Experience

Shane Kennington, LCSW

For over the past 15 years I have been working with a variety of clients who are dealing with a range of issues - trauma, grief, loss, addiction/recovery, performance anxiety as well as duel diagnosis. In addition, I have worked extensively with cancer and HIV positive patients.  

Most recently I worked at UCLA Medical Center assisting patients in coping with their cancer diagnosis, as well as issues with grief and loss. 

Prior to UCLA I worked as a clinical therapist and associate director at AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) at their Westside and Valley clinics. In May of 2005 I presented a lecture at the National HIV/AIDS social work conference in Washington D.C. on the topic of internalized homophobia and its correlation with crystal-meth use. At AHF I also co-facilitated a weekly support group for adults living with HIV/AIDS. Much of my work at AHF dealt with substance abuse and internalized homophobia.

Education

Master’s in Social Welfare,University of California Los Angeles

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, California State University Northridge

Certificate in Clinical Hypnosis, The American Society of Clinical Hypnosis

Specialities

  • Anxiety

  • Cancer

  • Communication issues

  • Creativity/Creative Blocks

  • Depression

  • HIV/AIDS

  • Increasing Joy

  • Chronic Pain

  • Pre & Post-Surgical Hypnosis

  • Public Speaking

  • Performance Anxiety

  • Smoking Cessation

  • Sleep Problems

  • Stress Reduction

  • Exam Anxiety

Setting

In a comfortable and supportive atmosphere in my West Los Angeles based practice I use traditional and creative approaches to psychotherapy and, if appropriate, hypnosis.

My approach speaks to your specific issues, style, and needs so that your confidence, awareness, and abilities grow in healthy ways that serve you. As we work together, you will notice yourself moving towards attaining the personal growth you are striving for.

Philosophy

My professional philosophy is based on individual coaching. In other words I approach my therapy work with you without preconceptions or an agenda about what it means to “heal.” I place an emphasis on communication. I focus on bringing an individual's personal core values to the forefront of their lives. In this respect, I see myself as a your personal life facilitator. I will actively help you build your own resources by using life’s challenges as opportunities for learning, healing and becoming stronger in whatever way is most appropriate for you.