Michael Penkaty, LPC

Michael Penkaty is a licensed professional counselor practicing in Colorado with ten years of clinical experience. He works with individuals and families facing relationship challenges, family conflict, trauma and abuse, and intimacy-related concerns, as well as parenting struggles, anger, low self-esteem, depression, and adapting to life changes. He also addresses multicultural concerns, obsessions and compulsions including OCD, and personality-related issues.

As a clinician holding the LPC credential - Licensed Professional Counselor - Michael draws on a range of evidence-informed methods to meet each person where they are. He views each client as the expert of their own story and focuses on identifying strengths that can be used to move through what currently feels challenging. That client-centered perspective guides collaborative work on goals such as improving communication, processing past harm, rebuilding trust and increasing day-to-day coping.

Michael recognizes that beginning therapy can take courage, and he approaches new clients with support and respect for that step. He aims to create a practical, compassionate space where people can explore concerns, build skills, and make meaningful changes at a pace that fits their life.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Support

Michael uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as primary approaches in his practice. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people clarify their values and take meaningful action even when uncomfortable feelings arise - it can be useful for managing anxiety, depression, and life transitions. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and adjusting unhelpful thoughts and behaviors to reduce symptoms and improve daily functioning, which can help with mood, anxiety, and compulsive patterns.

Michael also draws on client-centered principles, offering an empathic, nonjudgmental therapeutic stance that prioritizes the client’s experience. He treats finding the right approach as a collaborative process - together with each client he explores what methods and goals feel most helpful and adjusts the plan as needs and preferences evolve.

Online therapy with Michael can take place by video call, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging, providing flexibility to fit sessions into busy schedules and reach therapy from home or work. These options make it easier to maintain consistency, access support during life changes, and use the therapeutic approaches above in ways that suit each person’s routine and comfort.