FindADHDTherapists

The therapist listings are provided by BetterHelp and we will earn a commission if you use our link - at no cost to you.

LPC, LCPC

Penny Gifford, LPC, LCPC

  • Experience30 years
  • LocationCalifornia
  • Focus areasADHD, Stress and Anxiety, and Addictions
  • Therapy approachesClient-Centered Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
View booking options

Check the available next steps for working with Penny online.

About Penny

Penny Gifford brings 30 years of clinical experience to her work as an LPC and LCPC in California. She focuses on helping adults develop practical skills and greater self-empowerment through individualized therapy, using a collaborative, nonjudgmental approach that encourages growth and effective change.

Background and approach

Her practice addresses a wide range of concerns including stress, anxiety, addictions, self-esteem, depression, grief, bipolar disorder, ADHD, relationship and family issues, trauma and abuse, eating and sleeping problems, anger, career difficulties, and life transitions.

Gifford integrates several evidence-informed methods to match each person's needs, drawing on client-centered principles alongside cognitive behavioral and dialectical strategies as well as motivational interviewing and solution-focused techniques. She frames therapy as a guided, directive process aimed at practical problem solving while maintaining a supportive environment.

Clients can expect an emphasis on learning new coping skills, improving communication and personal insight, and working toward tangible changes that fit their life circumstances.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care



Penny draws on cognitive behavioral therapy and solution-focused therapy as primary tools in online work. Cognitive behavioral therapy helps people identify and change unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns to reduce symptoms like anxiety or depression and to manage mood or attention-related challenges. Solution-focused therapy emphasizes setting clear goals and building small, practical steps toward change, which can be helpful for stress, life transitions, and targeted problem solving.

Choosing the right approach is treated as a collaborative process. The therapist will discuss goals, preferences, and what has or has not worked in the past, then tailor a mix of methods to match each person's needs. The emphasis is on working together to find strategies that feel useful and sustainable.

Online sessions are offered by video calls, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging to increase flexibility and accessibility. These options allow people to fit therapy into busy schedules, continue care during life changes, and access a licensed professional from different locations within the service area.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns does Penny address?
She works with a broad range of issues including stress, anxiety, addictions, self-esteem, depression, grief, bipolar disorder, ADHD, relationship and family problems, trauma and abuse, eating and sleeping difficulties, anger, and career concerns.
What is her therapeutic style like?
Her style is collaborative and nonjudgmental, blending directive guidance with supportive listening to help clients learn new skills and make effective changes.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has 30 years of experience working in counseling and psychotherapy settings.
What credentials and location are listed?
She holds LPC and LCPC credentials with licence details CO LPC 5992 and MT LCPC BBH-LCPC-LIC-4727, and practices in California.
Does she conduct sessions in languages other than English?
Sessions are offered in English; international clients are not currently accepted.
Which session formats are available?
Clients can meet through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging according to therapist availability.
How are session costs handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What are the steps to begin therapy?
To start, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule sessions according to the therapist's availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyAddictionsSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes

Also works with

LGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefEating 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 approaches

Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Motivational InterviewingSolution-Focused Therapy

Experience

30+ years

Licensed

Colorado, Montana, California

Languages

English

What Penny can help with

Penny Gifford works with clients on stress and anxiety, addictions, self esteem, depression, and coping with life changes.

Penny works with adults.

Penny works with anger management, anxiety & stress, and co-dependency.

How Penny approaches therapy

Penny's clinical approaches include Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing, and Solution-Focused Therapy.

Penny draws on psychodynamic therapy.

Experience and training

Penny is a Licensed Professional Counselor practicing in California, with 30 years of clinical experience.