- Client-centered approach
- Cognitive behavioral tools
- Spanish and English
About Maria
Maria Clara Salazar-Pretto is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) practicing in Florida with 20 years of experience. She helps people who are dealing with anger, stress, anxiety, relationship strain, grief, trauma, and other life transitions. Her bilingual background in English and Spanish can be useful for clients who want to talk in either language.
She has worked across hospitals, health centers, and private agencies with clients from young adulthood through later life. Maria Clara earned a Master of Social Work from California State University, Fresno in 1993 and has an undergraduate degree in clinical psychology. That mix of training and practice shapes how she approaches problems in real life.
Her way of working is client-centered and goal-oriented. She uses practical tools from cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused work, systems thinking, and humanistic ideas to help people notice patterns, try small behavior changes, and build better ways of coping. Sessions often focus on clear steps people can use between meetings.
She describes her style as hands-on and practical. That includes learning skills for regulating strong feelings, examining unhelpful thinking, and setting doable goals for relationships, parenting, career, or health concerns. The work is conversational and focused on what the person wants to change.
Maria Clara emphasizes collaboration. She listens, reflects, and validates while helping people find concrete strategies to manage anger, rebuild communication, and handle life’s challenges. The goal is clearer thinking and more usable tools for everyday situations.
How her approaches translate to online work
Maria Clara uses client-centered work, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and solution-focused techniques in sessions. Client-centered work means the therapist listens closely, reflects what she hears, and supports the client’s own goals and decisions. CBT looks at thoughts and behaviors that keep problems going and teaches practical skills to change them. Solution-focused work concentrates on specific, short-term steps to move toward the client’s stated goals and can be useful for managing anger and relationship conflicts.Finding the right mix of approaches is part of the work. She will collaborate with the client to identify which methods feel most useful, adjusting plans based on goals and preference. That way the sessions stay focused on what the client wants to accomplish and on skills they can use day to day.
The biography notes experience with virtual communication but does not list exact session formats, so confirm current online options before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy schedule, reduce travel time, and allow for shorter check-ins when needed. They can also help people try therapy from familiar surroundings and use tools like homework exercises or mindfulness practices between meetings.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
20+ years
Listed in
Florida
Languages
English, Spanish
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does she address?
She works with anger, stress, anxiety, relationship and family concerns, trauma and abuse, depression, grief, intimacy issues, parenting, self-esteem, career matters, and related areas.
What is her therapeutic style?
Her approach is client-centered and goal-oriented, with practical, hands-on methods that focus on skills and small behavior changes.
How much experience does she have?
She has 20 years of clinical experience working in hospitals, health centers, and private agencies with adults across the lifespan.
What are her credentials and where is she based?
She is an LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) licensed in Florida and practices with a background in clinical psychology and a master’s degree from California State University, Fresno.
Can I work with her in my language?
Sessions are offered in English and Spanish.
What session formats are available?
The original biography discusses virtual communication but does not list specific session formats; confirm current session options before booking.
How much do sessions cost?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Start by selecting the See online therapy options button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and scheduling a first session.