LCSW, 25 years of experience
Hi! My name is Amy Morantes and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Florida. I have provided individual therapy for people ages 18 to 80 years old. I earned a Bachelors of Science in Family Studies from the University of Maryland and my Masters in Social Work from Howard University. I have been working as a social worker for over 25 years. I believe it is important to meet people where they are emotionally and help them to identify and achieve their goals.
I understand, that for some, first therapy sessions can be anxiety-provoking. Our first session is a great time for you to ask me (almost) anything. You can ask about my education, my experience, why I am a Social Worker. But mostly, I will be asking you a lot of basic questions. It may seem repetitive, but I need to establish identify, privacy, and safety. I will ask about your strengths, support, and challenges. We will also talk about what you hope to accomplish in therapy ... both short-term and long-term goals. We will begin to partner to figure out what your best outcomes look like for you. I hope you will leave the session with at least one new tool to help you through the week. I believe that change happens when people are given the support they need to draw on their own strengths and realize their own potential to build happiness and live fulfilling lives. Each client will have a detailed treatment plan that focusses on the client's goals and has a plan to assist the client in achieving these goals. During our sessions, I will provide compassionate support and practical feedback to help you effectively address life's tough challenges. I will guide you toward self-discovery and teach you how to build on your strengths and work toward attaining personal growth.
When you work with me, I want you to feel safe and validated. My therapeutic strengths come both loving my work and from working with people who have come from all walks of life. I have spent time working with people who have been in foster care, who are experiencing life transitions, Veterans and people who have been in or are currently experiencing abusive relationships. My goal is for you to decrease anxiety, negative thoughts, anger, stress and depression while building happiness, self-confidence, and being content so that you can make decisions that will help you to be your best, most authentic you.
I work with adult clients who are experiencing challenges and have the desire to make positive changes in their lives. I specialize in working with women and men who are experiencing depression, anxiety, stress, relationship issues, and/or a negative self-image. I work with clients to help them discover their true self, underneath the expectations they have placed on themselves or feel pressure from others. I will meet you where you are in your journey, and will facilitate the changes to help you be a happier and healthier version of yourself.
In my practice, I incorporate cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help clients recognize and reframe negative thought patterns. I focus on cognitive restructuring, behavioral techniques, and skill-building exercises to support them in achieving lasting, positive change. By encouraging practical application through structured sessions and homework assignments, I empower clients to take control of their thoughts and behaviors.
In my practice, I use strength-based therapy to help individuals recognize and build on their inherent capabilities. Instead of focusing solely on challenges, I guide clients in identifying their strengths—such as resilience, creativity, or problem-solving skills—and using them to navigate difficulties. This approach fosters empowerment and lasting change by shifting the focus toward self-efficacy and personal growth.