LiveWell Gainesville

Helping You Thrive

Welcome to LiveWell Gainesville, a private therapy practice that offers you a peaceful, personalized experience in a convenient location to meet your needs. We provide therapy for individuals, couples, families, and groups of all orientations, from preteens to elders.

We work from a person-centered, empowerment perspective that honors the significance of who you are and the power of your voice and your choice. We use EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral, and Humanistic techniques.

Wendy Gibbs, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Founder

I provide assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and coordination of care for a range of mental health challenges including: PTSD, mood disorders like bipolar and depression, anxiety, adjustment disorders, dissociative disorders, bereavement, alcohol abuse, identity struggles, and relational distress.

I am also honored to provide therapeutic support for our U.S. military warriors returning home, as well as their families. I enjoy teaching college General Psychology and value fostering mentorship for college-aged students.

I am a trained EMDR therapist and have a passion to care for patients who are the survivors or witnesses of sexual, physical, and emotional abuse.  I have additionally been trained in trauma response care as an advocate through the Florida Council Against Sexual Violence.

I have experience working as a victim advocate coordinating with law enforcement, working in group psychiatric practice coordinating with medical care, and consulting with both U.S. military veterans and veteran care-giver organizations.

Prior to pursuing graduate work, I served as a high school advisor and certified Advanced Placement English teacher for four years and an editor and ghost writer for five years. I have collaborated on more than 27 published manuscripts. I received my bachelor’s degree in Journalism from the University of Florida and have been a life-long resident of Alachua County.

My husband of 21 years, teenage children, and I enjoy kayaking the beautiful springs and rivers of Florida.

Micki Luck,
Licensed Clinical Social Worker

I specialize in working with adults, ages 18 through elders. My focus is whole-person wellness and assisting clients in finding their individual path to health as they desire it.   

I believe that there are times in life where your life just doesn’t seem to be working despite your best efforts and intentions. This can show up in a variety of ways, such as, a sense of meaninglessness or feelings of being stuck in a dead-end job, tumultuous relationship or destructive habit. Repetitive patterns of thinking and the idea that you ‘should know what to do’ frequently holds you in place. 

My approach is person-centered, affirming, and integrative. Although I incorporate a variety of therapeutic techniques, I do not adhere to a prescriptive or “one-size fits all” intervention style. 

I work with a variety of issues, including but not limited to: anxiety, addiction, mood disorders, disordered eating and body image issues, trauma, grief, chronic illness, and identity and/or sexuality issues. I have also worked with men’s issues and persons affected by diversity and/or cultural, familial, or societal stressors. 

I have been a social worker for over 20-years and have worked in a variety of settings, including mental health clinics, veteran’s services, and medical health care. I enjoy the diversity of practice and am continually in awe of the strength and resilience of all those I have been allowed to walk alongside in their journeys thus far.

I grew up in Mississippi and received my college education in North Carolina. I have lived in Gainesville, FL for 10 years. I find my renewal in nature; my relationships (including with my dog, Lou), books, and chocolate.

KatIE SPARGO, THERAPIST

As a counselor, I believe that the human capacity to heal and be resilient is a unique aspect of being human. I view it as an honor to join with individuals and families as they journey towards mental health and wholeness. I am extremely passionate about working with individuals who have experienced trauma as they work to heal, find meaning, and grow through their stories.

I hold a Master’s degree in Professional Counseling, and I am currently earning a Ph.D. in Counseling and Counselor Education at the University of Florida. My doctoral work has provided me with invaluable access to research, interventions, and developments in the counseling field. I have been an instructor of record for an undergraduate Stress and Anxiety Management course, a Family and Community Involvement course, and a teaching intern for a master’s level Trauma and Crisis Intervention course.  

I have experience working with individuals across age ranges and life experiences. I have worked with clients as they processed trauma histories, individuals who struggle with anxiety and depression, foster care and adoption issues, those who have experienced trauma, individuals who are survivors of violence, individuals who have a history of sexual assault, and adolescents with behavioral issues. My work has taken place in many settings including an academic setting, therapy camps, and individual sessions.  

I am enthusiastic about the science that makes therapy work and often utilize psychoeducation to help others understand their struggles. I work from an integrative trauma-informed, attachment-based approach. I also utilize elements of other humanistic approaches such as Cognitive-Behavioral, Creative interventions, Logotherapy, Client-Centered, Solution-Focused, Trust-Based Relational Interventions, and Psychotherapy.

Julie anne mcginley, therapist intern

I believe we are created for human connection and in these relationships we will find healing. It is never too late to process pain and embrace life as your true self. I am pursuing my second graduate degree, in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I am trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and am aligned with polyvagal theory and somatic therapies. My approach is to work with the body and nervous system to find the strength and resources within my clients for this deep healing.

As an EMDR therapist, I use my compassion and skills to work with all ages and populations to process trauma, distress, life transitions, depression, grief, chronic illness, and fatigue. I am passionate about forming trusting, meaningful relationships and helping individuals to discover self-worth and find joy in life.

I love spending time on the ocean with my husband and children, watching funny movies, laughing with friends, yoga, and strength training. And I may be just a little obsessed with coffee, chocolate, and classic British novels. Most of my career was in corporate IT and although I enjoy technology, I have felt called to the mental health field for many years. I am grateful for this opportunity to help others in their healing journeys!

Kathryn Large, Registered Mental Health Counseling Intern

I provide therapy for adults, college students, and adolescents with various mental health concerns including but not limited to clinical anxiety, mood disorders, PTSD, grief and adjustment disorders, and relational distress.

My goal as a practitioner is to form deep and authentic relationships with clients and sit with them amid struggle and loss of all kinds. I seek to empathically connect with clients to bring healing in a safe environment and help them move forward with collaborative solutions. Through counseling, my hope is that each of my clients feel accepted, known, and empowered to reach their highest potential. I believe this will enable my clients to live healthy and happy lives.

I have been counseling individuals and groups at LiveWell Gainesville, LLC since 2019. I am a trained EMDR therapist, and I provide trauma-informed and person-centered care using a variety of therapeutic techniques.

I have lived in Gainesville for the past four years with my husband, Jeremy. I enjoy reading and watching movies, exploring Gainesville’s many parks, and cuddling our puppy Obi.

allison rider, Executive Assistant/Therapist

I am a therapist with a Clinical Mental Health Counseling background, and I provide counseling to adolescents and adults of all ages with a variety of mental health concerns. In my clinical experience, I have worked with clients who sought out help with concerns including but not limited to depression, anxiety, adjustment disorders, and relationship issues.

Life can be full of hurt, loss, and pain, and my hope as a counselor is to provide clients with space and tools to navigate through the wide array of emotions that can come from such events. I am passionate about clients experiencing growth and healing as a result of the therapeutic process, and I strive for sessions to be a safe, nurturing environment in which clients can successfully reach their goals. My desire is for clients to grow in confidence and hopefulness that will enable them to lead healthy and full lives.  

I have been a part of the LiveWell Gainesville team since 2021. I have called Gainesville home since my family moved here in the early 2000’s, and I am excited to serve this great community. Outside of work, I find my joy in spending time with family and friends, baking, and all things Disney!