Your healing begins here. I seek to help adults in individual sessions to integrate new and healthy skills to gain self-empowerment and improve your life. Whether you struggle with mental health issues or change of life issues the goal is to provide a supportive therapeutic environment to empower you to grow and make effective changes in your life. Creating a collaborative, non-judgmental and positive atmosphere is a crucial piece to your healing process and change.
I have extensive experience with the following conditions: anger management, anxiety & stress, co-dependency, family discord, grief & loss, life purpose & transition, mood disorders, obsessive compulsive disorders.
I employ treatment through integrative counseling by drawing on behavioral therapies, psychodynamic therapy & humanistic therapies to help you learn, grow and heal by guiding you through a directive and solution focused process.
Professional experience
30 yrs in practice
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsSelf esteem, MotivationDepressionCoping with life changes
Additional areas of focus:LGBT, Relationship issues, Family conflicts, Trauma and abuse, Grief, Eating disorders, Sleeping disorders, Anger management, Career difficulties, Bipolar disorder, ADHD, Abandonment, Antisocial personality, Attachment issues, Avoidant personality, Body image, Caregiver issues and stress, Co-morbidity, Codependency, Communication problems, Control issues, Dependent personality, Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD), Divorce and separation, Domestic violence, Drug and alcohol addiction, Eating and food-related issues, Emptiness, Family of origin issues, Family problems, Guilt and shame, Impulsivity, Jealousy, Life purpose, Midlife crisis, Mood disorders, Narcissism, Obsessions, compulsions, and OCD, Personality disorders, Polyamory / non-monogamous relationships, Process addiction (porn, exercise, gambling), Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), Self-love, Social anxiety and phobia, Trichotillomania, Women's issues, Workplace issues, Young adult issues
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Penny Gifford. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
Penny is great!
Written on Mar 11, 2026 after therapy with Penny for 2 years and 4 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety
I really appreciated my first session with Penny and am looking forward to the next. She's smart and thoughtful.
Written on Feb 10, 2026 after therapy with Penny for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, grief, and adhd
I have worked with several therapists in better help. They were all helpful in their own ways. But Penny is by far the best therapist I have ever had. I feel truly listened to and heard. I hope she continues to be a therapist here for a very long time! I can see myself finally getting somewhere in therapy because of her! I am very grateful to have found her.
Written on Feb 06, 2026 after therapy with Penny for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, sleeping disorders, parenting issues, self esteem, career difficulties, coping with life changes, coaching, compassion fatigue, and adhd
Penny is great. immediately had a good rapport with her and i feel like our conversation styles mesh seamlessly. She also provides me good insights and actionable feedback which i appreciate
Written on Jan 23, 2026 after therapy with Penny for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, self esteem, coping with life changes, and adhd
She is great at following up !
Written on Dec 15, 2025 after therapy with Penny for 11 months on issues concerning coaching
I've never been heard and understood more throughly. I have made more progress with Penny Gifford than anyone. Penny comes from a place of true empathy and clinical expertise.
Written on Dec 11, 2025 after therapy with Penny for 1 year and 10 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue
Penny is exceptional. She is the first therapist I’ve ever talked to, and made me feel comfortable from the start. From the first session, she’s helped me manage my anxiety better and has consistently provided tips and insights to improve my mental health. Highly recommend
Written on Dec 05, 2025 after therapy with Penny for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, and eating disorders
I've only had a handful of sessions so far, but the methods I'm learning with her help have already been instrumental in my daily life and building better habits.
Written on Dec 03, 2025 after therapy with Penny for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, lgbt, relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, coping with life changes, coaching, compassion fatigue, and adhd
I have had an amazing time working with Penny. She has a very calming energy during sessions, and I like how she approaches topics through questions to dive deeper into the topic at hand and then work through a solution that works for my needs/abilities. She takes time to send progress reviews and encourages me to use the text feature frequently if trouble arises between sessions, allowing me to get input without having to wait for my next session. Scheduling wise, she is very accommodating and takes the times to ensure you can get an appointment time that works for you. She is very knowledgeable and has a broad range of experience in ways to approach things and a deep understanding of the profession.
Written on Sep 20, 2025 after therapy with Penny for 9 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, lgbt, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, coping with life changes, and adhd
I was pleasantly surprised my first visit with Penny Gifford. It did not feel like an awkward first time meeting, I greatly appreciated receiving a text message from her following up and another letting me know the dates she would be out of the office. I am looking forward to our next appointment.
Written on Aug 10, 2025 after therapy with Penny for 4 weeks on issues concerning depression, relationship issues, family conflicts, and coping with life changes
Penny has truly helped me in ways that other counselors couldn’t. Penny is always willing to listen but always has tips and tricks to help me see things in a different view and I appreciate that about her. I could go on and on and say so many good things about my sessions with her but truly to sum it all up, I am just very thankful for her and her advice!
Written on Dec 02, 2024 after therapy with Penny for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, self esteem, anger management, and coping with life changes
Penny is the best therapist I have had since starting therapy 25 years ago. Her listening comprehension goes far beyond mirroring words and demonstrates a rare level of understanding, concern, and respect. Written interactions with her convey those same traits, and she replies in a very timely manner. No matter how I communicate with her, she makes me feel heard and valued. Thank you Penny!
