Margaret Thomas- Lapsley, LMHC

Margaret Thomas- Lapsley is a licensed mental health counselor who helps adults manage anxiety, depression, and big life transitions. She supports people coping with relationship strain, grief, and issues tied to trauma or addiction. Her work often centers on building emotional regulation and clearer boundaries so daily life feels calmer.

She draws on a mix of practical therapies to meet each person where they are. Sessions focus on learning skills, making sense of difficult feelings, and practicing new ways to relate to others. The aim is steady progress rather than quick fixes.

Margaret describes her style as warm, present, and nonjudgmental. She emphasizes a collaborative process where the client’s experiences guide the work. People bring their stories, and together they shape goals and steps forward.

With 16 years of experience and a Florida LMHC license, she has worked with trauma related to childhood, military, and sexual experiences. That background informs her attention to safety and pacing when addressing painful memories.

Her practice also attends to first responder and veteran and armed forces issues, compassion fatigue, and problems like body image, communication struggles, and substance use. She helps clients rebuild self-trust, find clarity, and practice healthier coping and relationship habits.

How therapy approaches translate to online work

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on noticing thoughts and feelings without getting stuck in them and choosing actions that match personal values. It is often used for anxiety, depression, and life purpose concerns. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps people spot and change unhelpful thinking patterns and build practical coping skills for mood and anxiety issues. Attachment-Based Therapy pays attention to relationship patterns and how early bonds affect present relationships, which can help with intimacy, communication, and trust.

Finding the right approach is part of the process. The therapist works collaboratively with each person to decide which methods fit their needs, goals, and comfort level. Clients can expect to review options together and adjust the plan as therapy progresses.

Confirm current session formats before booking so you know what is offered. Online work can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy week, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when a quick update is needed. It can also accommodate people who prefer to focus on skills and homework between meetings. Licensed professionals tailor pacing and learning tasks to match everyday life and responsibilities.