Teresa R. Morales, M.S., LMFT 114989

Clinical Director and Supervisor

Founder & CEO

Trauma Therapist and EMDR Practitioner

(805) 509-0296

teresa@irimiyacounseling.com

*Not accepting new clients. Wait-list full.

Teresa is a certified clinical trauma professional, Somatic therapist and EMDR practitioner with approximately 10 years of experience specializing in the treatment of sexual trauma. She is the founder and clinical director of Irimiya Trauma Therapy. Her practice is grounded in a holistic, trauma-informed approach that honors the profound mind-body connection. She is dedicated to supporting individuals who have experienced sexual trauma in their journey toward healing by using somatic therapy techniques to release stored trauma and reconnect with their bodies in a safe, empowering way.

As a therapist deeply committed to healing from a trauma-sensitive perspective, Teresa believes that sexual trauma affects the body as much as the mind. It is her philosophy that trauma isn't just something we process in our thoughts but is also stored in the body, influencing behavior, emotions, and physical health. Through her specialized approach, Teresa combines evidence-based techniques with somatic interventions to support the body’s natural ability to heal, releasing the tension, fear, and pain that trauma has imprinted on the nervous system.

Specialization in Sexual Trauma

With a deep understanding of the unique and sensitive nature of sexual trauma, Teresa creates a safe, non-judgmental space for clients to share their experiences and begin the healing process. She specializes in treating the lasting effects of sexual trauma, including PTSD, shame, anxiety, dissociation, and difficulties with intimacy and trust. Through her trauma-informed approach, Teresa helps individuals reclaim their narrative, rebuild their sense of self-worth, and find ways to heal from the emotional, psychological, and physical scars left by sexual trauma.

Teresa’s work focuses not only on emotional and cognitive recovery but also on physical healing. Sexual trauma can often leave clients feeling disconnected from their bodies, leading to feelings of shame, numbness, or discomfort. Through her holistic somatic approach, she helps clients safely navigate these feelings, promoting reconnection, resilience, and personal empowerment.

Holistic Approach

Teresa’s holistic somatic approach focuses on guiding clients to become more attuned to the sensations and signals within their bodies. She utilizes techniques from somatic experiencing, mindfulness, and breathwork to help clients develop a deeper awareness of their physical and emotional states. Her therapeutic techniques aim to help clients release physical tension, trauma responses, and emotional blockages that stem from sexual trauma. By reconnecting with their body’s wisdom, clients can restore a sense of safety, agency, and wholeness.

Teresa integrates various body-based practices, such as grounding exercises, gentle movement, and sensory awareness, to help clients process trauma. These tools not only support emotional healing but also empower individuals to regain control over their bodies, which may have felt disconnected or unsafe due to past sexual trauma. Her approach encourages self-compassion and body acceptance, assisting clients in reclaiming their sense of bodily autonomy and inner strength.

Therapeutic Techniques and Modalities

Somatic Therapy: A body-centered therapy that helps release trauma stored in the body and restore nervous system regulation.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): A powerful technique to process traumatic memories and alleviate the emotional intensity attached to them.

Breathwork and Grounding Techniques: To help clients reconnect with their bodies and release stored tension and trauma.

Somatic Touch and Movement: Used gently to help clients reclaim their body’s sensations and break through dissociation.

“My therapeutic approach is rooted in compassion, empathy, and a deep respect for the client's healing process. I empower clients to heal from within, believing that true healing comes from honoring the body’s wisdom, recognizing the emotional impact of sexual trauma, and finding a way to restore balance and wholeness in the mind-body connection.” -Teresa

    • Childhood Sexual Abuse

    • Incest, Rape and Sexual Violence

    • Sexual Traumas

    • Domestic Violence

    • Intimate Partner Violene

    • Childhood Abuse (neglect, physical and emotional)

    • Dissociative Disorders (DP/DR, DID and DDNOS)

    • Attachment Wounds and Trauma

    • Somatic Therapy 

    • IFS Informed “Parts Work”

    • EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing)

    • Inner Child Work 

    • Humanistic and Person-Centered

    • Talk Therapy 

    • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

  • Teresa has invested an abundant amount of time and money into obtaining optimal  knowledge and training to provide her clients with premium treatment. She has completed the necessary requirements to be a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional which provides her with exceptional clinical skills as a trauma-informed therapist. She has participated in trauma-informed training, trauma-focused CBT training and completed the necessary requirements to become an EMDR Practitioner. She collaborates in bi-monthly Dissociative Disorders Consultation groups along with attending training related to Dissociative Disorders and Ritual Abuse/Cults. She works predominately with adult sexual trauma survivors and dissociative disorders, which includes dissociation, attachment issues, trauma related symptoms, PTSD, depression, anxiety and with adults that have been impacted by childhood trauma.

  • My formal training includes a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from California Lutheran University, and a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from California Lutheran University, with an Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy.

    I am a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional and an EMDR Practitioner, which means I completed the required educational courses, clinical practicum and received the required EMDRIA approved supervision to practice EMDR in my clinical practice. I am currently working on becoming certified in Somatic Therapy. I have received a Certification of Completion as a Sexual Assault Crisis Counselor and Domestic Violence Crisis Counselor.

  • I participate in ritual Breathwork to help release trauma I hold and the trauma that I contain for others. I really enjoy doing restorative yoga which helps me regulate my nervous system, through deep relaxation and stress reduction. I also have become most interested in Reiki to help heal past childhood wounds.

    I enjoy watching murder documentaries, true crime and anything educational. I enjoy baking and reading books. I'm all about my family. I'm a wife, a daughter, a sister, a tia and a Nana. Family is my everything to me. I enjoy one on one time with my husband (24 years together). Did I mention I love wine? You'll find me at the local winery from time to time!

  • $175 / 50-minute session 

    Aetna

    Gold Coast Healthcare Plan / Medi-cal

    Optum / United Healthcare / UMR

    Ventura County Healthcare Plan (Optum)

    Victims of Crime

  • In Office only

    Mon, Tues, Thurs (7:30 am - 3 pm)

    Wed & Fri (mornings only)