Ryan Shafer is a doctoral student under the supervision of Dr. Tejal Jakatdar. He earned his Master of Science degree in Clinical Psychology from Palo Alto University in June 2024 and is currently pursuing a doctorate with a specialization in pediatric behavioral health. Ryan is enthusiastic about joining the team at Willow Anxiety and OCD, where he is eager to support both adults and adolescents in overcoming OCD, anxiety, and related disorders. Ryan’s approach emphasizes the importance of tailoring interventions to each client's unique experiences and characteristics, ensuring that every treatment plan is individualized and client-centered.

 

Before entering graduate school, Ryan gained substantial experience working with children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their families across home, clinic, and school settings. More recently, in graduate school, Ryan has recently gained intensive training in the assessment and diagnosis of autism across the lifespan, with a focus on distinguishing common comorbid conditions. This experience deepened his appreciation for the critical role of family involvement in treatment and sparked his passion for providing effective parent and family training. Additionally, Ryan has expanded his clinical experience to include evidence-based therapies for adults in community mental health settings. His work has spanned a range of cultural identities and presenting concerns including depression, generalized and social anxiety, PTSD, psychosis, and substance use. At Willow, Ryan is looking forward to applying a cognitive-behavioral approach to help clients navigate challenges and live the lives they want to live. In his free time, Ryan enjoys spending time with his friends and family, cycling, playing tennis, and just generally being outdoors!