Ana Cragnolino, Ph.D.

Training

• B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Women’s Studies from Swarthmore College
• Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University
• Clinical internship from Harvard Medical School at McLean Hospital
• Postdoctoral fellowship in Clinical Neuropsychology from Harvard Medical School

Experience

I have been practicing collaboratively with my colleagues Dr. Forster and Dr. Fulop since I moved to Portland, Oregon in 2010. Previously, I worked at the Chesapeake ADHD Center of Maryland, right outside of Washington DC where I conducted comprehensive neuropsychological evaluations and provided treatment interventions for people struggling with educational, work-related and general life stressors associated with their cognitive difficulties. My fellowship in neuropsychology provided experience in the assessment of ADHD, learning disabilities, neurologically degenerative conditions, dementia, and brain trauma, as well as providing me with expertise in the effects of psychiatric conditions on brain functioning. My clinical internship and practica have all focused on the assessment and treatment of significant psychiatric illness, particularly mood disorders such as depression and bipolar disorder. My psychotherapy training and experience is grounded in cognitive-behavioral therapy, with an original foundation in psychodynamic psychotherapy. I also have worked in the behavioral management of pain and anxiety through biofeedback and other mindfulness techniques.

Current Practice

I work with adolescents and adults, using a solution-focused therapy with a basis in cognitive-behavioral treatment and cognitive coaching. I encourage my clients to examine and change the thoughts behind behaviors, assisting them to cope more effectively with their current challenges, while helping them practice skills that will harness their cognitive strengths and help them compensate for weaknesses. I alternate between using a skills training, problem-focused approach meant to address difficulties with planning, organizing, and completing daily tasks with a therapy that involves an examination of aspects of a client’s identity and beliefs about him or herself that impact their effective functioning in the world. Treatment often includes reviewing systems of organization and experimenting with different strategies, developing more assertive ways of communicating with others and/or employing technological strategies to serve as reminders and reinforcements. My clients are encouraged to identify their goals for treatment and together we develop a plan for working together.

In the last four years, I have also developed an area of expertise working with young adults ‘struggling to launch’ into an independently financial life. In my work with emerging adults, I explore emotional struggles impeding their progress, help them identify short and long term goals, and assist them with organizational strategies for finding work, continuing their studies, and developing their independence.

In addition to providing psychotherapeutic treatments, I offer comprehensive testing evaluations that clarify areas of weakness and identify core strengths that can help clients reach their highest potential. I see the assessment process as part of a therapeutic intervention, and so while some of my clients come for assessments to update prior testing or to seek accommodations for school or the workplace, much of the testing is conducted as part of a holistic approach to working with a client. I have experience assessing people throughout the lifespan, but my specialty is in the evaluation of older children, adolescents, and adults.

You may contact me at ana@dranacragnolino.com or call me at (503) 741-5557 to schedule a consultation.

 

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN WORKING WITH ME, PLEASE EMAIL ME DIRECTLY AT ana@dranacragnolino.com.

 

If you would like further information about my services, please visit my website: dranacragnolino.com.