Albena Christova
Nice to meet you!
My name is Albena Christova
Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)
Over the last 33 years, I have worked with children, adults, and seniors providing individual, family, and group therapy. If you choose to take the journey with me for personal growth and a happier life, I promise you a safe place where you can be your true self, express your feelings without fear of judgment, and explore your own needs and expectations. You can count on my unconditional support throughout the process of making choices that will lead to happiness and fulfillment in your life.
I work in St. Pete - Tyrone
My hourly rate is: $185 for Individuals and $235 for Couples
My specialties are:
Individual, Couples, and Family Therapy, Anxiety, Depression, Self-Esteem, Communication Problems, Coping Skills, Conflict Resolution, Stress Management, Life Changes
Let's get to know each other!
Throughout my career as a Licensed Therapist, I have worked with clients of all ages and backgrounds in different Outpatient settings. I also have extensive experience with individuals who have been diagnosed with severe and persistent mental illness as well as substance abuse disorders. I utilize Solution Focused Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to assist my clients in reaching their goals and achieving the best possible outcomes. Over the years I have been trained in different treatment modalities that may be used based on your needs.
In the beginning of my career, I asked a prominent psychiatrist what treatment approach she was using in her practice, her reply was: “I don’t know the name, whatever works for the client!” Let’s find together “whatever works for you!” In your therapeutic journey we will work together as a team, but you are the real hero!
As a Qualified Supervisor, I supervised and mentored many interns leading them to their fulfilling careers as mental health therapists.
A bit more about me…
I graduated from the University of Sofia with a Master’s degree in Sociology/Minor in Psychology before moving here with my family 34 years ago. As I began working in a local Community Mental Health Center, I continued my education at NOVA Southeastern University and received a Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling. I continued working at Suncoast Center for Community Mental Health in various roles for several years before moving to more acute outpatient settings.
As a therapist I firmly believe that while we cannot control external circumstances, we have the power to choose how we react to them. Overcoming so many obstacles and changes in my own personal life taught me that we all are much stronger and more resilient than we believe at times. Let’s find this inner strength together!
Forgiving, accepting and loving yourself are the key elements of happier life! If you are reading this, you have already taken the first step towards feeling better emotionally.
My Fun Facts:
- I lived in Tripoli, Libya for 2 years and graduated from High School there at age 16.
- I lived in Baden, Austria for two years prior to moving to the States.
- I had to learn Vietnamese when I moved here as I was working in a Vietnamese restaurant for a year.
- I love spending time with my family, especially with my 5-year-old granddaughter. She has this incredible gift to make me laugh anytime, any day, and for any reason!
- I LOVE to cook! My kitchen is my happy place where I create amazing meals for my family.