- CBT methods
- Solution-focused work
- Speaks English Spanish
About Maria
Maria Clara Salazar-Pretto is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Florida with 20 years of experience. She works with adults on stress, anxiety, relationship and family concerns, depression, grief, parenting challenges, and related issues. She sees clients in English and Spanish and has experience across medical and community settings.
She trained at California State University, Fresno, earning a master's degree in social work, and has an undergraduate background in clinical psychology. Over two decades she has worked with young adults through older adults in hospitals, health centers, and private agencies. That range shaped a practical, hands-on approach to therapy.
Her work style is client-centered and goal-oriented. Sessions focus on concrete steps and skills to manage thinking patterns, emotions, and everyday problems. She uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to identify unhelpful thoughts and build coping strategies. She also draws on Solution-Focused methods to set short-term goals and track small changes.
Mindfulness and Dialectical Behavior Therapy skills are part of her toolbox for regulating emotions and improving day-to-day functioning. Conversations tend to include validation, active listening, and gentle reflection while moving toward specific behavioral steps. She emphasizes learning tools that people can use between sessions.
She has cultural fluency in Colombian Spanish and U.S. English, and often works with clients who appreciate bicultural perspectives. Prospective clients are asked to confirm current session options before booking. To begin, complete the site's matching questionnaire and schedule an initial session.
How her approaches translate to online sessions
Maria Clara uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help people spot unhelpful thinking and try new behaviors. CBT sessions often include specific exercises and homework to practice between meetings, which can be discussed and reviewed during online appointments.She also uses Solution-Focused Therapy to set clear short-term goals and identify small, workable changes. That approach keeps sessions practical and oriented toward measurable steps rather than long-term reflection alone.
Finding the right mix of approaches is part of the work. The therapist discusses goals and preferences with each person and adjusts methods as needed. Clients collaborate on which skills to try and how to fit them into daily life.
Session formats are not listed explicitly in the biography, so confirm current online options before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy week, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and remove travel time. They also let people work on skills between meetings and bring real-life examples into conversation.
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 concerns does she address?
She works with stress, anxiety, relationship and family issues, depression, grief, parenting, ADHD, anger, self-esteem and related areas.
What is her therapy style like?
She uses a client-centered, goal-oriented approach that focuses on practical steps and skills rather than long abstract discussion.
How long has she been practicing?
She brings 20 years of experience working in hospitals, health centers and private agencies with adults across the lifespan.
What are her credentials and where does she practice?
She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) licensed in Florida and practices with a focus on adult concerns.
Which languages are supported?
Sessions are offered in English and Spanish.
Can international clients work with her?
She accepts international clients; confirm details and scheduling through the site before booking.
How are costs handled?
Fees vary by location and sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I start working with her?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the emergency numbers. Looking for someone else? Find them by surname.