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 13 years of clinical experience. I was born and raised in California and have lived throughout the Bay Area. I identify as Pacific Islander and Asian and a 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 Real Estate Finance as a Loan Officer and Mortgage Underwriter for a Chevron and Bechtel employees. I have established my private practice, 'MH Counsel' in 2023, for the reasons of extending my care, with affordability, to those in need. I have lived through my own life experiences and felt compelled to give back to others by dedicating a career in fostering hope and resilience to others. I have worked with clients from an age range of 5-86 years-old, from different social classes and cultures. What stands me apart from other clinician's is that I am genuinely attuned in understanding your concerns and invested in helping you work through your discernment with ease and care so that life does not feel, so heavy. Though I manage my solo practice, I do maintain a full-time job as a field based Mental Health Clinician for medi-cal elders, age 60+. My availability are evenings during the week and every other weekend on Telehealth. As a 'trauma informed' trained clinician, therapeutic strategies I offer, are rooted in evidenced based practices (EBPs), which means that interventions are derived from concepts in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) which is backed by research to show a remarkable improvement in the reduction of mood symptoms and enhancement of overall wellness/health. These concepts require ongoing training on my part, to ensure the fidelity of its skill and techniques. If you decide to work with me, expect that some of your sessions may cover key concepts, as it relates to your needs. As your collaborator, I take the role of a coach through thoughtful words of encouragement, I just require your investment and willingness to do 'soul work' 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 grow. I sincerely admire your efforts in seeking guidance, whether this is your first time in therapy OR a return back into this space. I am proud of your willingness to break generational patterns 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