SHANNON MCCLEMENTS, AMFT
she/her
Growing up I didn’t really feel connected to any one particular person. I was young when my parents divorced, and we moved several times so I could never connect with anyone. I internalized my feelings and didn’t know how to express them or ask for help. I knew early on that I didn’t want anyone else to experience that unnecessary uncertainty. Many of us carry those childhood traumas into our adulthood. As I moved through the therapeutic process, I found myself looking forward to the day, rather than avoiding it.
Let me help you start to look forward to your day...
WHY I BECAME A THERAPIST...
I chose to be a therapist because I believe, with empathy and compassion, we can begin to heal and live our best life. Helping others to heal and to move forward in their lives is a feeling that comes from deep inside and I am honored to help you in that journey.
Clients I Look Forward To Working With?
I enjoy working with young adults who are navigating coming out and figuring out their current place in the world. I also enjoy working with teens, couples, and elders.
One of my strengths is helping my clients work through their internalized homo/trans/bi-phobia and the shame that family and society push upon them. My strengths lie in my ability to connect and relate. I have had a lot of life experience, as a member of the LGBTQ+ community as well as a person who has struggled with substance abuse. I bring those experiences as well as other life experience to the table.
I especially love working with LGBT+ couples and ethical non-monogamy relational dynamics. I look forward to helping couples get unstuck and move forward into more loving, safe bonds.
I also work with those who are experiencing depression, anxiety, current and past trauma, chronic pain, grief, and PTSD. My absolute fulfillment is to see the light go on, when my clients begin to realize they are beginning to feel better.
Top Challenges I Work Best With:
- Couples & Relationship Issues
- LGBT+ Care
- PTSD/Trauma Recovery
MY APPROACH...
Courage
Reaching out and asking for help can be one of the hardest decisions we can make. I recognize the apprehension and anxiety and the feeling that you may not feel you deserve it. Everyone deserves undivided attention and compassion through their life’s journey. I understand that it takes time to feel comfortable and we will work at your own pace.
Whether you are dealing with current stressors or long-term issues or both, as your therapist, we will work together in your exploration, in a calm, non-judgmental, safe environment helping you reach your greatest potential. You control your destiny, and I can help you on your journey.
What does starting therapy look like?
If you are interested in working with me, please call us at 949-329-5233 or fill in the contact form below and a representative from our office will get back to you to see if I would be a good fit for your needs.
If it is deemed we are a good fit, you will receive your intake documents through your email to be completed electronically in the client portal of our electronic health record. There will be about 6-8 pages to sign in order to begin services, including informed consent forms, intake questionnaires, demographic questionnaires, and credit card form, etc. The exact forms will depend on the treatment service and the need for counseling.
What can I expect in a first session?
During the first session, I will cover the practice policies and go over your intake questionnaires to ensure we have a good grasp for establishing treatment goals. The first session will be used to gather more information about yourself (or your relationship with your partner), your relationship with the problem at hand, and establishing clearly defined goals for treatment, as well as establish therapeutic rapport to ensure a comfortable space for your continued growth in treatment.
MY PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND:
Associate Marriage and Family Therapist registered with the Board of Behavioral Sciences in the State of California
M.A. in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University, Los Angeles.
Member of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (CAMFT).
LGBTQ+ Affirmative Care
Culturally Affirmative, Informed Care
Couples - LGBT+ dynamics
TAKE THE FRIST STEP TOWARDS HEALING
Theories I use to help you reach your goals...
Under the supervision of Dr. Gonzalez, I I utilize an integrated approach depending on my client’s needs. I work using Attachment, Psychodynamic, Mindfulness, CBT, and Humanistic therapeutic tools.
When should you start?
The decision to start therapy is yours alone. When you are ready, I am here to help you.
You deserve the best possible life.
Fees for Services
$75-175 - Individual Counseling
$80-215 - Couple Counseling
I accept CIGNA insurance. I offer a few limited sliding scale opportunities.
