Hi, I am a licensed clinical social worker practicing in California. The population I serve are children, adolescents, and young to older adults. I can help make an impact serving this population by providing psycho-education, using evidenced based interventions, teaching safe and healthy coping skills, and assigning light homework for those who are interested. My goal is to always adjust and meet what my client's current needs are as things can change and arise throughout treatment.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
Our first session will be an intake session where I will take in a lot of information regarding mental and any medical history, main focus for seeking treatment, current symptoms and begin creating a treatment plan. It is also an opportunity to ask me questions and address any expectations about therapy or concerns.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
I am attentive, patient and kind. I have worked in a psychiatric hospital as a therapist, case manager and discharge planner. I have experience collaborating and consulting with medical doctors, psychiatrists and nurses, working as a treatment team. I am currently in medical social work, working in a medical hospital to address any mental health issues and connecting patients to resources. I am bilingual, Spanish speaking and work well with kids. I am involved in the community and enjoy staying connected with other mental health providers and events to help stay updated.
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
The clients I am best positioned to serve are people struggling with anxiety, depression or trauma and would benefit from CBT and mindfulness interventions. I look forward to providing healthy coping skills so clients who are eager to learn and practice these skills in between sessions would be ideal.
About Jamie Morales
Jamie Morales offers therapy covered by Central California Alliance for Health (Medi-Cal), Gold Coast Health Plan (Medi-Cal), Health Plan of San Joaquin - Medi-Cal, L.A. Care Health Plan (Medi-Cal), Orange County Mental Health Plan (Medi-Cal), Partnership HealthPlan of California (Medi-Cal) and San Francisco Health Plan (Medi-Cal) in California.
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VirtualMy treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I have used CBT in group therapy at an inpatient psychiatric hospital for 9 years, received training from the Beck Institute and currently use it for individual therapy. In sessions I like to break down the meaning of CBT, use the cognitive triangle for visualization, review cognitive distortions, help identify negative thinking patterns and core beliefs, practice reframing and using socratic questioning.
Compassion Focused
My experience comes from learning compassion based exercises through trainings and using the various techniques in individual therapy. I like to use self-compassion and compassion for others by using imagery, positive affirmations, body scan, compassionate colors and identifying a safe place.
Grief Therapy
My experience working with grief comes from an inpatient setting where people are at their worst, hopeless or in crisis. Grief comes from an important loss which shows up in many shapes and forms. I use grief counseling for people who have experienced the death of a loved one, a pet or are currently battling cancer. It's important for people to take time to express and process emotions from grief. I normally start with going over the stages of grief, allowing the self to be vulnerable with sharing emotions, learning how to sit with feelings and acknowledge them. Exploring ways to maintain a connection after death, finding meaning or identifying meaningful moments, honoring your loss, developing a new narrative surrounding the loss. Finding a purpose, building yourself and a new identity. Having a place for loss and a way to hold it.
Trauma Informed Care
Trauma Informed Care is an intervention used in my experience working in a behavioral health facility. I have carried over this intervention to my sessions with clients. Giving clients their space and time in order for them feel safe, build rapport and listen to their needs to provide support. Clients will feel heard and empowered.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
Mindfulness is a method also used in my work experience in a behavioral health facility. I use mindfulness a lot in therapy sessions and in my own life to help maintain balance. I will use mindfulness to help treat people with depression, anxiety and trauma. I like to use it as a coping skill for grounding, anchoring and self-regulation. To help calm the nervous system down and be more aware of your body's needs.