Therapist
Alexa Derby
Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern (post graduate)
Individual Therapy
Specializing in Anxiety, Depression, ADHD (Teens & Adults), Life Transitions, Relationship Issues, and Self-Esteem Support.
Whether you’re carrying the weight of anxiety, navigating a difficult life transition, or feeling disconnected in your relationships, therapy with Alexa is a space where you can be fully seen, supported, and guided toward healing. She offers individual counseling for teens and adults (16+) in St. Petersburg, FL.
What Is It Like To Work With Me?
I show up authentically and with deep compassion. My approach is collaborative and client-led, meaning we’ll go at your pace and focus on what matters most to you. I’ll help you untangle the things that feel overwhelming, explore your story, and learn practical tools to create real change—inside and out. Therapy doesn’t have to feel cold or clinical. It can feel empowering, even life-changing. I’d be honored to walk with you through whatever you’re facing.
Why I Became a Therapist in St. Petersburg, FL
At 25, my life took an unexpected turn after the end of a long but unhealthy relationship. During that time, I realized I had lost my sense of self and knew it was time to take accountability for my own growth. I made the decision to meet with a therapist and begin working on my relationship with myself. I didn’t have all the answers, but I knew I needed support to find them.
I still remember my first session. It felt awkward sitting across from a stranger, unsure how I was supposed to share my life story. But over time, that space became one where I felt safe, heard, and understood. Through therapy, I learned something life-changing: I wasn’t alone, and I didn’t have to figure everything out by myself.
In the months that followed, therapy gave me the opportunity to rediscover who I was. I rebuilt my self-worth, gained insight into patterns I hadn’t recognized before, and started creating a life that felt more authentic to me. Somewhere along that journey, I realized this was the kind of support I wanted to provide for others.
I became a therapist because I am passionate about helping people better understand themselves and navigate life’s challenges. I believe everyone deserves a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where they can feel heard and empowered to grow. My goal is to work collaboratively with my clients to build insight, strengthen coping skills, and create meaningful, lasting change.
Free Guide: 3 Signs You’re Stuck in a Relationship Pattern (And How to Break Free)
Feel like you keep ending up in the same relationship dynamics—no matter who you're with?
You're not broken. You might just be running an old pattern. This free, therapist-created guide will help you:
Understand your attachment style and how it shows up in love
Identify inner patterns keeping you stuck (like people-pleasing, shutting down, or overgiving)
Learn practical tools to break the cycle and build healthier, more secure connections
✨ Created by Alexa Derby, RMHCI — a therapist who specializes in relationship issues, communication, and self-worth in St. Petersburg, FL.
Counselor in St. Petersburg, Fl Reviews
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Sunshine city counseling is incredible. I recommend them to everyone that I can, truly the best.
google review
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Sunshine city is an amazing resource and great for anyone seeking counseling but isn’t sure where to start! Highly recommended!
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Credentials & Training | Therapist in St. Petersburg, FL
Qualifications and Credentials
Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling – Grand Canyon University
Registered Mental Health Counseling Intern – #IMH25962
Supervised by Jamie Molnar, LMHC
Areas of Expertise
Alexa supports teens, young adults, and women navigating challenges like:
Anxiety & Stress Management – Learn to calm your nervous system and feel more in control
Depression & Low Mood – Find your footing and reconnect with hope
Relationship Patterns/ Relationship Issues– Build healthier, more connected relationships (individual therapy, NOT couples)
ADHD (Teens & Adults) – Manage focus, overwhelm, and daily challenges with support
Self-Esteem & Identity Work – Let go of self-doubt and rediscover your sense of worth
People-Pleasing & Boundaries – Start saying yes to yourself without guilt
Life Transitions & Role Changes – Navigate change with clarity and confidence
Therapy for Men & Women’s Issues – Explore gender-specific pressures with understanding and care
Start Therapy in St. Petersburg, Fl
Schedule Your Free Consultation
Finding the right therapist is important, so we offer a free consultation to discuss your needs and match you with the perfect therapist. Choose a time that works for you, and we’ll handle the rest.
Connect With A Therapist
Once scheduled, you’ll meet with your therapist either online in a secure, confidential session or in our therapy offices in South Pasadena, Fl. Our compassionate team of therapists are experienced in anxiety, depression, and more.
Start Your Therapy Journey
Whether you prefer in-person sessions or the convenience of online therapy, we’re here to support you. From short-term guidance to ongoing therapy, we’ll help you navigate life’s challenges with care, flexibility, and expertise—wherever you feel most comfortable.
Alexa’s Therapy Approach | Relationship & Communication Counseling in St. Petersburg, FL
Alexa offers a warm, collaborative approach rooted in respect, curiosity, and emotional safety. Her work centers around helping clients untangle the inner and relational patterns that keep them stuck—especially around communication, boundaries, and connection.
She integrates evidence-based modalities that meet you where you are and help you move forward with clarity:
Person-Centered Therapy
You set the pace; Alexa walks beside you
Solution-Focused Therapy
Build on what’s working and create real momentum
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Manage intense emotions and improve relationships
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Create change by aligning with your values
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy
Increase self-awareness and interrupt reactive patterns
Whether you're working through relationship challenges, past trauma, or simply trying to communicate more clearly, Alexa’s approach honors your full story—while helping you write your next chapter with intention.
Frequently Asked Questions About Working With Alexa Darby
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Alexa works best with teens and adults (16+) who feel stuck in patterns that are hard to name—especially around communication, self-worth, or past relationship wounds. She’s a great fit for men navigating stress, emotional shutdown, or feeling disconnected from others, and for anyone looking to improve the way they show up in relationships.
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Your free consult with Cara is a no-pressure, 15-minute conversation designed to help you feel seen and supported from the start. You’ll have space to share what’s been going on, ask questions about therapy, and explore how working together could help. Cara will meet you exactly where you are—no judgment, no rush. It’s a chance to see if therapy with her feels like the right fit for you.
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Alexa specializes in supporting clients who are navigating:
Relationship issues and communication struggles
Emotional overwhelm, anxiety, and stress
Low self-esteem and people-pleasing
Unprocessed trauma and past relationship wounds
ADHD-related challenges in teens and adults
Life transitions and identity shifts
Men’s mental health and emotional expression
She’s especially passionate about helping people feel more connected—to themselves and to others—by building tools for clarity, confidence, and deeper relationships.
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Sunshine City Counseling is a private-pay practice and does not accept insurance directly. However, we’re happy to provide a superbill that you can submit to your insurance provider for possible out-of-network reimbursement. Many of our clients use their HSA or FSA cards as well.
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Absolutely. Whether you find yourself shutting down in conversations, avoiding conflict, or constantly second-guessing how you come across—Alexa helps clients unpack these patterns and build new tools for expressing themselves clearly and confidently. Therapy can help you feel more heard and more at ease in the process.
Struggling to Manage Anxiety or Feel Emotionally Overwhelmed in St. Petersburg, FL?
Anxiety can show up in so many ways—racing thoughts, tension in your body, overthinking every interaction, or feeling like you're always “on edge.” Maybe you’re finding it hard to sleep, constantly questioning your decisions, or feeling disconnected in your relationships.
If any of this sounds familiar, you're not alone—and support is available.
We created this free anxiety quiz to help you better understand what you’re experiencing and whether working with a therapist in St. Petersburg, FL—like Alexa—could help you feel more grounded, steady, and in control again.
Visit Our Counseling Center in Florida
Physical Address: 1615 Pasadena Ave Suite #330 South Pasadena, FL 33707
Hours
Monday–Friday 9am–8pm
Phone
(727)-940-9538
