Empowering you to reconnect, reflect, and thrive
Are you struggling with feelings of overwhelm and finding yourself caught up in a never-ending feeling of "what-if's"? You know you are anxious, and maybe you even know where that is coming from, but it feels like you can't make changes stick. Maybe your health makes things even more complicated, your physical pain or chronic condition is LOUD and the people around you just do not get it. You feel lonely, stuck, and maybe even a little hopeless. Chances are that if this is resonating for you, you've found yourself struggling with your relationships, your self-esteem, your identity, or your trauma. I know first hand how hard it can be to reach out for help when you are this space, and I am so glad you are here.
I offer individual therapy services to folks experiencing chronic illness, cancer, infertility, grief, young adult life transitions, anxiety/panic, acute or chronic PTSD, sexual assault survivorship, & military life concerns.
Many of my clients identify as disabled, military connected, LGBTQ+, or childless not by choice. A large portion of the clients I serve often describe themselves as perfectionists, people-pleasers, healers/helpers/first responders, and healthcare providers.
My approach to therapy is causal, eclectic, and transparent. I value authenticity and hope that by showing up as myself in session, you will too! This might mean I'll cry with you, laugh with you, cuss a little, or share something personal in service of your growth. Know this though, therapy is about YOU and for YOU.
I focus on creating safety in session to ensure you have the space to openly share your experience and allow you to be vulnerable. I think the ability for you to do so with me is a reflection about how well I'm doing in my work and also a deep honor that I take very seriously.
I believe in the wisdom of your lived experience and will talk with you openly about my observations/recommendations, while ensuring that we are headed in a direction that feels good for you. I often assign homework in between sessions to ensure that you are getting the most out of this experience in your day-to-day.
I know that what is personal is political, and I am guided by my classical social work training to examine the systems you interact with that are directly impacting your health. There's space in my sessions for us to talk about that openly and authentically!
A little about me: I am an AYA cancer survivor, an active duty military spouse of over a decade, disabled, an adult child of addiction, & a cisgender bisexual white female. My lived experiences have highlighted for me how resiliency can show up even in the most difficult of times when we create environments that foster post-traumatic growth. I know from experience how deeply intertwined our physical and mental health are, and utilized body-based approaches in session with my clients, make recommendations for body/physical health support, and will partner with you to approach your health in a holistic way.
If you've gotten this far--you are doing the thing! Looking for a therapist can be a challenge, know that if we connect I'll do my best to partner with you to ensure we find you the right fit (even if that's not me!).
Lauren Morales
Licensed Clinical Social Worker & Therapist