I attended their Natural Self-Care Approaches. I was shocked at how unwelcome I felt upon entering the room!!!! There were a few staff members just standing right in front of me awkward and they stared at me as if I didn't belong there. I'm surprised I didn't leave immediately after I sensed the negative disrespectful energy. During the event, one woman tried to approach me but there were no handouts or anything so the whole event was confusing.... I don't know how one can come here and feel welcomed! I sure will stay away from this place!!!! read more

You are a transaction and a transaction only for them. Truly disappointed by how they operate - you are ultimately a paycheck and not a human. After working with one of their therapists, it became clear to me that they do did not care about me but only about my money, so please be careful. read more

No problems with Viva overall, although I did have a very negative experience with two of their therapists, Sara Staggs and Georgiana Mora. I began seeing Georgiana to address some recent and severe childhood trauma. At the core of a lot of these issues was fear of trusting people with intimate details about my life, things which she knew well over the course of 6 months of therapy. She suggested EMDR therapy as a supplement, which I was in full favor of doing. After she connected me to her colleague, Sara Staggs, and after I made an appointment with her, she proceeded to tell me that it was "policy" that she and this other person I'd never met talk about me and my therapy without me present. Now, it would seem common sense that this might be a touchy issue for me and that she might want to discuss it with me before I made an appointment. I made it very clear straight away that their talking about my personal issues amongst themselves was something I was deeply uncomfortable with and that she should have discussed it with me first. Rather than accept that, she pressed the issue for 30 minutes, defending herself and the policy was "standard" practice. Rather than accept my original "no, I'm not comfortable with that," she kept making an argument for why I should trust her and this absolute stranger. I'm thinking "Wait, you know my background right? Why won't you back off from this? You know why this touches a very sore spot for me." She showed a complete disregard for my position as she seemed far more interested in defending hers. All the while this argument ensued, I started shaking and became clearly distressed, but she didn't seem to notice or care. She finally started to offer trite apologies for not discussing with me before hand but by then I was doubled over, sobbing, re-experiencing the pain of the entire reason I was in therapy in the first place. Then it got worse. She had the audacity to ask, as though I should suddenly just stop feeling upset to make it easier for her, "Why can't you just forgive me and turn this around?" She was trying to deflect the problem to me as though there were something wrong with me or my reaction to her behavior, not her lack of Sensitivity to the issue. At that point I walked out of her office a complete mess. She never called or messaged to ask if I was all right. I was effectively re-traumitized to the point that I could hardly work the next day. The next Monday, I informed her of this and told her I wouldn't pay for the last session (I had paid in full and on time for 6 full months). She told me that she was going to charge me because she had to "honor" our agreement to charge for the time booked (I also asked to speak to her supervisor, who she said did not exist. She offered no further recourse to settle the matter other than to talk it out with her directly, all the while insisting that she charge me). In that same email she offered a phony line about how she would always be there for me if I needed her, and that she cared about me a whole bunch golly gee, gosh darnit, dimple. From the person who saw me leave her office in tatters (after developing a relationship for 6 months) and didn't have the decency to follow up with an email to make sure I made it home ok, and after refusing to honor a very reasonable request to not charge me for harm done? You've got to be kidding me. I then briefly saw the recommended EMDR therapist Sara who was condescending and passive aggressive, and told me I was the reason for the problem with Georgiana. That then of course made me wonder if they had further discussed me amongst themselves without my knowledge. A terrible retraumitizing experience with two mental health "professionals" who advertise themselves as apparent trauma specialists. With all of that training it seems they forgot how to be human....And follow basic standards of ethics. read more

Dr. Julie presented on residency and trauma. Presentation was informative. She is very knowledgeable on the topics.

