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Creating Space for Social Justice Healing

MSW '13

Cal State East Bay faculty members challenged Claudia Morales ('13) to think deeply about systemic injustices. Morales went on to establish her private practice, , where she offers direct individual therapy to mostly queer adults with an immigrant background. Her primary focus has been de-activating the impacts of trauma on communities that have been disproportionately impacted by poverty, racism and current immigration and incarceration practices.

Q&A with Claudia

Why did you decide to attend Cal State East Bay?

I knew after interviewing many people in mental health that an MSW will bring me closer to being of service to the community, and gaining the specific tools to address trauma.  I went to UC Berkeley as an undergraduate, and remember that much of the learning style was theoretical, sometimes theories about theories about theories.  I wanted to learn in a more hands-on approach, and CSU East Bay was the closest state school to me, the most affordable, and the one whose credentials are highly respected and valued.  I later learned that CSU's are actually held in higher regard for MSW's than many private and UC institutions, which I did not expect. 

How has your education at East Bay helped you with your endeavors?

It was incredibly helpful.  Dr. Terry Jones, Dr. Sarah Taylor, Dr. Rose Wong, and Dr. Woods among many others made us think deeply about systemic injustices, and our obligation to address them however possible.  They challenged us to look at our privileges and acknowledge how they have granted us advances that others may not have, and accountability to use whatever privileges we do have to further justice, inclusion, and belonging by focusing our attention on the needs of those most impacted by our existing systems.  I am proud that Dr. Terry Jones even let me be creative about my capstone project. Rather than simply make a resource list, as originally requested, he was enthusiastic about allowing me to invite some powerful community leaders I knew from my previous work in community organizing. We held a conference on campus with the re-entry leaders at the Safe Return Project to share their life experiences with our cohort.  Many of my peers shared that this deepened their empathy and understanding of systemic injustice.  I am honored that he was so supportive in helping to make this happen and his courageous commitment to social justice. 

Tell us about your career journey and your job.

I was a recipient of a Community Mental Health Scholarship (CALSWEC) and I worked in community mental health at various capacities from direct therapy primarily in the (Spanish-speaking) immigrant community, including working with unaccompanied minors, youth with addiction issues, and even hospice care.  Now I have a private practice called Social Justice Healing where I offer direct individual therapy to mostly queer adults with an immigrant background.  I dedicate 20% to free or very reduced rates for folks who are under-insured.  I use the tools of EMDR and Brainspotting for effective and compassionate treatment of severe and complex traumas always with deep acknowledgement of the impact of systemic oppression and racism.  I have been excited to see the practice evolve to providing workshops on mental health to the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights, The Broad Museum, the Natural History Museum, Tri-CED community Recycling, and more.  I hope to do more of this work in person as groups are wonderful settings to share the power of culture, creativity, play, and expression.  

What is something that you love about your profession?

What is your fondest memory at CSUEB?

My fondest memory is graduating with my 2 baby boys on my hips, my partner, and my cousin who helped me care for my sons while I studied.  I also felt moved and transformed by engaging with The Safe Return Project as I always do.  By healing themselves, offering community aid and care, and through the power of organizing, they were able to reduce violence including police violence dramatically.  I am excited to see the continued power of relationships and building power in the community for caring transformation. 

If you could share one piece of advice with Pioneer students, what would that be?

Do not be afraid to ask for support.  I wish that I did not feel ashamed to ask for what I needed.  I could not work while I studied because my sons were so tiny, so I quietly suffered hungrily in shame.  Looking back, I wished I went to a food bank and I am excited that Sarah Taylor started a food pantry on campus so other students don't need to worry about food.  Show up as you are. 

What's next for Claudia?

I am collaborating with several community leaders in the East Bay and the MSW department in immersive healing co-creative events centering the re-entry population. I am thrilled to imagine beyond the limits of what is possible and continue to hold deep space for the needed transformations we need to see so that people are no longer impacted by systemic injustice.  I love that I can bring forward my prior experience hosting creative art-based events, and add needed components of processing grief and trauma.  Excited to see where this goes!

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