Margaret Gibbs, LCSW, MSW, JD

Licensed Clinical Social Worker helping adults with anxiety, depression, burnout, relationship concerns, and life transitions in Tampa Bay and across Florida. In-person and virtual therapy with flexible scheduling, including early morning, evening, and weekend appointments. Insurance and private pay accepted.

Many of the people who reach out to my practice are thoughtful adults who are used to being the responsible one—at work, in their families, or in their communities. If you have been carrying anxiety, burnout, or feeling down for a while while still trying to keep everything together, you are not alone.

From the outside things may look stable, but internally it can feel exhausting to keep carrying everything alone. Many people who contact me say they have been trying to handle things on their own for quite some time.

Therapy can offer a place to slow down, think clearly, and begin making changes that genuinely fit your life. My style is collaborative, thoughtful, and grounded in curiosity rather than judgment. You do not need to minimize your experiences or turn them into a diagnosis in order to talk about them here.

Over time I have found that meaningful therapy often comes from slowing down enough to understand what is actually happening beneath the surface. Many clients value having a space where their experiences are taken seriously and explored with care.

I work with adults in the Tampa Bay area and with clients throughout Florida through secure telehealth.



**People often reach out when they are experiencing:**

• anxiety or ongoing stress
• feeling down, discouraged, or depressed
• burnout from work or caregiving
• relationship or family challenges
• major life transitions
• difficult decisions
• feeling stuck despite being capable and reflective
• complicated family dynamics
• LGBTQ+ identity or relationship concerns

You do not need a diagnosis or crisis to start therapy.



**How I approach therapy**

Many of the people I work with are professionals, caregivers, or individuals others rely on heavily. They are often capable and insightful but carrying more responsibility than most people realize.

I tend to work well with people who value thoughtful conversation and a therapy process that does not rush to simple explanations. Many clients are used to analyzing problems on their own; therapy can help connect that insight with changes that actually show up in daily life.

I also enjoy working with therapists, healthcare providers, and others in helping professions. Therapy can offer a place where you do not have to be the professional in the room.

My work integrates evidence-supported approaches including cognitive behavioral therapy, narrative therapy, solution-focused therapy, EMDR-informed work, and mindfulness. At the same time, I recognize that the mind and body are complex and not fully understood, and many practices used in modern therapy have roots in older healing traditions across cultures.

I also work with many LGBTQ+ clients and aim to provide a space where people can talk openly without needing to explain or defend basic parts of their lives.

Not every life struggle needs to be turned into a disorder. Stress, grief, caregiving strain, and major life changes are often understandable responses to real circumstances.

Before becoming a therapist I also trained in law, which influences how I think about the systems people live in—workplaces, families, healthcare settings, and institutions.



**Practical information**

I offer in-person therapy in the Tampa Bay / St. Petersburg area as well as virtual therapy throughout Florida.

Because many of my clients balance demanding work schedules, caregiving responsibilities, and family commitments, I offer flexible appointment times including early morning, evening, and appointments throughout the week.

Some people contact me for specific assessments or documentation related to work, housing, or medical care. When appropriate, I may provide evaluations such as:

• FMLA or workplace documentation
• emotional support animal assessments
• gender-affirming care support letters
• coordination with other providers

These services are handled carefully and ethically. The purpose of an evaluation is to assess the situation thoughtfully, not to guarantee a particular outcome. Depending on the situation, insurance may not cover certain evaluations and private pay may be required.



You do not have to be completely certain about what you need from therapy before reaching out. Many people hesitate because they are unsure what to say or whether their concerns are serious enough.

If you decide to contact me, we can briefly talk about what has been going on and see whether working together feels like a good fit.