Hello, in this post pandemic time, we want nothing more but to get back to normal. But in reality, everyone's life has been disrupted. Now there are good news!
We have learned to trust this method of communication (virtual) and mostly we have opened up about ourselves and our relationships. We now know that physical health and mental health go together.
Let me invite you in.
First I want to tell you about myself, I've worked for more than 20 years with clients, ranging from young adults to senior citizens in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, health centers and private agencies. I received my masters degree from California State University, Fresno in 1993 and have an undergraduate major in Clinical psychology.
I was educated since a very early age in both the Colombian culture in Spanish and the USA culture in English. This has been an advantage as I'm able to relate to people of various cultures openly. My final Master's degree as a Clinical Social Worker is the best way of using all my training, schooling and life experiences to assist you... in being the best version of yourself.
I describe my therapy framework as client centered and goal oriented. I mainly use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Systems Theory, Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) and an overall Humanistic theoretical model. These modalities are hands-on and offer practical approaches to finding solutions focused on building a grounded well- being for you. They're tools that provide ways of regulating yourself and show you how to open new pathways toward a more fulfilling experience.
CBT goals identify faulty or unhelpful ways of thinking/acting and offer effective ways of coping with life's stressors. I treat every client as a special individual, using validation, empathy, active listening and reflection, all in a non judge-mental setting.
I encourage you to take a first step as it soon becomes a supportive and trustworthy path.
Remember that I'm honored to work with you.
Maria Clara Pretto, LCSW
Additional areas of focus: Grief, Intimacy-related issues, Parenting issues, Anger management, Self esteem, Career difficulties, Coping with life changes, Coaching, Compassion fatigue, ADHD, Abandonment, Adoption and foster care, Aging and geriatric issues, Blended family issues, Cancer, Caregiver issues and stress, Codependency, Commitment issues, Communication problems, Coping with natural or human-caused disaster, Dependent personality, Divorce and separation, Domestic violence, Eating and food-related issues, Emptiness, Family of origin issues, Family problems, First responder issues, Forgiveness, Guilt and shame, Hospice and end-of-life counseling, Immigration issues, Infidelity, Isolation / loneliness, Life purpose, Midlife crisis, Mood disorders, Multicultural concerns, Panic disorder and panic attacks, Postpartum depression, Post-traumatic stress, Pregnancy and childbirth, Self-harm, Sexual assault and abuse, Women's issues, Workplace issues, Young adult issues
Clinical approaches: Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Internal Family Systems
FL LCSW SW7853
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Maria Clara Salazar-Pretto. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
At first when I met my therapist I didn’t think it would work out or that she would not understand me but she does. She’s able to listen to my concerns and guide me through my issues without telling me what to do. Even though sometimes we may get off subject (Mainly because of me) I still enjoy our sessions. She’s communicates very well about her availabilities and lets me know when she will be on vacation and unavailable. I like her and want to continue seeing her. I even dont mind when we have sessions where there is nothing on my mind to talk about. When that happens she easily will find a topic where we need to discuss an issue but I may have been avoiding. So far she has met and exceeded some of my expectations of therapy.
Written on Dec 17, 2024 after therapy with Maria Clara for 1 year and 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, and family conflicts
Has greatly helped me work on boundaries, expressing myself and many other things.
Written on Nov 19, 2024 after therapy with Maria Clara for 9 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, and trauma and abuse
Maria was exactly what I needed these last few months, she really understood the complexities of my current position and had thoughtful and interesting responses. She really did help me gain perspective and finish out this year on a better and stronger foot. I will always appreciate the time we had to speak. Thank you Maria!
Written on Nov 25, 2023 after therapy with Maria Clara for 11 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, career difficulties, and coping with life changes
Maria has been so understanding while also giving perspective. No matter how I feel going into a session, I end them feeling relieved and heard.
Written on Aug 22, 2023 after therapy with Maria Clara for 8 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, and trauma and abuse
Very helpful. First time using these services.
Written on Oct 15, 2022 after therapy with Maria Clara for 2 weeks on issues concerning family conflicts
Maria has been very understanding and makes my voice feel heard. I feel comfortable with sharing and feel confident with her.
Written on Sep 26, 2022 after therapy with Maria Clara for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, and relationship issues