Counselor in St. Petersburg, Fl

Cara Cancio

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Individual Therapy for Anxiety, ADHD, and Emotional Overwhelm in St. Petersburg, FL

Whether you’re navigating anxiety, struggling with ADHD, or feeling emotionally stuck and misunderstood, Cara offers individual therapy in St. Petersburg to help you feel seen, supported, and empowered to move forward—on your own terms.

What Is It Like To Work With Me?

I’m down-to-earth, warm, and real. I know what it’s like to feel overwhelmed by emotions or stuck in patterns that feel impossible to break. I’ll meet you where you are, help you understand what’s been holding you back, and support you in creating change that actually feels doable.

Schedule Free Consult

Why I Thought Therapy Wouldn’t Work for Me

I grew up in New Jersey—the youngest child, active in cheer and gymnastics, surrounded by friends and a caring family. From the outside, things looked good. But inside, I was struggling. I had ADHD and learning differences, felt depressed, and judged myself constantly. I was angry, confused, and ashamed that I couldn’t “just be happy.”

I tried therapy, but the first few therapists didn’t get it. I could predict what they were going to say, and I left feeling more convinced than ever that therapy just wasn’t for me.

But then something changed. I met a therapist who truly understood what I was feeling—sometimes better than I could even express. She helped me feel seen. And slowly, things I thought were unchangeable began to shift.

How Therapy Helped Me Heal ADHD, Shame, and Self-Judgment

a woman curled up on the floor in a fetal position, visually expressing the emotional toll of anxiety and ADHD—support available from a therapist in St. Petersburg, FL.

Therapy taught me that there’s no one “type” of person who needs support. I learned that my emotions didn’t make me broken—they made me human. I stopped identifying as my feelings and started getting curious about them instead.

I began to let go of shame, deepen my relationships, and feel something I hadn’t in a long time: happiness. Not every day, and not in every moment—but in a way that finally felt real and lasting.

Why I Now Offer Therapy for Anxiety and ADHD in St. Petersburg, FL

I became a therapist to offer the kind of space I needed back then: one where you can be seen and accepted without judgment, where your pain is honored, and your potential is never overlooked.

If you’ve ever thought therapy wasn’t for you, or that your problems “aren’t bad enough,” I want you to know—this space is still for you. Let’s work together to move through what feels unchangeable and help you reclaim your voice, your hope, and your next chapter.

Wondering If Anxiety Counseling in St. Petersburg, FL Is Right for You?

Feeling anxious from time to time is completely normal—it's how our bodies respond to stress. But when anxiety starts interfering with your sleep, appetite, focus, or relationships, it might be time to seek support. Symptoms like insomnia, constant worry, irritability, or anxious attachment can all be signs that your nervous system is overloaded.

We created this free quiz to help you check in on your symptoms and determine whether anxiety counseling with a therapist in St. Petersburg, FL could help you feel more grounded, calm, and in control.

Take Free Anxiety

Therapist in St. Petersburg, Fl Reviews

Amazing therapist is Saint Petersburg Florida! The entire staff is incredibly kind and meets a wide variety of counseling needs. Sunshine City Counseling is a passionate and dedicated private practice and I would highly recommend their services to anyone in need.

google review
I've had a very positive experience with Cara and would highly recommend Sunshine City Counseling to anyone looking to get the most they can out of therapy services in St. Pete.

google review
I have seeing a few counselors in the area and was very lucky to meet Cara, her approach was different from the ones I have previously met and she is always flexible with her schedule, she knows how to make you see things from a different perspective and you can always count on moving forward with her. This is not just a conversation with someone, Cara remembers everything from our first session till now, and she provide input all the time and makes sure you are following the right steps to keep pushing forward. Thank you ma'am for all your help.

google review
Cara has years of experience, working with all different kinds of people with mental health issues. She wears her heart on her sleeve and listens and implement strategies to help others cope. From DBT & CBT therapy she has the capability of doing it all. Her can-do attitude helps patients look at the brighter side of life. I highly recommend anyone at any age to seek her services.

google review

Qualifications & Credentials | Anxiety & ADHD Therapist in St. Petersburg, FL

Qualifications and Credentials

Cara Cancio, LCSW, brings a compassionate, client-centered approach to her work with teens and women facing anxiety, ADHD, and emotional overwhelm.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Florida
Extensive experience working in community mental health and family systems
Specialized in treating anxiety, panic, OCD, ADHD, and people-pleasing
Trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Integrates holistic tools like art therapy, mindfulness, movement, and somatic awareness
Experienced in supporting clients through life transitions and identity shifts
Committed to trauma-informed, empowerment-based care

Areas of Expertise

Cara supports teens, young adults, and women navigating challenges like:

Anxiety & Overthinking – Quiet the mental noise and find calm
Burnout & Stress Management – Reclaim your energy and set sustainable boundaries
Depression & Low Mood – Feel more like yourself again with compassionate support
Life Transitions & Role Changes – Navigate big changes with clarity and confidence
Self-Esteem & Identity Work – Reconnect with who you are and build inner confidence
Work/Life Balance – Create space in your life for what truly matters
People-Pleasing & Boundaries – Let go of perfectionism and start honoring your needs
Interpersonal Relationships & Communication – Learn to express yourself clearly and build stronger, more connected relationships

Start Therapy in St. Petersburg, Fl

Stylized graphic of a person representing mental health support, as used by Sunshine City Counseling in St. Petersburg, FL—focused on anxiety and ADHD therapy.

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.

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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.

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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.

Cara’s Therapy Approach | Individual Counseling in St. Petersburg, FL

Cara blends evidence-based practices with a warm, relational approach to help teens and women feel grounded, empowered, and understood. Her therapy is flexible, client-led, and deeply holistic—honoring the connection between mind, body, and lived experience.

Strengths-Based Counseling
Helping you see what’s right with you, even when it doesn’t feel that way
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Identifying unhelpful thought patterns and learning new ways to cope
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Skills
Building emotional regulation and resilience in real-world situations
Art Therapy & Creative Expression
Using visual tools to process emotions when words feel limiting
Mindfulness & Somatic Awareness
Learning to calm your nervous system and reconnect with your body
Holistic, Integrative Support
Addressing mental health through lifestyle, nervous system care, and compassionate self-understanding
Whether you're navigating anxiety, ADHD, or simply feeling stuck, Cara will meet you with empathy, curiosity, and a toolkit of strategies to support your growth.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Working With Cara Cancio

Cara works best with teens (16+), young adults, and women who are feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure of how to move forward. She’s a great fit for those navigating anxiety, ADHD, relationship struggles, or major life transitions—especially if you’ve tried therapy before and want something that feels more supportive, collaborative, and real.
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.
Cara specializes in supporting clients with:
- Generalized anxiety and panic attacks
- ADHD in teens and women
- OCD and intrusive thoughts
- People-pleasing and difficulty setting boundaries
- Low self-esteem and emotional dysregulation
- Life transitions and identity shifts
- Depression and burnout
She takes a strengths-based and holistic approach, helping you not just cope—but grow into a more grounded and empowered version of yourself.
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.