Teen Counseling In St. Petersburg, FL

Support for Teens (14+) Navigating Emotions, Identity, and Relationships
You don’t have to parent through this alone—and your teen doesn’t have to figure it all out without support.

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Being a Teen Is Hard. Being a Teen Right Now Is Even Harder.

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Between school pressure, friendship dynamics, social media comparison, and figuring out who they are, today’s teens are juggling more than ever. Anxiety, emotional overwhelm, self-doubt, and identity struggles are becoming more common—and more isolating.

If your teen feels like no one gets them, struggles with connection, or shuts down when emotions get big, therapy can provide a safe place to process, explore, and grow.

At Sunshine City Counseling, we specialize in teen therapy for ages 16 and up, helping teens feel seen, understood, and supported. Whether they’re navigating anxiety, communication issues, ADHD, identity work, or self-esteem, we meet them with compassion—not judgment.

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You're Not Alone If Your Teen Is...

Struggling with low self-worth or feeling like they’re not good enough
Emotionally shutting down, withdrawing, or blowing up over small things
Feeling overwhelmed by school, friendships, or family expectations
Unsure of who they are or how to communicate what they’re feeling
Comparing themselves constantly or feeling pressure to “have it all together”
Navigating the early stages of dating, identity, or peer conflict

How Teen Counseling Can Help

Therapy is more than just “talking.” It’s about building trust, offering tools, and helping your teen feel more in control of their thoughts, emotions, and choices.

What teens can expect to gain:

Emotional regulation skills for big feelings like anger, sadness, or anxiety
Confidence in expressing themselves and setting boundaries
Healthier communication with friends, parents, and teachers
Support with identity exploration, values, and goals
Tools to cope with stress, comparison, and perfectionism
A safe space to ask hard questions and be fully themselves

Alexa’s Approach to Teen Therapy in St. Petersburg, FL

Alexa doesn’t believe in forcing teens into a mold. Her approach is warm, collaborative, and rooted in respect—because real growth happens when teens feel seen, not judged.

She works with teens (16+) in St. Petersburg, FL who are navigating anxiety, self-worth, relationship struggles, identity questions, and emotional overwhelm. Whether your teen feels lost, disconnected, or just tired of pretending to be “fine,” Alexa offers a space where they can explore their story and find their strength.

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Evidence-Based Tools that Actually Help Teens Feel Better:

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Skills: Teach emotional regulation, mindfulness, and how to handle distress without shutting down or lashing out
Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT): Help teens clarify what matters to them and take steps toward living a values-driven life
Narrative Therapy: Empower teens to rewrite the internal stories that have kept them stuck or small
Mindfulness & Somatic Techniques: Support teens in calming their nervous systems and reconnecting with their bodies
Creative Expression: Use art, writing, or metaphor when words feel hard or emotions feel too big

Why Teens Connect With Alexa’s Approach

Alexa gets it—teens don’t want to be lectured or fixed. They want someone real who listens without judgment and helps them make sense of their inner world. That’s what Alexa provides.

She helps teens:

Feel more in control of their emotions
Strengthen their sense of identity
Build confidence in communication and boundaries
Improve relationships with family and peers
Learn coping strategies that work in real life—not just in theory

Therapy with Alexa isn’t just about managing symptoms. It’s about helping teens feel more like themselves—calm, connected, and confident in who they are.

Therapist

Sophia Moenssens

Licensed Mental Health Counselor

Individual Therapy

Specializing in LGBTQIA+ & BiPOC-Affirming Care, Neurodivergent Identities (ADHD/ASD/AuDHD), Chronic Illness, Anxiety, Depression, and Support for Big Feelings & Masking

If you feel worried, sad, tired, or like you’re always trying to be “okay,” I’m here to listen. Therapy gives you a calm place to share your feelings, figure out what you need, and feel more like yourself again. I’m here to support all of you.

I work with teens and adults (10+) in St. Petersburg, FL and virtually across Florida.

What Is It Like To Work With Me?

I show up with authenticity, compassion, and a deep belief in your capacity to grow.
In our sessions, all of your emotions are welcome — the loud ones, the quiet ones, the confusing ones.

Healing doesn’t have to be heavy all the time.

Sometimes we’ll laugh. Sometimes we’ll sit with something tender.

Always, you'll have a space where you don’t need to perform or be perfect.

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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 (14+) 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.

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Start Teen 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 fit matters—especially for teens. That’s why we offer a free, no-pressure consultation. You’ll share a bit about what’s been going on, and we’ll help you decide if Alexa or Sophia is the right match for your teen’s needs. Just choose a time that works, and we’ll take it from there.

Illustrated calendar with a bold check mark in the center, symbolizing scheduling progress or therapy appointments with an anxiety and ADHD therapist in St. Petersburg, FL.

Connect With Your Teen Counselor

After you schedule, you'll meet with Alexa or Sophia for a free 15-minute phone or video consultation. This is a chance to talk through what’s been going on, ask questions, and see if it feels like a good fit—no pressure, no commitment. If you decide to move forward, you can choose between in-person sessions at our South Pasadena office or continuing online, whichever feels most comfortable for your teen.

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Start The Therapy Journey

Whether your teen is facing anxiety, self-doubt, relationship struggles, or just needs someone to talk to, Alexa and Sophia will meet them where they are. Together, you’ll build a plan that feels supportive—not overwhelming. In-person or online, therapy can become a place where your teen feels more grounded, confident, and understood.

Frequently Asked Questions About Therapy

Great question! We are a private pay practice and considered “out of network.” We’re happy to give you a superbill so you can get reimbursed, which all depends on your "out of network benefits." All of our therapists are specializes in their own unique areas and range from $75-165 a session.
Studies have shown that 90% of the change that you’ll experience is due to the relationship you build with your counselor. SO, we do a free first session with everyone to make sure you dig us and we dig you and, most importantly, that we will be helpful.
With a growing staff of experts who specialize in a myriad of issues, our counselors range from $75-$165 per session. A typical "session" will last between 45-60mins. We always suggest blocking out 60 minutes on your calendar :)
This can be such a common feeling when parents bring their teens in for counseling. So often we feel like we should be able to meet every single one of our teens needs but where does that come from? No one can ever fully meet all of our needs and that doesn’t mean you are not enough. Not at all. In fact, by bringing your teen in for counseling you are indirectly (or maybe directly) saying that it is okay to ask for help, it is okay to not be okay…you love them enough to find someone who can help. We’re here to support you and remind you that you are more than enough for your teen(s).