serving Washington State
"Fix your course to a star and you can navigate through any storm."
LEONARDO DAVINCI
ABOUT PEONY COUNSELING
Margaret Albaugh, MS, LMHCA
ABOUT ME
My name is Margaret Albaugh, MS, LMHCA and I have a Master's in Counseling from Eastern Washington University and a Bachelor's in Psychology from UC Davis. I am Asian American and grew up mostly on the west coast but have lived all over the world. I am also a mother and have a partner in the military.
When I'm not working, you can find me gardening (not always well), cleaning (reluctantly), writing, photographing, or hyperfixating on a new project.
WHY "PEONY"?
Peonies symbolize many things but one of them is compassion. I believe clients need to learn compassion for themselves as part of healing. (Peony was also the name of my favorite restaurant when I was a kid).
MY APPROACH
I am committed to providing a safe and supportive environment. My approach is client-centered and collaborative. The modalities I work through include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Person Centered, Acceptance and Commitment, and Attachment Science. My hope for you is that you have a safe space to explore your emotions and behaviors while also learning to see the potential to have healthier outcomes in life by building skills around reflection, communication, pattern recognition, mindfulness, and being values-oriented.
VALUES
At Peony Counseling, I prioritize empathy, respect, and inclusivity. I am committed to fostering a culturally sensitive space. And I believe in accountability as a step towards change and that everyone is capable of change and growth.
Some people believe therapeutic modalities emphasize neutrality but I believe in being politically aware because politics affects our lives. So, I do my best to stay aware of ways our systems may be affecting clients.
SERVICES
I specialize in providing counseling services for young adults and adults, individuals experiencing issues around ADHD, anxiety, depression, identity struggles (whether around race, sexuality, or gender), intergenerational patterns, life transitions, and parents needing support through parenting while unpacking generational harms and learning new skills.
My sessions are currently virtual/online only and I take private pay (no insurance)
Does this sound like you?
You’ve learned to anticipate other people’s reactions and behave in accordance to their reactions or comply in advance to keep the peace.
You over-work to feel a sense of self esteem or as a way to honor your ancestors who sacrificed so much so you find your own ways to sacrifice.
You’re afraid to say no because you want to be a helper. You’re afraid to say yes because you have no time or means.
You wonder to yourself if “it could be ADHD, Autism, or CPTSD.”
You don’t know how you actually feel or you’ve learned to eat your feelings because you’ve learned to just take care of your environment or those around you to maintain peace or because you grew up with people who told you how to feel.
You get stuck in patterns you struggle to break out of but aren't sure how.
You’re a parent and you get triggered by your children and you get stuck between what your body grew up learning and what your brain is trying to tell you is the right thing to do.
You’re a parent who wants to support your child as they learn about their identity.
You are wanting to seek therapy but don’t want to explain the BIPOC/PGM experience. You want someone who already understands the nuances of navigating this world.
You’re worried about everything going on in this world, maybe to a point where you struggle to care for yourself or experience joy.
You've lost a sense of who you are.
You don’t have to do any of this alone. Reach out for a 15-minute consultation and perhaps we can work through these issues together.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, feel free to reach out to us. We can set up an initial 15-minute consult to see if we are a good fit.
GET IN TOUCH
Currently in Eastern, WA serving clients in Washington State.