Bio

Clinical areas of interest:

• Athletes/sport psychology such as coping with injury or illness
• Young adults/college students
• Life transitions including divorce, retirement, and loss of a job
• Relationship problems including marital and parent/child

I consider the therapeutic relationship to be of the utmost importance, and I work carefully to create a safe and trusting environment for each patient. My approach, as a therapist, is nonjudgmental, collaborative and flexible. In therapy, patience is important, and I believe in trusting the therapeutic process and each patient’s own timing.

I specialize in providing individual psychotherapy to people 16 and older who are dealing with depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, grief and loss, life transitions (e.g., divorce, relocation, job, retirement), identity concerns and chronic pain. I also am passionate about sport psychology, and I deeply value my work in helping to address the needs of athletes. My integrative approach is grounded in cognitive behavioral therapy and incorporates several evidence-based psychological practices, including dialectical behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing and interpersonal theory.

I am a native Oregonian and was fortunate to remain in the beautiful Pacific Northwest for graduate school at Pacific University in Forest Grove, where I earned my doctorate in clinical psychology. I provided psychological care in a variety of college and community mental health settings before joining The Portland Clinic in 2014. I am excited to be part of a multidisciplinary team that provides comprehensive care that’s tailored to address the individual needs of each patient. I am a member of the American Psychological Association and the Oregon Psychological Association.

I believe in the importance of self-care, and I practice it in my own life by spending time outdoors, playing and watching sports, spending time with family and friends, traveling, enjoying good food, volunteering and exercising.

Read Dr. Shrifter’s articles:

• Gain control over chronic pain
• Take control of pain – without opioids