I've attended a few of their events and found them not only to be informative, but also inspirational and eye-opening. Their speakers have always been wonderful, whether it's full of panelists from different backgrounds or Dr. Julie herself. Dr. Julie is clearly an expert in her field and is very knowledgeable with mental health issues. Additionally, the events have also been a great way to gather resources, ways to seek help for yourself or loved ones, and to meet and network with others who are either interested in the topic or work as professionals in the field. I've really enjoyed each event so far and look forward to attending more in the future! read more

An absolutely wonderful, holistic wellness center staffed with amazingly caring and involved people. Viva Center offers classes in wellness related to business, finances, relationships, and of course personal growth and mental health. The staff are committed to maintaining an unhurried, refuge like atmosphere and every aspect of the Viva Center reflects this intention. From natural medicine, i.e. Shamanic Healings and Energy work, to mental health counseling, the Viva Center is an amazing space to explore every aspect of your soul and being. I love the work they are doing here! You know the saying...be the person your dog thinks you are? This place helps you do just that. AWESOME. read more

I love the VIVA Center. As soon as I walk through the door, I feel like a weight is taken off. I have worked with Dr. Marie- who totally figured out a way to work through my seasonal (or should I say, year round) allergies. I have seen Lisa who is an amazing PT. Also, I have seen Leah, who seriously should get the award of Therapist of the decade! She is incredible. I love the workshops they do. One of my favorite ones was an art therapy session- so fun! read more

I love everything about the Viva Center! I have been to several of its community open houses and attended workshops with its terrific practitioners. Most recently, they saved the day by hosting our wedding! We were at a complete loss when our plans started unfolding much faster than anticipated, and the Viva Center unexpectedly came through as the ideal spot for our small ceremony. And what a fantastic job they did! Staff really pulled out all the stops to create a beautiful space and a joyous event. There is a lot to love about the Viva Center, but best of all is just the amazing vibe. It is such a positive, welcoming space, filled with such caring providers. read more

Excellent presentation by Dr Lopez on Healing Trauma and the Power of Resiliency. It was my first time attending a presentation by The Viva Center and I am really impressed by the wonderful work they are doing for raising awareness about the sensitive topics. read more

Saw Dr. Julie Lopez from the Viva Center speak about trauma and the power of resiliency at Busboys and Poets and really enjoyed the presentation. Very knowledgeable and helpful in my practice as a counselor working with adolescents. read more

I've had quite a few services at this amazing Center. Most recently, I was having awful back pain and about to take a transatlantic flight. I had gone to physical therapy, and although I have a great physical therapist, the pain persisted. So I went to Frank Neely--the day before my flight (and a subsequent 2 week vacation). Guess what? Pain went away and I was able to enjoy one of the most amazing vacations of my life. I also have worked with Monica Freedman for neurofeedback. Truly amazing--and Monica is gentle, kind, and soothing as you work with her. In addition, Candida DeLuise is a warm, empathic, wise, and spiritual counselor. Finally I have to say that the entire Viva Center is infused with a calm, peaceful, loving spirit. Everyone I've encountered (including the reception staff) is generous and helpful. This beautiful, healing atmosphere is due to the hard work and dedication of the Center's founder, Dr. Julie Lopez. There aren't enough superlatives to describe Dr. Lopez: Caring, generous, empathic; and her clinical wisdom is superb. When you speak with her you really know that she is totally focused on listening to you and being a helpful support to you. What a gifted therapist she is. Yes, I know I sound over-the-top, but the Viva Center really is a magical place. read more

As a sole proprietor occupational therapist (OT) running a fly-in/fly-out practice each month, I was in need of space to rent to see my clients. The Viva Center offered me the perfect solution! It is centrally located, close to the Metro, and most importantly offers a wonderful environment to work. I have flexibility with my schedule and am able to accommodate off-hours and weekend appointments for my clients easily. It is a safe, inclusive, and supportive space for everyone and I feel very strongly that the work all Viva clinicians are doing in the community is changing lives for the better. I highly recommend independent and private holistic practitioners consider the Viva Center for clinic rental space as well as a referral source for all mental health and wellness needs! read more