Written on Sep 13, 2024 after therapy with Penny for 1 year and 1 month on issues concerning depression, eating disorders, sleeping disorders, self esteem, bipolar disorder, and compassion fatigue
Penny has been indispensable in my journey to self discovery/realization and recovery from both alcohol dependency/self medication as well as self betterment and life changes towards caring for myself and making positive changes in my life that ultimately had a positive outcome. A great listener and offers great advise.
I am greatful that I was matched with Penny, she has helped me turn my life around a full 360 back to were I needed to be. I'm back on tract.
Written on Aug 30, 2024 after therapy with Penny for 1 year and 11 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, self esteem, career difficulties, coping with life changes, and adhd
I have been seeing Penny for a while now, but she earned my trust incredibly early on. Penny expertly guides me through finding answers for myself, giving me actual and customized tools for me to use in similar scenarios in the future and more. Penny never makes me feel judged, she listens attentively and remembers details I've said in past sessions. I truly believe I have grown so much in my mental health journey, and I can certainly thank Penny for much of that.
Written on Aug 01, 2024 after therapy with Penny for 3 years and 3 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, eating disorders, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, and coping with life changes
Penny is absolutely wonderful. An amazing listener with the ability to help make an action plan.
Written on Jul 02, 2024 after therapy with Penny for 8 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, self esteem, career difficulties, and coping with life changes
She is great
Written on May 06, 2024 after therapy with Penny for 1 year and 1 month on issues concerning family conflicts, parenting issues, self esteem, career difficulties, bipolar disorder, coping with life changes, and coaching
Great experience
Written on May 01, 2024 after therapy with Penny for 2 weeks
Penny is a excellent therapist . It took me a while to find her and now that I did I am so thankful. She is an excellent listener and provises helpful feedback when needed. She supports my process of big decisions in a valuable way with asking clarifying questions when needed or I am off track of my purpose and affirms my choices when I am needing support. She has been pivotal in my growth.
Written on Mar 14, 2024 after therapy with Penny for 5 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, eating disorders, self esteem, career difficulties, coping with life changes, coaching, and adhd
I have been working consistently with Penny for 8 months now, and this experience working with her has healed and impowered me in ways that I did not know possible.
Penny does a great job creating a space that is safe for the exploration and contemplation of difficult matters, and more importantly, guides you through process and ensures that she leaves you with tools, exercises, and/or resources that will help you safely process any difficult emotions during the time in between your next meeting her.
Penny has been my one and only therapist on Better Help since I've joined 8 months ago, and I really think that says a lot!
Written on Mar 01, 2024 after therapy with Penny for 8 months on issues concerning depression, self esteem, and career difficulties
Penny listens to me and understands where I am in my therapeutic journey. She encourages me and challenges me and I feel very safe and secure talking to her about every aspect of my life.
Written on Feb 02, 2024 after therapy with Penny for 3 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, compassion fatigue, and adhd
She is very understanding and non judgmental. She has great advice to offer and has really helped me get through some rough patches. I’d highly recommend her.
Written on Jan 26, 2024 after therapy with Penny for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, self esteem, anger management, and adhd
Penny listens and responds with empathy and help to move forward.
Written on Nov 06, 2023 after therapy with Penny for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, anger management, and bipolar disorder
Penny is caring, thoughtful and very helpful. She knows of worksheets and skill building that helps me in more ways than ever thought possible. I am greatly appreciative of her time and efforts. I'm extremely happy I got paired with her!!
Written on Nov 02, 2023 after therapy with Penny for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, parenting issues, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, coping with life changes, compassion fatigue, and adhd
Penny has been very helpful in helping me recognize stressor and what is in and out of my control
Written on Sep 19, 2023 after therapy with Penny for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, eating disorders, parenting issues, self esteem, compassion fatigue, and adhd
Penny is helping me through a massive trauma and transformation. She helps me understand my mind and helps me untangle and feel all my emotions. I truly value her empathy, wisdom, kindness and warmth.
Written on Aug 01, 2023 after therapy with Penny for 6 months on issues concerning depression, grief, coping with life changes, compassion fatigue, and adhd
Penny has been an amazing therapist; helping me get through quite a few situations. Very caring and thoughtful
Written on Jul 31, 2023 after therapy with Penny for 10 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, self esteem, anger management, and coping with life changes
In addition to being helpful and very knowledgeable, Penny has a compassion and empathy that immediately sets me at ease.
Written on Jul 12, 2023 after therapy with Penny for 2 years on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, self esteem, anger management, and bipolar disorder
Penny is the best. She listens, doesn't judge and gives great advice. 10 out of 10
Written on Jun 20, 2023 after therapy with Penny for 5 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, coping with life changes, and adhd
Penny has been an invaluable resource in my life for the past two years. She has given me the tools to control my anxiety and work through problems. During our sessions, I feel like Penny guides me through the difficulties in my life while challenging me to find my own solutions. She has helped me build a strong foundation in my relationship and work through past and current traumas.
Thank you, Penny.
