What’s our story?
It’s a journey born from trauma and built on resilience
The Viva Center was founded by Dr Julie Lopez in 2010. As a trauma survivor and an adopted person who attributes brain based therapeutic options with overcoming many personal struggles some 30+ years ago, she became passionate to share the power of non-talk based options through clinical work, teaching, writing and speaking.
Her passion to serve the many people who go through life feeling alone, ashamed, or even hopeless because of normal mental health concerns, without an awareness of the many different scientifically based non-talk based therapies that are so transformative, led her to start The Viva Center. She wanted others to become aware of this array of powerful approaches to well being.
Over the years, more therapists came to Viva, united by the desire to end the stigma against common and normal mental health struggles and to promote happiness and health.
They saw the powerful ripple effect of healing; as one client improved, they passed that growth on to those around them. Because of this, the team at Viva truly believes that helping others with their emotional health is the key to healing the world.
In 2018, Viva launched the comprehensive library of free mental health resources, the Resilient Brain Project (RBP). RBP is constantly being updated with podcasts, playlists, research, apps, worksheets, and more. RBP aims to make mental health tools accessible to everyone, no matter their age, location, or income.
The Viva Vision
Viva envisions a World Empowered to Heal. This includes a world with widespread knowledge that change is possible, access to cutting edge neuropsychology and compassion for normal responses to trauma
The Viva Mission
Viva facilitates optimal living for individuals seeking personal improvement. Viva Clinicians offer expert client-centered approaches to mental health which are rooted in advancements in Neuropsychology.
Viva clinicians can go beyond traditional talk therapy with non-talk body and brain-based therapies for a results-driven client experience
Viva’s Core Values
Unique Treatments + Unique Individuals = Unique Happiness Results
Every person is different. Viva understands this fundamental truth and offers custom-tailored treatments from a diverse staff, with an array of trainings, experiences and therapeutic styles. This core value around diversity drives Viva’s exceptional results.
Self-care before all others
Learning from the fable of the shoemaker whose children have no shoes, the Viva team is deeply committed to the health and well-being of everyone on the team before diving into client care. Just like the stewardesses say “Please ensure your own oxygen mask is on before helping those around you”.
Work Smart for Optimal Results
Streamlined systems are a high priority for Viva. This is true not only with the efficiency enjoyed by leveraging cutting edge therapeutic approaches, but also in the operations of the company.
Learning through Connection
Viva is 100% committed to lifelong learning and not just academically. There is an emphasis on learning from one another in community, with clients as well as rigorous study.
Freedom and Flexibility
At Viva, as a trauma-informed center, personal power is a cornerstone of how operations and clinical work are performed. Personal agency and freedom in schedule, style, clinical work, etc… are all highly valued.
Who are we?
A team committed to therapy that truly makes a difference
Viva therapists are trauma-informed with experience not only in talk therapy but in non-talk therapeutic work such as brain-based approaches like EMDR and Brainspotting, along with body-based therapies and a wealth of other non-talk therapy options. They come from diverse backgrounds, with experience in emergency rooms, school systems, art studios, law offices, crisis centers, and more. Three things they have in common: they are trained in advanced non-talk therapy, they love to learn, and they love to support people as they heal.