More and more therapists are describing themselves as “trauma-informed” or “experienced in trauma care”—but what does that mean, and how can trauma-informed care (TIC) benefit those of us seeking treatment? Dr. Julie Lopez, the leader of the Viva Center’s Trauma Informed Clinical Practice Certificate Program, helps us break down how TIC can affect your wellness… read more
To Dye or Not to Dye? Dr. Julie Lopez on the Difficulties and Joys of Going Gray
Aging men and women, particularly the latter, have long felt pressured to hide their gray hair. In the 1930’s, Jean Harlow bleached her hair because she felt that her reputation as a platinum blonde was essential to her career. During World War II, Clairol ran ads referring to gray hair as a “heartless dictator,” claiming… read more
Team Work: Holistic Professionals Working together for the Client
Once a month, we hold what is called a Visionary Meeting: a gathering of the different practitioners who offer services and are part of the community here at The Viva Center. The focus of each meeting is brought forward by one of our practitioners who wants to share their experience with a particular client and… read more
Wellness Wednesday: The Power of Having a Clear Vision
The Power of Having a Clear Vision by Julie Lopez, PhD, LICSW, EMDR-C Two years ago I did an exercise with a very talented practitioner at Viva, Lea Sloan. She asked me to create a pie chart representing how I spent my time. Basically, I drew a pie shape and each piece of the pie… read more
Wellness Wednesday: Confidence with Julie Lopez
Wellness Wednesday: A Trauma Therapy and EMDR Perspective on Confidence What does it mean to be confident? It’s not simply a matter of being talented or possessing unique skills. Imagine two professional runners––one may be faster or have greater endurance than the other, but despite this, he or she might have lower self-esteem. At the… read more
