Annette Morales

(she/her)

LCSW, 10 years of experience
Warm
Solution oriented
Authentic

I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in El Paso, offering individual teletherapy to adults ages 18 to 64 across the state of Texas. If you’re navigating relationship challenges, grieving a loss, moving through a major life transition, or feeling overwhelmed by life, you don’t have to do it alone. Together, we’ll explore meaningful, personalized steps toward healing and clarity. Supporting people as they uncover resilience, hope, and self‑understanding is deeply rewarding for me, and it’s an honor to walk alongside clients as they reflect, grow, and heal. I look forward to collaborating with you. *New clients, please check availability before booking. I offer appointments Monday through Friday and am unavailable on weekends.

Get to know me

In our first session together, here's what you can expect

In our first session, my aim is for you to feel welcomed, supported, and at ease sharing what’s on your mind. I strive to create a space grounded in trust, openness, and honesty. It’s completely normal to feel unsure about what to share at first—just share what feels right for you. We’ll begin by discussing your background, the challenges you’re facing, and what you hope to gain from therapy. I’ll ask thoughtful questions to better understand your experiences and needs. Keep in mind that this is also your time to bring up any questions or concerns about working together. By the end of our first meeting, you’ll have a better idea of what our work might look like and how we can move toward your goals at a pace that feels comfortable.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

I approach my work as a clinician with empathy, compassion, and a focus on evidence-based practices. My goal is to create a safe, welcoming space where clients feel heard and supported as they work toward change and growth. By keeping up with the latest research and therapy interventions, I can provide care that’s both effective and personalized to each individual’s needs.

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

I work best with people seeking a compassionate, empathetic listener to help them explore their feelings and experiences. My approach is client‑centered, offering a welcoming, supportive space where you can reflect, collaborate, and uncover personalized solutions that fit your life.

Specialties

Top specialties
Other specialties

Grief

I identify as

Serves ages

Licensed in

Accepts

Location

Virtual

My treatment methods

EMDR

I’m trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), a therapy that helps the brain recover from overwhelming or “stuck” experiences. Using bilateral stimulation—such as eye movements, tapping, or auditory tones—EMDR activates the brain’s natural processing system, similar to what happens during REM sleep. EMDR can support people who’ve experienced trauma, as well as those navigating anxiety, depression, grief and loss, disturbing memories, or early life experiences that continue to affect daily life. When something intense happens, the brain may store the memory in a raw, unprocessed form. EMDR helps reprocess these memories safely, reduce emotional intensity, and shift old beliefs into more supportive ones. It’s like giving the brain a chance to finally “digest” what was too much at the time. People often notice feeling calmer and less triggered, sleeping better, building confidence and self‑compassion, and finding relief from long‑held patterns or beliefs. Before we begin processing, we focus on creating a trusting and supportive therapeutic relationship. We also work on grounding/anchoring skills and emotional regulation tools, working at a pace that feels safe and steady. EMDR is flexible and collaborative—designed to adapt to your needs, not the other way around.

Motivational Interviewing

I’m trained in Motivational Interviewing (MI), a collaborative approach that recognizes therapy as a partnership. We explore your thoughts and feelings about change together, drawing out your own ideas, values, and motivations rather than prescribing solutions. MI is grounded in the belief that you already carry the strengths and abilities needed for change. Our work helps bring those forward so that any shifts you make feel authentic, self‑driven, and achievable.

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

I’m trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and use it in a collaborative, strengths‑based way to help clients understand how their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors influence one another. Together, we identify unhelpful patterns and practice new skills that support meaningful, sustainable change. I integrate CBT tools at a pace that feels safe and culturally attuned, blending them with trauma‑informed care to create practical, personalized support that meets each client where they are.

Trauma Informed Care

I practice from a trauma‑informed lens, prioritizing safety, choice, and collaboration in every session. This approach recognizes how past experiences shape the nervous system and centers empowerment, cultural humility, and pacing that feels manageable. My goal is to create a space where you feel supported, respected, and in control as we work toward healing and meaningful change.

, 33 ratings

1 rating with written reviews

April 25, 2025

she has always known how to talk me through things and help me find out how i feel and good ways to go about situations

Verified client, age 18-24
Review shared after session 9 with Annette