Maria Clara Salazar-Pretto

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