Sunday Assembly: From Conflict to Clarity

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.

Interested, but not sure what to expect? Find out here!
First Time Visitors

Potluck
Use the sign-up sheet to let us know you're bringing something to the after-Assembly potluck! Eat indoors or step outside. Join us for social time and fostering friendships, even if you haven't brought a dish.

Live Stream Option

Free!
Open to the public. RSVPs are appreciated. Donations are gratefully accepted (we are all volunteer, but we do have operating costs). Plus: Free coffee and hot tea, free onsite babysitters, and free parking (on-street or behind the lodge).

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SASV is an inclusive, values based, secular community.
We welcome and respect others including the LGBTQIA2S+ community, agnostics, atheists, humanists, and believers.