Peggy Thomsen, MSW, LICSW is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, specializing in therapy for children, young adults, women, and families.  She maintains a private practice in St. Paul, Minnesota.

With more than 10 years experience as a therapist and school social worker, Peggy has helped families resolve concerns related to infertility, depression, adoption, relationships, parenting, facing life without drugs and alcohol, and navigating through the special education system.

In addition, Peggy has presented to audiences in the adoption community and educators on topics ranging from reactive attachment disorder to strategies for positive discipline.

Peggy’s work with clients is focused on finding solutions that respect everyone involved.  In therapy, it is okay for every person to be a vulnerable human being with fears and feelings that are accepted.  In her work with children, Peggy focuses on the qualities of the parent-child relationship and coaches parents to fine-tune their interactions in a way that best fits the emotional age and needs of the child.  Parents are guided to use playfulness, acceptance, curiosity, and empathy (PACE) with their child to increase the feeling of safety.  The safety the child experiences then allows positive neurological, emotional, cognitive, and behavioral growth for each child.  To maximize effectiveness, most work related to children is done with active participation of the parent(s).

Education



MSW - Masters in Social Work, University of St. Thomas/College of St. Catherine, St. Paul, MN with elective work in grief and loss, spirituality, and bio-medical ethics.  Clinical Research: Nine Psychological Tasks of Marriage and their Influence on Marital Happiness.

B.S. Computer Science, St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud, MN           

License, Certifications & Awards

LICSW – Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, Minnesota Board of Social Work

School Social Worker II (K-12) Minnesota Department of Children, Families, and Learning

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Additional Training

Reality Therapy – William Glasser

Professional Activities and Memberships

NASW – National Association of Social Workers

Facilitator – Adoptive Moms Group, St. Paul, MN

Peggy Thomsen, MSW, LICSW      •      Saint Paul, MN      •       651-294-2406