Founder & Chief Strategist
The human system is amazing and adaptive. As a lifelong student learning the complexities of personal change, I feel honored to do this meaningful type of work.”
Specialties/Populations
As a trauma-informed practitioner, Dr. Lopez’s clinical specialty is working with trauma and PTSD. Her subspecialty is in compulsive behaviors.
Dr. Lopez understands addictions to be an effective way to cope with unresolved, internalized traumatic experiences, either discrete or chronic. This coping strategy, while effective at managing the effects of trauma, can have negative consequences that the client may wish to reduce (eating, drinking, shopping, working, sex, etc.).
Dr. Lopez has been qualified as a trauma expert by both legal courts and the media. Her extensive knowledge and training comes from early specialization and immersion in trauma settings.
Additionally, Dr. Lopez works with phobias, self-injury, implicit (pre-language and pre-developmental) memory, sleep disturbances, low self-esteem, relationship challenges, obsessions, and compulsions.
In 2019, Dr. Lopez released Live Empowered!, a self-help primer on overcoming obstacles using implicit memory. Her expertise has been featured on numerous podcasts, blogs, and more, including The Associated Press, Adoptees On, Author Hour, Yes, And… and more.
Trainings/Modalities/Certifications
- EMDR Certification
- Brainspotting
- Utilizing Somatic Interweaves
- Psychodynamic Therapy
- Neurofeedback
- Reiki, Level II
- Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT)
Previous Clinical Experience
Dr. Lopez has been working in a private practice setting for over two decades. In the early years of her clinical career she worked with countless survivors of sexual violence as the coordinator for specialized clinical services at the DC Rape Crisis Center. She has also worked with individuals who have experienced many other traumas, including natural and human-made disasters, physical violence, interpersonal violence, family relinquishments, and neglect.
You can learn more about Dr. Lopez’s clinical experience and upcoming speaking engagements on her website.
Other Skills and Experiences
Dr. Lopez was an adjunct faculty member at The Catholic University of America’s graduate social work program for 10 years. In her social work career, she has worked with Northern Virginia Family Service, the Hospital for Sick Children, the DC Rape Crisis Center, and Alexandria Neighborhood Health Services. In 2002, she was distinguished for her work in establishing a social services program for low-income Spanish speaking immigrants, receiving the Social Worker of the Year award from the Metropolitan Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers.
Dr. Lopez offers services in both Spanish and English. She is certified in spiritually sensitive clinical work through Catholic University’s Center for Spirituality in Social Work.
Education
Julie received her Masters and PhD in clinical social work from the Catholic University of America.
For more information, to schedule an appointment, or to contact Dr. Lopez directly, she can be reached via email.
First Meeting Documents
In preparation for the first visit, you will be asked to fill out the following forms:
Informed Consent
Each of our Clinical Associates is a licensed practitioner. As required by licensure, treatment under a licensed practitioner is confidential. This form explains limitations to that confidentiality required by licensure. It also outlines the collaborative nature of the therapeutic relationship and co-responsibility for treatment outcomes.
Financial Agreement This form outlines The Viva Center’s financial policies. Here at Viva, we offer special accommodations to assist with cash flow and to simplify payments. As a professional courtesy, clients opting to pay with a credit card are not billed until the end of the month, although fees are technically due at the time of service. This allows time for insurance to send reimbursement closer to the time of payment.
Client Questionnaire
This form serves 2 purposes: It helps to capture the baseline experience when beginning treatment, allowing for an opportunity to take stock of current status. It also helps the clinician gather important background information without taking extra time in the first session. The first page of this form is required, and the others are supplemental. It is fine to exercise the decision to leave out any areas of the form. Please keep in mind any areas elected not to be disclosed at this time may be relevant to treatment outcomes.
Credit Card Authorization Form
This form is only required if electing to use a credit card to pay for services. Conveniently, this form only needs to be filled out once and is stored securely. Payment with cash or checks is also accepted.
