and the founder of Migrating Toward Wholeness, a trauma-informed methodology for reclaiming voice and presence through narrative healing. An adoptee herself, Liz leads workshops, keynotes, and coaching programs rooted in identity, expression, and justice. Her book Adult Adoptees and Writing to Heal and solo performance Un-M-Othered explore the emotional terrain of adoption, trauma, and transformation. She has a Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Studies (Humanities & Culture) with certificates in Creative Writing and Women’s & Gender Studies, an M.A. in English, a B.A. in Theatre/Speech and is a proud member of Actor’s Equity Association and SAG-AFTRA. She loves to garden, read historical fiction, and cook amazing food.
Testimonials
“Liz has found her purpose and lives her truth. She has made it her life's mission to share her personal adoption journey to help and support others on a similar path. I am inspired by her every day.”
— Genevieve Piturro, Author, Speaker & Founder of Pajama Program
“Liz is a shooting star who serves as a beacon of light, love, and guidance to all of those she’s touched. Her work has just begun, and hers is a crucial voice in the social justice narrative. I can’t wait to see how much good Dr. D will do in this world!”
— Dr. Vanessa Stretch, Author
“If one yearns to do the hard work of healing through stories and soul-sharing, Dr. D is a light to help you through the darkness. Be ready to examine your story from all perspectives in a safe, caring, and empowering environment.”
— Dr. Elizabeth Hommowun
“Dr. D is an inspiration to so many. She touches our lives in so many ways. She gives her time to those who need the push to do better and is part of their success. She listens without judgment which is great feature to have and is so rare in today's world.”
— Judy Pieper-Young
“Liz (through her workshop) enabled me to see myself from the outside in, and see those hidden feelings about my birth mom.”
— Rebecca T.
"Liz! Thank you so much for your presentation. I think it was just what the "Dr. ordered ;) Your expertise and the magical way you can make a whole room feel safe is so incredible!"
— Shannon Q., Adoption Knowledge Affiliates
Commitment to Inclusion and Non-Discrimination
Migrating Toward Wholeness™, LLC
At Migrating Toward Wholeness, we believe healing can only occur in spaces where people are treated with dignity, respect, and care. We are committed to cultivating environments that are inclusive, affirming, and free from discrimination in all workshops, coaching sessions, retreats, performances, and partnerships.
We do not discriminate on the basis of:
Race
Ethnicity
National origin
Ancestry
Immigration status
Color
Religion or creed
Sex
Gender
Gender identity
Gender expression
Sexual orientation
Marital status
Familial status
Pregnancy
Disability (physical, mental, intellectual, developmental)
Medical condition
Genetic information
Age
Veteran status
Socioeconomic status
Language
Citizenship status
Any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law
Our work is grounded in trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and lived-experience-centered practice. We affirm the dignity, humanity, and full personhood of foster youth, adoptees, first parents, caregivers, and all members of the adoption and child welfare constellation.
We are committed to:
Upholding the rights and protections outlined in the Foster Youth Bill of Rights (Welfare & Institutions Code §16001.9)
Promoting psychological safety, consent, and participant choice
Preventing harassment, retaliation, and discriminatory behavior in all spaces
Addressing concerns promptly and respectfully
Creating environments where historically marginalized voices are centered rather than silenced
Any participant who experiences discrimination or harassment within a Migrating Toward Wholeness™ program is encouraged to report concerns directly to Dr. Liz DeBetta at dr.liz@lizdebetta.com. All reports will be handled with care and confidentiality to the extent possible.
Migrating Toward Wholeness™ is dedicated to advancing equity, healing, and systems change through ethical, inclusive practice. This policy reflects the core values of Migrating Toward Wholeness™ and supports environments aligned with the Foster Youth Bill of Rights and trauma-informed principles of safety, connection, and choice.