Michael Penkaty , LPC

Michael Penkaty is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) licensed in Colorado with 7 years of professional experience supporting people through relationship and family conflicts, trauma and abuse, and intimacy-related challenges. He views each client as the expert of their own story and focuses on uncovering existing strengths that can be applied to overcome the issues that bring them to therapy. Michael combines a client-centered stance with evidence-informed techniques to help clients recognize unhelpful patterns, clarify goals, and take practical steps toward healthier relationships and stronger self-understanding.

He welcomes work around parenting, anger, self-esteem, depression, and coping with life changes, and he also supports clients with multicultural concerns, obsessions and compulsions related to OCD, and personality-related difficulties. Michael acknowledges that beginning therapy takes courage and affirms clients for taking that first step. His approach is collaborative and strengths-based, aimed at tailoring support to each person’s unique needs and circumstances.

Integrating therapeutic approaches for online care

Michael draws on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Client-Centered Therapy when working with clients online. ACT helps people clarify their values, accept difficult inner experiences, and commit to meaningful action - it can be useful for addressing avoidance, anxiety, and life transitions. CBT focuses on identifying and reshaping unhelpful thoughts and behaviors to reduce symptoms such as low mood, worry, or compulsive patterns. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes empathic listening and collaboration, creating space for self-exploration and growth in relationships and parenting.

Choosing the right approach is part of the therapeutic process; Michael works collaboratively with clients to determine which strategies align with their goals, preferences, and cultural background. He adapts methods over time as needs and priorities change.

Online sessions are available by video calls, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging, offering flexibility for different schedules and comfort levels. These options make it easier to maintain continuity of care and fit therapy into everyday life while working with licensed professionals and therapists.