Written on Jun 20, 2023 after therapy with Penny for 6 months on issues concerning depression, self esteem, and career difficulties
Excellent at understanding what I am trying to get across. Reading into things even I am not aware of and explaining them back to me. Giving me insight into how to think and opening new avenues and tools to use.
Written on Jun 13, 2023 after therapy with Penny for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, anger management, and adhd
I’m incredibly picky with who I let into my life. Penny is a rockstar and my absolute favorite. Best therapist ever!
Written on Jun 10, 2023 after therapy with Penny for 8 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, and coping with life changes
Penny is always willing to listen and provide unbiased advice and support. I have never felt judged and am planning to continue treatment indefinitely
Written on May 22, 2023 after therapy with Penny for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, self esteem, and coping with life changes
Penney provides understanding support for the issues in my life that I face. She encourages me to focus on myself and not worry about others.
Written on Apr 11, 2023 after therapy with Penny for 1 year and 2 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, family conflicts, self esteem, and anger management
Penny is so helpful to me. I felt I was 100% transformed to a new person throughout my self-searching journey. I appreciate the insights from her that I wasn’t able to see on my own. Hope to work with her again soon!
Written on Mar 28, 2023 after therapy with Penny for 6 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, grief, self esteem, and coping with life changes
Penny is seriously wonderful. She is by fart favorite therapist I’ve had and I’ve gone to quite a few. She’s an excellent, warm listener and provides wonderful tool. Wonderful therapist and human.
Written on Mar 03, 2023 after therapy with Penny for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, sleeping disorders, self esteem, anger management, bipolar disorder, coping with life changes, compassion fatigue, and adhd
Penny is fantastic! She is very professional, kind and easy to talk to. I felt comfortable and have learned so much over the year she and I have worked together. She made an incredible impact on my life and I am so grateful for all she has done.
Written on Feb 28, 2023 after therapy with Penny for 1 year on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, lgbt, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, anger management, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue
Penny has really helped me identify some of the most prominent issues in my life and has given me the tools to fix them on my own. Saying I appreciate her would be an understatement, and I couldn't put it into words how much the experience has meant to me and my family. I thank her for all of her support during our sessions and want to give her all the credit in the world for helping me take charge of my life!
Written on Dec 15, 2022 after therapy with Penny for 3 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, and anger management
Penny is terrific. I feel very very comfortable talking with her. Her insight into how my mind works has opened so many doors for me in regards to handling emotions and feelings appropriately
Written on Sep 30, 2022 after therapy with Penny for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, self esteem, and anger management
I love her! She is such a great therapist! We vibe together and she has great compassion!
Written on Sep 28, 2022 after therapy with Penny for 2 weeks on issues concerning grief, and coping with life changes
Penny is so understanding and brings many things into perspective. I simply feel so much better and in control of myself when I speak or chat with her
Written on Sep 14, 2022 after therapy with Penny for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, eating disorders, self esteem, and anger management
I love her. She is so helpful and I feel like I'm able to be honest with her. Her advice is very very helpful.
Written on Aug 30, 2022 after therapy with Penny for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, intimacy-related issues, and adhd
Penny's guidance has allowed me to make progress on issues that have plagued me for years, that no other therapist has ever been able to help with. My sessions with her have given me courage and confidence that I never thought I could possess. She's stayed with me through some very dark days, and I know that I always have her in my corner. The comfort that brings is inexpressible.
Written on Mar 30, 2022 after therapy with Penny for 8 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, self esteem, career difficulties, and coping with life changes
I love my sessions with Penny. I know that when I tell her what I’ve been going through she will understand and validate my experience. She is very insightful and after every session I feel much better about my situation and I always have new tools to work with for the following week. Thank you Penny!
Written on Mar 21, 2022 after therapy with Penny for 10 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, intimacy-related issues, eating disorders, and self esteem
There is never a session with Penny where I don’t leave feeling more at ease than when I started. She’s always so great at helping me to build the strategies I need for success, and also just being a kind ear when I need to talk it out and figure things out for myself. Penny has been there for me through multiple big changes/decisions in my life, and I’m so grateful to have had her compassionate and caring guidance. I came to better help with lots of anxiety surrounding therapy and Penny has been the perfect counselor to put me at ease with all of that and help me to actually move forward. I see real, positive change in myself since I’ve began my sessions with her.
Written on Mar 15, 2022 after therapy with Penny for 10 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, sleeping disorders, self esteem, career difficulties, and adhd
Penny has had a significant impact on my life. The best money I have ever spent was for her as my therapist.
Written on Feb 10, 2022 after therapy with Penny for 9 months on issues concerning addictions, relationship issues, anger management, and coping with life changes
I love Penny
Written on Dec 19, 2021 after therapy with Penny for 6 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, and self esteem
Penny is an awesome therapist who really cares and is very compassionate and understanding and you can talk to her about anything.
Written on Nov 19, 2021 after therapy with Penny for 5 months on issues concerning self esteem
Penny has offered me the support and guidance I have searched for in a therapist for years. She is highly experienced and professional.
Written on Jul 12, 2021 after therapy with Penny for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, self esteem, coaching, and adhd
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