As a licensed therapist with over four decades of experience, I specialize in supporting individuals through complex life challenges. My practice centers on creating a compassionate, affirming space for clients navigating diverse personal experiences—from relationship dynamics and identity exploration to managing stress, anxiety, and emotional transitions. I bring a depth of understanding to working with individuals across various life stages, with particular expertise in addressing communication challenges, social anxiety, trauma recovery, and personal growth. My approach is deeply respectful, client-centered, and designed to honor each person's unique journey. My therapeutic work focuses on helping clients develop self-understanding, build resilience, and cultivate meaningful connections. Whether you're experiencing workplace stress, relationship difficulties, or seeking deeper personal insights, I'm committed to supporting your path toward healing and self-discovery. I welcome individuals from all backgrounds and identities, offering a non-judgmental, supportive environment where you can explore your experiences and develop powerful strategies for personal transformation.

I am a licensed professional counselor in Missouri and I have worked in a variety of settings with individuals who have experienced a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, and PTSD. My experience working in a community mental health center that served survivors of sexual abuse or assault allowed me to gain experience in PTSD, substance abuse, and personality disorders. Furthermore, I have also gained experience working with individuals with severe and persistent mental illness and dual diagnosis in a diverse population. I am dedicated and passionate about providing the most effective care that takes all aspects of the individual into consideration in the context of their cultural identity. My therapeutic style is warm and empathetic. My approach depends on the needs of the client and what brought them to therapy; however, some of the approaches I utilize include cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic, attachment-based, and dialectical behavior therapy. Therapy is a journey and I look forward to walking on that journey with you!

Hello and Welcome! It is great to see that you have decided to take this step into further self-discovery, self-growth, and reflection. Therapy is a process, but doesn't necessarily require you to know exactly what type of support you might need. Actually, many people enter therapy to discover they have other things they also want to address. Sometimes, it's about the rewarding process to self-discovery that can be the motivation. Regardless of how you got here, my goal is to provide you with unconditional support. My approach is about honest dialogue. Too often there is a belief that saying 'certain things' in therapy is not acceptable. The reality is that it is the best place to have such discussions about feelings, thoughts, and approaches to challenges. It is also equally important to celebrate what may even feel like small victories. As we reach adulthood, we can tend to think that celebration is less important when it is super important. I hold a PhD in Public Affairs (Social Work Focus). This credential has provided me the opportunity to continue teaching college and doing research in critical areas of mental health. I have two Masters' degrees, in Social Work and Child Development and Education. I went back to pursue my second Master's in Early Childhood because one of my specialties is parenting and providing counseling support to very young children, supporting families affected by trauma or stress due to issues with their young child, and trauma response. I am passionate about helping parents with their own anxiety and depression (or other challenges), providing support to families affected by medical stress (a child with a chronic illness or in the NICU or a parent with medical concerns), assisting with support for intervention of developmental or behavioral concerns, fertility, and/or any concerns related to your family dynamics. My experience has also been in providing different therapy interventions to young children (0-5 years) with their family. I have assisted many families in identifying and addressing family challenges that could contribute to their young child's emotional or behavioral concern. Through this platform, our focus would be on your concerns or challenges in parenting and/or mental health or other areas, and we would work together for an end goal. I am also passionate about providing individual therapy to support anxiety, problem-focused depression, burnout, and effects of trauma. These challenges can present differently for different people and no feelings are 'wrong.' Our world is filled with a variety of unique cumulative stressors and this can make it sometimes difficult to identify the cause. Things such as, burnout, from the daily challenges can create more complex feelings of loss, confusion, and depression because they are often minimized by our own beliefs. I want to conclude by sharing that not everyone requires walking through their past to understand their current circumstances. There are lots of approaches to therapy as it is just a form of support. The duration of therapy also depends on many factors, but I believe that you and I should always form goals we can track progress. I'm happy you decided to stop by and that you are considering the process of therapy. I look forward to working with you!

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Florida. I received my Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the University of Florida in 1996, my Master’s degree in Social Work from Florida International University in 2002, and obtained my LCSW (SW 16005) in 2019. I have experience working with adults of all ages, children, and families over the past 20 years in a number of different settings. I offer clients compassion, understanding, and patience in order to explore feelings, emotions, and patterns that may be getting in the way of living a happier and more fulfilling life. I take a person-centered approach in which clients are able to take more of a lead in therapy in order to discover their own solutions. I encourage, support, and guide the therapeutic process without interrupting or interfering with the client’s process of self-discovery. I believe in providing a safe, supportive, and caring environment for clients to be able to open up and freely express themselves. Clients are able to be vulnerable and share their fears, struggles, and emotions that they do not feel comfortable sharing with their friends or family.

