Our Origin Story

Who We Are

Our Story and Mission

“Compassion is not a relationship between the healer and the wounded. It’s a relationship between equals. Only when we know our own darkness well can we be present with the darkness of others. Compassion becomes real when we recognize our shared humanity.”
― Pema Chödrön, The Places That Scare You: A Guide to Fearlessness in Difficult Times

At Seeking Sunrise, we understand the complexities of life’s toughest challenges because we’ve lived through them. Founded by Lauren Morales, LCSW, a clinical social worker, therapist, and active-duty military spouse of over a decade, Seeking Sunrise was created out of a deep commitment to those often underserved in the mental health space. After navigating her own cancer diagnosis and remission, Lauren experienced firsthand the lack of tailored mental health treatment options for individuals facing cancer, chronic illness, pain, disability, and the unique struggles of military life.
Seeking Sunrise is rooted in holistic, science-driven care that honors the connection between the mind, body, and the systems we navigate. With a focus on diversity and inclusivity, we are dedicated to offering compassionate, high-quality therapy that meets the unique needs of the communities we serve.

Seeking Sunrise strives to be a place of inclusivity. Our practice is LGBTQIA+, disability, and neurodiversity affirming. We embrace the concepts of cultural humility and anti-racism. We seek out ongoing advanced education to broaden our understanding of intersectionality and welcome all types of folks to our practice.

We are honored to partner with you on your survivorship journey.

Our Core Values

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Empathy

Therapy is an intimate experience that requires trust and openness. You can expect to feel supported, heard, and valued in our sessions together.

Resilience

Our focus is on building resilience by helping you to create authentic human connections, define and act in service of your values, & bring joy back into your life by leaning on your natural strengths.

Holistic

We know that your mental health concerns didn’t develop in a vacuum. We will look at how your physical health, environment, relationships, and the systems you interact with are impacting you in service of making real change.

Meet The Owner & Founder

Hi! My name is Lauren Morales and I am a licensed clinical social worker and therapist. I have been in the mental health field for over a decade and I opened Seeking Sunrise PLLC in 2024. I’m so excited you are here!

My Survivorship Story

My journey to becoming a therapist began with personal loss and healing. After the death of my father in my youth, I struggled with my mental health for years. It wasn’t until I sat across from a therapist that I finally found something I had been searching for—hope. I pursued my education with the goal of offering the same compassionate support I had received to others and deeply interested in learning the science of hope and healing.
My clinical focus has been shaped by my own complex health journey. As a child and young adult, I dealt with chronic illness and pain. At the time, I didn’t have the tools or understanding to make the connection between my physical and emotional struggles. But as I gained knowledge through my education, I realized that what I was experiencing was survivorship. I became passionate about exploring the deep connection between the mind and body, learning how trauma impacts both on a profound level.
I spent years working in healthcare and military settings, driven by a desire to understand trauma more deeply. In my early 30’s I was diagnosed with cancer and that experience was a turning point in my life. Reaching remission made me reflect on my own journey of healing, and I knew it was time to create something meaningful out of my lived and professional experience. Seeking Sunrise is the fruition of that reflection, and I am so deeply honored to walk with you through your own journey of healing and growth.

Education & Training

I earned my undergraduate and Master of Social Work degrees from California State University, Fullerton. I’ve worked with those who are disabled or chronically ill, active-duty military members and their families, survivors of violent crimes, and caregivers for individuals with cognitive disabilities or dementia. Each person I’ve had the chance to partner with has shaped my perspective and reinforced the importance of compassionate, patient-centered care.
My time as an ICU Social Worker during the pandemic was one of the most humbling experiences of my career. Being in the COVID ICU and witnessing immense loss and grief reminded me daily of how fragile life can be, but also of the resilience and strength people carry, even in the hardest moments. Whether working in hospitals, primary care offices, or crisis centers, I’ve found that the human capacity for healing, when supported with kindness, is extraordinary.
I’ve received specialized training in areas like Infertility, Miscarriage, and Infant Loss, Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault, Psycho Oncology, Chronic Illness & Social Determinants of Health, and Complex Trauma & Grief.

Real Moment: I’m a lil’ goofy

I proudly identify as a disabled therapist, am a part of the LGBTQ community, and I am a Young Adult cancer survivor. As a therapist and private practice owner, I place a huge emphasis on authenticity. I believe that showing up as my true self allows me to create a safe nonjudgmental space for the people I work with. My clients deserve a therapist who is genuine, empathetic, and willing to meet them where they are, without pretense. I’m all about building real connections and fostering an environment where vulnerability is welcomed and healing can happen at its own pace. In our work together, you will find that I will laugh with you, cuss with you, and walk next to you as we consider some of life’s hardest moments.

are you ready to begin?

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