Sunday Assembly Silicon Valley

Join your SASV friends at this monthly Sunday brunch! Now that we're heading into warmer weather, we'll be sharing a potluck meal instead of going to a local restaurant. Please join us!

Where? Eagle Park, (diagonally across from the Mountain View-De Anza Masonic Lodge). We will be at the NE corner (closest to the Lodge) or near the playground (especially if kids are attending).

What to bring? A lawn chair or a blanket to sit on; there is a picnic table, but seating is limited). If you plan to eat, bring your own beverage/plate/bowl/utensils/napkins, etc., and a dish to share. Extra lawn chairs are appreciated.

Join Us for an Uplifting Celebration of Life!
10:45 - Coffee, tea and mingling
11:00 - Program
12:00 - Potluck - Bring something to share!

Program

How we communicate can bruise trust and shut down connections between friends, loved ones, or family members. In this practical 15-minute workshop, Dr. Mariella Lauriola distills insights from the Gottman Method, Emotionally Focused Therapy, and trauma-informed care to help you spot warning signs early—before frustration hardens into resentment.

You will learn to:

Identify the “Four Horsemen” (criticism, contempt, defensiveness, stonewalling)

Apply their evidence-based antidotes to restore respect and collaboration

Understand how unresolved trauma—especially from parent–child dynamics—shapes current relationships, particularly romantic ones

Practice quick, user-friendly tools to foster healthy, attuned communication

Leave with a clear roadmap for recognizing red flags and nurturing safer, more satisfying interactions.

Dr. Mariella Lauriola is a licensed clinical psychologist in California and the founder of Trauma Healing Therapy, a Cupertino-based group practice specializing in trauma recovery and relationship therapy. With an extensive academic background in psychology, neuroscience, and neuropsychology, Dr. Lauriola has earned degrees and certificates from institutions in Italy, Spain, and California.

Her education includes a Ph.D. in Neuropsychology and Clinical Neuroscience (jointly through Università degli Studi di Chieti/Pescara and UCSF), as well as advanced training in Couples Therapy, Clinical Sexology, and Family Therapy. Before founding Trauma Healing Therapy, Dr. Lauriola played a key role in developing a housing program in community mental health, supporting women experiencing severe trauma and psychiatric challenges. She also contributed to clinical research in Alzheimer’s prevention and healthy aging. In 2017, she fully transitioned to her true passion: working directly with clients in a therapeutic setting.

Dr. Lauriola has and still actively volunteers with local and international nonprofits, including crisis lines, Rape Trauma Services, Bay Area Cancer Connection, and Misión México. Outside of her work, she enjoys long walks by the ocean, salsa dancing, yoga, and spending time with her loved ones.