Peggy Lingard , LCSW

Peggy Lingard, LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker), moved to California to accept the job of her dreams and found herself confronting a profound life transition. Nearly everything shifted - she lost much of her support system, felt disconnected from parts of herself, and struggled to access the strengths that once felt reliable. With the help of an insightful therapist, she began to invest in people and activities that brought her joy and learned to speak less and do more. Reconnecting with nature and returning to painting became sustaining practices, and she has continued to paint for more than 18 years.

Peggy trained with professionals regarded as leaders in the field and developed competence in approaches such as Family Systems Theory, problem solving, divorce mediation, solution-focused and narrative therapies, dialectical behavior therapy, resilience work, and mindfulness. She welcomes conversations about evidence-based approaches and is willing to share research and clinical perspectives. Over decades of practice, Peggy has come to place the therapeutic alliance at the center of change - she prioritizes being present, listening carefully, and partnering with people to direct therapy together.

She identifies as a lesbian, has three grown children, and is married to a wife who is African American. Peggy regards the diverse layers of her life as an ongoing learning journey marked by respect, forgiveness, and curiosity. She invites people who are ready to increase transparency and let go of what no longer serves them to engage in a collaborative process grounded in mutual regard and fresh perspective.