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

As a licensed therapist in Florida, I bring 15 years of dedicated experience supporting individuals through complex emotional landscapes. My approach centers on creating a compassionate, affirming space where clients can explore their unique challenges and strengths. I specialize in addressing a wide range of mental health concerns, including depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship dynamics, and life transitions. My therapeutic practice is deeply rooted in understanding individual experiences, with a particular focus on supporting diverse populations and addressing nuanced emotional challenges. I'm committed to helping clients develop self-understanding, build resilience, and create meaningful pathways to personal growth and healing. I draw from evidence-based practices to provide personalized support tailored to each client's specific needs. Whether you're navigating workplace stress, relationship challenges, personal identity, or emotional healing, I'm here to walk alongside you with empathy, expertise, and genuine care.

As a licensed therapist in Florida with two decades of professional experience, I specialize in supporting individuals through complex emotional landscapes. My practice centers on helping clients navigate challenging life transitions, relationship dynamics, and personal growth. I have extensive expertise in addressing depression, anxiety, stress management, and self-esteem challenges. My therapeutic approach is deeply compassionate and tailored to each individual's unique journey. I focus on supporting clients through diverse experiences, including communication difficulties, isolation, relationship transitions, body image concerns, and significant life changes like pregnancy, postpartum experiences, and young adult challenges. I am committed to creating a supportive, non-judgmental environment where clients can explore their emotions, develop resilience, and cultivate meaningful personal insights. My goal is to empower individuals to understand themselves more deeply and build effective strategies for emotional well-being and personal transformation.

I am licensed in Florida with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

I am licensed in Florida with 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & anger management. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

As a licensed therapist in Florida, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My approach centers on compassionate, personalized care that honors each person's unique journey. I have extensive experience helping clients address challenges like depression, anxiety, trauma, and life transitions. My therapeutic work focuses on empowering individuals to develop deeper self-understanding, improve communication, and cultivate resilience. I'm particularly passionate about supporting women through various life stages, addressing issues such as workplace stress, relationship dynamics, and personal growth. I believe in creating a warm, non-judgmental space where clients can explore their experiences, heal from past wounds, and develop meaningful strategies for emotional well-being. My practice is rooted in understanding each person's individual strengths and supporting their path toward healing and self-discovery.

As a licensed therapist in Florida, I bring over two decades of compassionate mental health experience supporting individuals through life's complex challenges. My professional journey has been dedicated to helping clients navigate emotional wellness, with specialized expertise in addressing depression, anxiety, trauma, and life transitions. I am deeply committed to creating a supportive, empathetic therapeutic environment where individuals can explore their inner experiences and develop meaningful strategies for personal growth. My approach centers on understanding each client's unique story, strengths, and potential for healing. My clinical work focuses on supporting teens and adults through various emotional and psychological challenges. I draw from evidence-based practices to provide thoughtful, personalized care that honors each individual's journey toward emotional resilience and well-being. Through collaborative and compassionate counseling, I aim to help clients build self-understanding, develop effective coping skills, and create positive pathways toward emotional health and personal transformation.

I am licensed in Florida with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with lgbtq+ related issues, trauma, abuse, coping with grief, coping with loss, & parenting issues. I also have experience working with depression. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

Hope Navigator: A value options, whole centered care catalyst. I am a licensed Clinical social worker/LCSW and licensed Substance Abuse Counselor with Substance Abuse Professional certification /SAP-DOT -Department of Transportation and Certified Addictions Professional Counselor at Masters level/CAP and Alcohol and Drug Counselor ICRC-ADC in Florida. I have more than 30 years experience in professional social work and counseling therapy background in Europe and USA. I focus on Hope and resilience with individuals, groups and families through collaboration in interventions to promote positive life transitions in order to overcome adversity in life which causes mental health and substance addiction issues!

Welcome! I know how hard it can be to reach out for support. If you're here, I want you to know that you're not alone and you don't have to figure everything out by yourself. I'm someone who believes in the power of feeling seen, heard, and understood. I believe that therapy should feel like a real conversation where you can breathe, think, and be real, not a clinical checklist. I believe you deserve a space where you don't have to pretend, perform, or be "put together". Therapy with me is about helping you feel safe enough to be your real, unfiltered self. The parts that feel strong and the parts that feel messy. I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in Florida and for over 6 years I've helped adolescents and adults navigate anxiety, trauma, relationship challenges, life transitions, and emotional overwhelm. A lot of the people that I work with are tired of wearing masks- the "strong one", the "fun one", the "reliable one". Underneath, they feel overwhelmed, anxious, numb, or disconnected from who they used to be. I help create a space where you can take those masks off without fear. You don't have to know the right words. You don't have to have everything figured out. You just have to show up as you are. Together, we'll work through what you're carrying and build tools that feel realistic and fit your real life. If you're tired of pretending and ready for a space where you can just be real, I'd love to support you.