My name is Drew Summerer (he/him), and I am a licensed psychologist based in Portland, Oregon. I earned my Doctor of Psychology degree from an APA-accredited program at George Fox University.  Since 2012, I have worked in various mental health settings, including inpatient psychiatric units, public schools, primary care, university counseling, and community mental health. As a psychologist, my doctoral training has offered me extensive expertise in areas such as human development, psychopathology and clinical diagnosis, personality theories, psychotherapy, neuropsychological/biological foundations, assessment, supervision and consultation, and peer-reviewed scientific research.

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PSYCHOTHERAPY

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My approach to psychotherapy is integrative, meaning I frequently pull from the wisdom of various evidence-based theoretical, philosophical, and empirical approaches to inform the uniqueness of each encounter. 

I find most grounding in a collection of clinical theories or sensibilities known as relational psychoanalysis.  These theories emphasize the significance of formative relationships, experiences, and other social and contextual processes in the development of the mind--they also honor the relational context and process in which healing and growth emerge.

​As a therapist, I first and foremost work to meet my patients where they are in their mental health journey.  I seek to create an environment characterized by empathy, curiosity, and appreciation for complexity and paradox.  I try to help my patients hold tensions and honor multiple (oftentimes conflicting) emotional realities. I hope to cultivate a stance of tenderness, warmth, and understanding towards emotion-states and parts of yourself that are difficult to bear, and to engage in a meaning-making process that allows for insight, grief, liberation, and openness to new possibilities.

As a psychologist, I am not credentialed to prescribe medications; however, I often coordinate with psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, and primary care physicians who can prescribe medications when indicated.

 

PROFESSIONAL INVOLVEMENT

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I serve on the Oregon Psychological Association (OPA) Board of Directors' executive committee. Much of my involvement is through the OPA's Legislative Committee, where we coordinate with Oregon lawmakers to support the work of Oregon psychologists, as well as ensure Oregon residents receive competent and accessible mental health care.

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SUPERVISION & CLINICAL TRAINING

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I provide supervision and clinical consultation to doctoral psychology students, postdocs, and other mental health professionals.  

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