Welcome to Sunday Assembly Silicon Valley
Welcome to Sunday Assembly Silicon Valley
Sunday Assembly Silicon Valley is an inclusive secular congregation that celebrates life. We don’t advocate for any religious or spiritual beliefs, but we do welcome all who welcome all - humanists, agnostics, atheists, and believers.
We meet on the 2nd Sunday of each month to hear fascinating talks, sing pop songs, share stories, and connect with each other. Throughout the month, we connect in small groups. You can find our upcoming events on Meetup.
Our motto: Live Better. Help Often. Wonder More.
Sunday Assembly Silicon Valley is part of a global movement for wonder and good. Find out how we celebrate life!
July 2025
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.