I identify as a mixed Chicana female with family from what is called now Europe and Mexico. I connect to my ancestral practices from these multiple places and cultures. I’m Bay Area born and raised - shout out to the three zip codes that made me: 408, 415, 510. I work in English and Spanglish and have a passion for the way stories and words connect us permiso del corazón - permission of the heart. I believe that our dreams and creativity will show us the way to our radical collective healing.

Growing up in a lot of chaos I believed the way to survive was to feel nothing - my goal was to feel nothing, be impacted by nothing. Little did I know that the opposite is true:

Dr. Viola Mejía, an EMDR therapist, seated in her welcoming Oakland office, offering specialized trauma therapy for holistic healing.

MY STORY

Bright geometric pattern with orange triangles, symbolizing cultural richness and diversity, representing Dr. Viola Mejía's Oakland, CA office focused on PTSD therapy treatment.
Bright geometric pattern with orange triangles, symbolizing cultural richness and diversity, representing Dr. Viola Mejía's Oakland, CA office focused on PTSD therapy treatment.
Heart-shaped flower wreath amidst urban graffiti, symbolizing healing and resilience, reflecting trauma therapy at Dr. Viola Mejía's Oakland office.

The more we are with our emotions, the more liberated we are.

Sunset through trees in an Oakland park, embodying serenity and reflection, similar to the healing environment at Dr. Viola Mejía's office for EMDR therapy

I continued my search for understanding about why certain things happen, why people around me were in so much pain, and how to go deep into the pain to come out more free. As someone who the school system failed I started working in Adult Education and I found I could help people find the learner in themselves. Eventually, I started to notice I could support more radical growth with deeper and deeper work and so I started my second career journey in mental health.

​My own healing experiences brought me to Mujerista Psychology, Liberation Psychology, restorative justice practices, and ancestral wisdom as frameworks for healing. I believe in a personal decolonizing practice. I also believe in constantly questioning psychology which means deconstructing and challenging common mental health practices by understanding where they support colonization and cause harm. The goal is to remember healing practices that focus on the entire person and healing through centering relationships and community.

Bright geometric pattern with orange triangles, symbolizing cultural richness and diversity, representing Dr. Viola Mejía's Oakland, CA office focused on PTSD therapy treatment.
Colorful mural featuring a pink heart with a blue hummingbird, symbolizing love and healing, at Dr. Viola Mejía's Oakland office for trauma therapy.

I have now come believe in the power of the relationship and love to heal. The more authentic relationships with our communities, ourselves, and peers we engage in-the more we are able to grow and heal our collective traumas. By leaning into shared stories we are reconnecting with our body's natural abilities to heal. I believe that our whole being holds all we need to heal and grow and my role is to support people in unearthing that.

​Licensed as a psychologist in 2022, I have been working in community settings in the Bay Area since 2004-ish in various educational and counseling support roles. I bring together all my community focus, creative arts, training, and personal experiences to support you with your healing goals.

Bright geometric pattern with orange triangles, symbolizing cultural richness and diversity, representing Dr. Viola Mejía's Oakland, CA office focused on PTSD therapy treatment.

education & training

LICENSING

Licensed Clinical Psychologist CA PSY33293

CERTIFICATIONS

"Root to Bloom" Holistic Training for Community Based Service Providers 2020-2021

Community Health Outreach Worker-CCSF

TRAINING

Brainspotting Phase 1 and 2

EDUCATION

PsyD Clinical Psychology, CA Institute of Integral Studies

MA Adult Education Concentration in Social Justice and Equity, San Francisco State University

BA English, Creative Writing, San Francisco State University

San Bernardino Community College District Gen. Ed

Bright geometric pattern with orange triangles, symbolizing cultural richness and diversity, representing Dr. Viola Mejía's Oakland, CA office focused on PTSD therapy treatment.