About

Treatment Philosophy

Through the creation of a safe environment clients are able to communicate the concerns which brought them to seek psychotherapy. By empowering my clients and helping them find the courage with in, together we identify and confront their challenges. With the knowledge of the cause and effect that contribute to their symptoms, (ie. decreased motivation, sadness, frustration, disappointment, stress, ect.) we work together to mutually create goals and actions steps which lay the foundation for decreased symptomology and growth potential.

Areas of Specialization

Proper treatment planning requires determining the accurate diagnosis. In my practice I work specifically with two age groups, adolescents and adults. As a clinical psychologist, I evaluate and diagnosis in order to treat a variety of symptoms common with these age groups, including: Depression, anxiety, poor school performance, oppositional behaviors and substance use/abuse. Although, these are the most common mental health concerns I observe in my psychotherapy practice, I also assist clients with a variety of family relational problems which most often arise from poor or disconnected relationships.

Medication

Pharmacology is a treatment adjunct, rather than a first line of defense. While Psychologists are not permitted to prescribe medication, when appropriate I work collaboratively with many Southbay psychiatrists who manage patient medications.

Please Meet Our Team ….

Shannon Poach, Ph.D.

Clinical Psychologist, Dr Poach. Ph. D.

Dr Poach Ph.D.

I am a licensed clinical psychologist that established my Southbay psychotherapy practice in 2003. In 1994 I earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Seattle Pacific University. From 1994 to 1999 I provided counseling to adolescents working for the King County department of Juvenile Rehabilitation. In 1999 I moved to California where I first earned a Masters Degree in Psychology from Pepperdine University and then a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant International University.

Training, Education and Experience make you an expert. I built my areas of expertise in a variety of clinical settings, including: the depart of Juvenile Rehabilitation, the San Diego Department of Health and Human Services, Harmonium, Inc. and, Scripps Hospital Outpatient Services in La Jolla. As a psychotherapist I have also collected hundreds of training hours through seminars associated with the American Psychological Association.

As a practicing clinician I am also a clinical supervisor of clinical doctoral students and registered by the State of California Board of Psychology. License number PSY 21910.

You may contact me directly at: 310-375-8865

Michelle Kole, Ph.D.

Clinical Psychologist, Michelle Kole, Ph.D.

Michelle Kole, Ph.D.

Dr. Kole holds Bachelors degrees in Psychology and Spanish, a Masters degree in Clinical Psychology and a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. She is a Probation Certified Domestic Violence Counselor in the treatment of Domestic Violence offenders. In addition to her clinical background, she is a Certified Flight Instructor in Single Engine Airplanes. Dr. Kole is a member of the American Psychological Association, California Psychological Association, and the Association for Aviation Psychology.

“I believe that people have a tremendous capacity for growth and change. Human beings are complex and often unaware of the many forces that drive or limit them. The relationships we form with our partners, children, parents, and friends influence and impact the way we think and feel. Even relationships from our past can affect the way we live our lives. I work collaboratively with patients to help them better understand themselves and enhance the quality of their lives.”

Dr. Kole provides Individual, Couples and Play Therapy to adults, adolescents and children. Her theoretical frame of reference is psychodynamic, however; she use a variety of other treatment modalities in order to meet the specific needs of her clients.

Dr. Kole accepts the following insurance plans:

ILWU

You may contact Dr. Kole directly at: 310-375-8865

Daniel Chenoweth, Psy.D

Child Psychologist Dr Daniel ChenowethDr. Chenoweth received his M.A. in Psychology from the Pepperdine Graduate School of Psychology and Education. He then went on to complete a second Master’s degree, an M.S. in Clinical Psychology, while earning his doctorate in Clinical Psychology at the Pacific Graduate School of Psychology – Stanford Psy.D., Consortium in Palo Alto, California. Dr. Chenoweth is a registered Psychological Assistant, PSB 34809.

Dr. Dan (as the kids prefer to call him) began working with children 15 years ago. His clinical experiences include:

• Working at the Children’s Trauma Unit at UCLA.
• Working with those with special needs at the Hillside House in Santa Barbara.
• Counseling and teaching at the Isla Vista Youth Project in Goleta, CA.
• Working as clinician, teaching individuals with learning and developmental disorders at Lindamood-Bell Teaching Processes.
• Working within Behavioral Medicine and with the STAR Program at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.
• Working as a clinical assistant at the department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Stanford University.
• Working with our Veterans and their families at several VA hospitals.
• Working for non-profit clinics for the city of San Francisco.
• Providing counseling at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.

Dr. Chenoweth emphasizes a variety of clinical disorders and life stressors. He specializes in working with clients who are experiencing anxiety and mood disorders and his treatment modalities include: cognitive therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, behavioral approach, dialectical behavioral, systems, brief psychodynamic, motivational interviewing, and acceptance and commitment therapies.

Dr. Chenoweth is a registered Psychological Assistant, PSB 34809

You may contact Dr. Chenoweth directly at: 310-375-8185 ext. 103

Nate Bohy, Psy.D.

Dr. Bohy received a Masters degree and a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant International University in San Diego. His previous clinical experience includes long-term therapy with adults, couples, and adolescents. He has co-facilitated groups for stress management, mindfulness meditation, and relationship skills. He has also taught academic skills and emotion management to first-year university students, and has conducted brief interventions for students with substance abuse violations. In addition to his clinical training, Dr. Bohy has worked as a part-time teacher and as a caregiver for disabled children.

“My approach to therapy is based on developing a genuine connection with each client.
I base this approach on a deep curiosity about each person’s unique strengths, challenges, and ways of being with others in daily life. I will encourage you to challenge yourself, while providing a safe and supportive environment in which we can be honest and spontaneous. If you are struggling with relationships, anxiety, mood, or academic difficulties, or just striving to strengthen your overall health and creativity, I look forward to being of service to you.”

Dr. Bohy frequently incorporates aspects of mindfulness practices, which are simple exercises to strengthen awareness, attention, and stress coping. You may find that these exercises allow you to feel more fully awake and engaged in all of your activities and relationships.

Dr. Bohy is a registered Psychological Assistant, PSB 35158.

You may contact him directly at: (310) 375-8185 ext 108

Laurén Fountain, Psy.D.

Dr. Laurén Fountain received a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of California, Santa Cruz. She earned a Master’s Degree and a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant International University in Los Angeles.

Dr. Fountain has clinical experience in a variety of settings, including:

• Working at Long Beach Job Corps, a government funded program, providing individual and group therapy to teenagers and young adults experiencing anxiety and depression.
• Working at Julia Ann Singer Center, an outpatient program, providing play therapy and family therapy to school-aged children and families experiencing a wide range of emotional and behavioral problems.
• Working at Wise and Healthy Aging, an in-home and outpatient program, providing individual and group therapy to older adults.

Her training has been based in systems, cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic, and object relations theories.

Dr. Fountain is a Psychological Assistant registered by the State of California Board of Psychology, PSB-35320.

Phone – 310-375-8185 ext 105