About Michael
Michael Penkaty is a licensed professional counselor in Colorado who helps people facing relationship strain, family conflict, trauma and abuse, intimacy concerns, parenting stress, anger, low self-esteem, depression, and major life changes. He frames the first step as a brave move and meets people where they are.
Michael works in a straightforward, respectful way and focuses on practical steps that fit each person's life. He centers sessions on the client's experience and strengths.
Background and approach
Michael uses methods drawn from cognitive behavioral approaches and acceptance-based work to help people notice unhelpful patterns and try new responses. He also uses client-centered and emotionally focused ideas to build trust and deepen understanding in the room. Michael pays attention to cultural background and how it shapes relationships and identity.
He also supports people dealing with obsessive thoughts, compulsive habits, and personality-related challenges. Sessions aim to bring small, steady shifts rather than quick fixes. Over ten years he has worked with many people to manage symptoms, improve communication, and regain a sense of direction.
He keeps language simple and tangible so families and individuals can use what they learn between appointments. If someone prefers a calm, collaborative approach, Michael combines mindfulness tools with clear behavioral steps. He encourages clients to try techniques between sessions and to adjust plans as life changes.
Approaches that translate to online care
Michael often draws from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in online work. ACT helps people notice painful thoughts and choose actions that match their values, which can reduce avoidance and improve daily routines. CBT focuses on spotting unhelpful thoughts and testing new behaviors, which is useful for depression, anxiety, and obsessive patterns.He also uses client-centered techniques that prioritize listening and building a trusting connection. Deciding which approach to use is a collaborative process - the therapist and client review goals, try methods, and adjust based on what feels most helpful. Sessions can combine mindfulness, values work, and skill practice depending on the issue being addressed.
Online therapy offers flexible ways to stay connected. Video calls allow face-to-face conversation and nonverbal cues. Phone sessions work well when internet quality varies or when a shorter check-in is needed. Live chat and text messaging provide quick access for brief updates, homework review, or when typing feels easier than talking. These options make it simpler to fit therapy into a busy family schedule or a workday break.
Questions people ask
What kinds of concerns does Michael address?
What is his therapeutic style like?
How much experience does he have?
What credentials and location are listed?
Which languages are supported and can he see international clients?
What session formats are available?
How does pricing work?
How do I begin working with him?
What this counselor works with
Most often
- Relationship issues
- Family conflicts
- Trauma and abuse
Also listed
- Anger management
- Coping with life changes
- Depression
- Intimacy-related issues
- Multicultural concerns
- Obsessions, compulsions, and OCD
- Parenting issues
- Personality disorders
- Self esteem
Therapeutic approaches
- Experience
- 10 years
- Licensed
- Colorado
- Languages
- English