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 trust that every person holds the potential for growth and fulfillment. With the right support, clients can reconnect with their strengths and build lives that reflect their values and aspirations. Treatment plans are tailored to each client’s goals, offering a roadmap toward meaningful change. 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.
You’ll find a space with me that honors your story and meets you with safety, validation, and grounded care. My approach is shaped by a deep love for this work and a history of supporting people through challenging transitions, including foster care, relationship trauma, and rebuilding after loss. I specialize in helping you reduce anxiety, stress, and negative thought patterns while building emotional resilience, self-confidence, and a sense of inner peace. Together, we’ll work toward clarity and empowerment so you can make choices that reflect your most authentic, fulfilled self.
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 partner with clients to uncover the strengths, values, and inner wisdom that may have been overshadowed by external expectations. Wherever you are in your journey, I’ll meet you there, with compassion and clarity, to support the changes that lead to greater fulfillment and well-being
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.