About Shannon

“I am committed to helping clients delve in introspective and self-reflective pathways to understand themselves fully”

Hello! I am Shannon Polee, a licensed marriage and family therapist. Born and raised in Los Angeles, California, I earned my bachelor’s degree from the University of California San Diego, majoring in English Literature and minoring in Educational Psychology. I had the privilege of studying literature at the Historically Black College, Spelman, during part of my undergraduate experience. I received my master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Southern California. My yearlong practicum was completed through Counseling Partners of Los Angeles, where I facilitated individual and group therapy to underserved middle school students of color in the Greater Los Angeles area.

With a wide array of experiences working with TAY and adult populations in community-based mental health organizations, home-based settings, outpatient, and residential treatment facilities, I have honed my skills over the years. I’ve completed sexual assault training and served as a victim advocate at Community Service Programs, Inc (Way Makers OC). This role allowed me to facilitate CA statewide presentations, educating agencies on victim/survivor-centered models, aiming to promote outreach and advocacy for mental health services in underprivileged areas. In addition to my work with KCW PSYCH SERVICES, I currently offer individual therapy for diverse adult populations at a for-profit telehealth agency.

My personal and clinical experiences have allowed me to work with and develop a passion for changing the mental health stigma among minority communities and underrepresented groups. These groups often face inferior and differential counseling services. My mission has always been about providing quality, all-inclusive treatment that emphasizes intersectionality, social injustices, and other systemic problems impacting my clients’ family dynamics, career development, transitional changes, life stressors, anxiety, depression, trauma, self-esteem, and more. I aim to meet clients where they are and provide access where others might not. My holistic treatment approach incorporates Client Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution Focused Therapy, Gestalt Therapy, and emotion-focused, creative techniques such as writing, videos, role-playing, music, visual aids, etc. Upon request, I can also integrate clients’ Spiritual/Religious practices to help them achieve their goals in mind, body, and spirit. My approach always seeks to honor and encourage individuality, authenticity, and self-determination.

I am deeply committed to guiding clients on introspective and self-reflective pathways, helping them understand themselves fully, make authentic choices, create meaningful relationships, and find balance and fulfillment.

Fun Facts:

• I enjoy cooking, going on long walks, and vibing out to music.
• I enjoy journaling with some neo-soul music in the background.
• I like to binge-watch TV shows.
• I cherish moments spent with family and friends.

I currently provide therapy to clients from various backgrounds, including BIPOC (e.g., Black, African American, Hispanic, Latinx, Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, etc.), POC, LGBTQIA+, and other marginalized underrepresented communities in the mental health space residing in California. I also work with individuals who may not identify within these communities but are allies to those who do as well.