Ashley Canto, MS, LCSW
Ashley is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Florida.
About
Ashley is a trauma-informed therapist with a strong focus on child therapy and family healing. She works with children, adolescents, teens, and adults who are navigating the effects of trauma, anxiety, emotional dysregulation, and life transitions. Drawing from her experience across a variety of settings, Ashley creates a safe, supportive space where clients feel seen, heard, and empowered.
Her approach is warm, collaborative, and rooted in evidence-based practices. She tailors each session to the unique needs of the individual or family, helping caregivers strengthen their connection with their children and guiding clients of all ages toward emotional resilience and long-term growth.
introduction
EDUCATION
Ashley holds a masters degree in Social Work from the University of South Florida and maintains specialized certifications in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Parent Management Technique (PMT), Emotional Freedom Technique Tapping (EFT), Motivational Interviewing, and Play Therapy.
Her comprehensive training enables her to work effectively across a broad spectrum of challenges, with a particular focus on trauma, emotional regulation, family dynamics, and behavioral concerns to support recovery and resilience.
EXPERIENCE
Prior to her clinical practice, Ashley served as a case manager within the foster care system, gaining valuable insight into the systemic barriers and emotional complexities that affect children and families. She also has extensive experience working with youth in a variety of environments, including schools, summer camps, and community programs—fostering resilience, emotional safety, and developmental growth through supportive and structured engagement. A key focus of her work has remained on encouraging and creating a safe atmosphere for mothers, fathers, and caregivers to expand their parenting skills. Through constructive and therapeutic feedback, she helps caregivers strengthen their relationships with children and build confidence in their parenting approach.
Ashley’s professional philosophy is grounded in a person-centered approach. She believes in honoring the individual strengths and innate gifts that each client brings to the therapeutic process. Ashley is committed to creating a safe, nurturing, and collaborative atmosphere where clients feel heard, validated, and empowered to explore their personal paths toward healing. She is skilled in facilitating meaningful and sometimes difficult conversations in individual, couples, family, and group settings—supporting honest dialogue, emotional connection, and long-term growth.
Specialties
Approaches
play therapy
Play Therapy uses developmentally appropriate activities to help children express emotions, process difficult experiences, and build coping skills.
PMT
PMT teaches caregivers effective strategies to manage challenging child behaviors, strengthen attachment, and create consistent, nurturing home routines.
CBT
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviors to achieve lasting positive changes.
EFT
EFT combines gentle tapping on acupressure points with focused emotional work to help children and parents release stress, anxiety, and emotional overwhelm.
TF-CBT
TF-CBT is a specialized form of CBT designed to help children and adolescents overcome the effects of trauma.
Motivational interviewing
Motivational Interviewing uses compassionate, goal-oriented conversations to help children and parents resolve ambivalence and build motivation for meaningful change.