The Viva Center is wonderful! Everyone is so approachable. I called inquiring about sliding scale therapy and within minutes a few people got back to me with different options and they were just so helpful. I popped in after a phone message and a few emails and I felt so welcome. It's a beautiful place and a great resource. The staff went out of their way to accommodate my needs, answer any questions I had and discuss what is available at the center. Thank you! read more

As a health care practitioner and healer, I highly recommend the Viva Center. It is my one stop mind-body shop - I have received services from Sarah, Lea, Tim, Candida and Julie. In addition to top-notch care, Viva offers a wonderful community vibe and there are numerous workshops on an array of informative topics. Its been a very safe space for me to learn and grow and connect with other like-minded people. So happy to have this healing center in my life!! read more

Attended the The Ethics of Self Care workshop with Dr. Julie Lopez and Lenna Jawdat. I thought it was a great workshop that had a solid mix of educational, experiential and discussion. It was a great way to connect with other therapists as well as get ethics credits that focused on my own self care as a professional. read more

I highly recommend the Viva Center, and specifically, its owner, Dr. Julie Lopez. I have suffered from vertigo and dizziness issues for over a month, and decided to try EMDR as a method to resolve some of my symptoms. Ms. Lopez is very experienced in this field, and I felt like I needed the help of a professional to make some progress with my symptoms. I should preface, that I was skeptical of how EMDR might help me, but delightfully discovered how wrong I was. First, Ms. Lopez scheduled an initial appointment to discuss EMDR, my expectations, and of course, my symptoms. She prepared me well for the session, and outlined how it would work, and what occurs during the practice. She worked me into her busy schedule and set the EMDR therapy less than two days later. She showed the utmost of care, guiding me through the excercises and checking on me throughout the process. Ms. Lopez was patient, and able to work through my symptoms - thereby releasing them. Through the process I realized that I need to make more time for self-care! After our initial session, I felt immediately better, but Ms. Lopez did not stop there. She scheduled a follow up appointment a few days later, to check in on my process and to give me some suggestions for related or future care if needed. I can honestly say, the EMDR experience with Ms. Lopez was comfortable, caring and EFFECTIVE. I highly recommend the compassionate and professional nature of Ms. Lopez's practice and would encourage anyone to seek out her care or the Viva Center in general. read more

The new location is great! Still super close to the metro which is a huge plus for me. The building itself is gorgeous and welcoming, just like the practitioners! Its so amazing to go in for one type of healing and walk away wanting to try other services, all in one location! The atmosphere is calming and I appreciate that so much. read more

My experience at the Viva Center was extraordinary. I saw a therapist there for almost 2 years, who walked me through EMDR twice. I really enjoyed the atmosphere and thought that it was well run. I never encountered any issues, but if I had, I know that the staff would have addressed them immediately. I would not hesitate to reach out to their wonderful team of therapists for treatment. read more

I love the Viva Center. Wonderful, warm staff, convenient location. I've been thrilled to see them grow and add to the practice. Truly integrative services, which is rare when everyone seems to specialize. You can find just about anything you need here for wellness. read more

Some of these ratings seem a little too overblown to be genuine. My experience here was the polar opposite of what the others experienced. First, there are no instructions for dialing up to the building to get to the office. After following in someone else in the building just to enter When I arrived the elevator wasn't working, which was fine, so I walked up the stairs where I knocked on the door and waited 10 minutes in the stairwell until the receptionist finally opened to door. When she did she seemed a bit put off that she had to. I was there to see the acupuncturist on staff there, who apparently just didn't show up. No one bothered to apologize - all that was said was that he abruptly quit. I understand that we all have our problems and obstacles, but this place seemed to be so laden with them and no one appeared to care about the experience of the customer. I'm really doubtful about all of these overwhelmingly positive recommendations listed here, so perhaps go into the place with some healthy skepticism. read more