Penny Gifford, LPC, LCPC

Integrative counselor for adults in transition

Stress and anxiety
Addiction and recovery
Relationships and family

About Penny Gifford

Penny Gifford is a seasoned counselor who partners with adults to build new skills, increase self-empowerment, and make meaningful changes in daily life. With a collaborative, non-judgmental, and positive approach, she creates a supportive therapeutic environment where clients can address both mental health concerns and life transitions. Her work emphasizes practical skill-building so clients leave sessions with tools they can use between meetings.

She brings extensive experience treating anger management, anxiety and stress, codependency, family discord, grief and loss, life purpose and transition, mood disorders, and obsessive compulsive disorders. Penny provides integrative counseling that draws on behavioral therapies, psychodynamic insights, and humanistic principles to guide a solution-focused and directive process. She holds LPC and LCPC licenses - Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor - and blends these orientations to tailor treatment to each person's needs and goals.

Areas of Expertise

Primary Focus

Stress, Anxiety Addictions Self esteem Depression Coping with life changes

Also Specializes In

LGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuse GriefEating disordersSleeping disordersAnger managementCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderADHD

Additional Focus Areas

AbandonmentAntisocial personalityAttachment issuesAvoidant personalityBody imageCaregiver issues and stressCo-morbidityCodependencyCommunication problemsControl issuesDependent personalityDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)Divorce and separationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionEating and food-related issuesEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsGuilt and shameImpulsivityJealousyLife purposeMidlife crisisMood disordersNarcissismObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPersonality disordersPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-loveSocial anxiety and phobiaTrichotillomaniaWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic Approach

Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Motivational Interviewing Solution-Focused Therapy

Frequently Asked Questions

How much experience does Penny Gifford have?

Penny Gifford has 30 years of experience.

Is Penny Gifford a licensed therapist?

Yes, she holds these credentials: LPC, LCPC. License details: CO LPC 5992, MT LCPC BBH-LCPC-LIC-4727.

In which languages does Penny Gifford provide therapy?

Penny Gifford provides therapy in English.

Where is Penny Gifford located?

Penny Gifford is located in California.

How can I work with Penny Gifford as my therapist?

You can work with Penny Gifford through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.

Does Penny Gifford work with international clients?

Penny Gifford does not currently work with international clients.

How much does therapy with Penny Gifford cost?

The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as your location and the therapist's availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.

How can I get started with therapy?

Getting started with therapy is quick and straightforward. Click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.

Integrative approaches and online care

Penny often uses Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) in her work. Client-Centered Therapy focuses on building a respectful, empathetic relationship that helps people explore their feelings and values so they can move toward goals that matter to them. CBT is a practical, skills-based approach that helps identify and change unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns, which can be useful for anxiety, depression, and stress. DBT teaches emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness skills, supporting people who struggle with intense emotions or relationship challenges.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Penny works collaboratively with each person to determine what fits best based on their needs, goals, and preferences. Licensed professionals and therapists adapt methods over time so treatment stays relevant and effective.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility - sessions can take place by video call, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging - making it easier to fit care into a busy schedule, to access support from home, or to continue work during life transitions. These options allow for consistent, ongoing contact and make it possible to practice skills between sessions with the guidance of a trained therapist.

Ready to start therapy with Penny Gifford?

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