I think those psychiatrist sessions with Lucy aren't working.
Have you looked at the Compleat Peanuts vol 1? It is awesome. The characters were much more real and interesting before he codified them and his draftsmanship was spectacular.
I've got volume one and two out from the library and I absolutely love them, they are so charming in those early years. Check out the Iron Man mash up where I've featured the early Charlie :)