Shennen Naomi Pugh

Welcome! My name is Shennen (pronounced like Shannon) and I also go by 'Shen'. I am grateful for your presence here and commend you for prioritizing your self-care by seeking support in speaking to a professional about your current challenges. As a California Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), I have 12 years of clinical experience. I was born and raised in California and have lived throughout the Bay Area. I identify as Pacific Islander and Filipino cisgender female. I am a divorcee and a proud mother of two beautiful children. I graduated with my Bachelor's in counseling psychology from Chapman University and later received my Master's degree in clinical psychology from John F. Kennedy University, in 2015. Prior to working in this field, I worked for over a decade in corporate finance as a Loan Officer and Mortgage Underwriter. I have established my private practice, 'MH Counsel' in 2023, because I wanted to extend this support to those in need. I believe in the importance of giving back to others and helping foster change through hope and identified resilience. I have experience working with a diverse population of clients. If you are curious in knowing what makes me different, is that I am passionate in my field and with sincerity I feel that is a privilege to support those in need. I am a part-time practitioner; I maintain a full-time position during the week supporting geriatric patients manage their mental health symptoms. Therefore, my availability is limited to weekday evenings and every other weekend. My style of therapy incorporates evidenced based practices (EBPs), which means that interventions are derived from concepts in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT); which are supported by endless research that confirm that its techniques show a remarkable improvement in the reduction of mood symptoms which lead to an enhancement of overall wellness/health. These concepts require ongoing training to ensure that I teach with fidelity that is current and practical. Should you decide to work with me, expect that some of your sessions may cover some concepts, as it relates to your needs and I will encourage that you practice skills outside of our time together. As your Therapist, I take the role similar to a coach, this is felt through words of encouragement, hope and validation. All I require is your investment in applying strategies outside of our sessions. Please do not let these expectations intimidate you or cause you to question whether or not this is what you need right now. Remember, change/uncertainty is what we need to experience in order to improve. I sincerely admire your efforts in seeking guidance, whether this is your first time in therapy OR a return back into this safe space. I am proud of your willingness to be vulnerable, and I would be honored to join you in your healing journey. I look forward to hearing from you! Be Well, Shennen N. Pugh, LMFT 111268