Peggy Lingard , LCSW

Peggy Lingard relocated to California to accept a dream job and found herself facing a profound life transition. Nearly everything shifted - her support network, familiar routines, and even parts of her sense of self felt altered. With guidance from a therapist, she began investing in relationships and activities that brought joy, learning to speak less and do more. Reconnecting with nature and returning to painting became steady anchors, and she continues to paint more than 18 years later.

Peggy trained with leaders in the field and has mastered a range of therapeutic models, including Family Systems Theory, problem-solving approaches, divorce mediation, solution-focused and narrative therapies, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, resilience work, and mindfulness practices. She also holds the credential LCSW - Licensed Clinical Social Worker - signifying advanced clinical training in social work. Peggy welcomes conversations about the research behind evidence-based therapies and will share relevant findings when helpful.

Across decades of practice, she has come to prioritize the therapeutic alliance as the central vehicle for change. She integrates techniques such as mindfulness and distress tolerance from established therapies while making sure the relationship with each person guides the work. Peggy lives with curiosity about identity and relationships - she is a lesbian with three grown children and a wife who is African American - and views cultural complexity as an ongoing learning process. She is enthusiastic about partnering with people who are ready to increase transparency, release what no longer serves them, and contribute their own strengths to the work of growth.

Therapeutic Approaches Adapted for Online Care

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) invites people to clarify their values and take committed steps toward a meaningful life even when difficult thoughts and feelings are present. Online ACT sessions focus on practical exercises and values-based goals that translate well to remote formats and help with stress, anxiety, and life transitions.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) teaches concrete skills for emotion regulation, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and mindfulness. Delivered virtually, DBT skill coaching and practice can support people managing intense emotions, relationship challenges, and patterns that contribute to distress.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps identify and shift unhelpful thoughts and behaviors through structured techniques and homework. CBT adapts readily to video or text-based work and is often useful for anxiety, depression, and coping with change.

Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. Peggy works with each person to determine which methods align with their goals, needs, and preferences, and she blends strategies as needed so the treatment feels personally relevant and manageable.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility - sessions by video, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging allow people to arrange care around work, family, and other responsibilities. For many, remote sessions make it easier to maintain continuity of support, use skills in real time, and access licensed professionals regardless of geography.