About Me

I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist specializing in Cognitive Behavioral therapy for individuals and couples but with an overall integrative approach (meaning I use various approaches whenever necessary, tailored to the individual needs of each patient). I received my Ph.D. in Clinical psychology from McGill University in Montreal, Canada, completed my clinical internship in behavioral medicine at the University of Chicago Hospitals in Chicago, Illinois and did my postdoctoral training at the American Institute for Cognitive Therapy in New York City . I subsequently maintained a thriving practice in mid-town Manhattan for several years before returning to my home-town of Montreal, where I have now established a private practice in the thriving Monkland Village area.

With over twenty years of experience as an individual and marriage therapist, I am currently working with a broad spectrum of general clients (including depression and anxiety disorders of all types). Among my areas of expertise are infertility, reproduction-related mood changes (including post-partum, premenstrual and menopausal mood changes), substance abuse, eating disorders/weight loss, sex therapy (including dyspareunia, or painful intercourse), interpersonal difficulties/self-esteem and stress management. In addition to my clinical work, I have presented at National conferences discussing the topics of hormones and mood, impulsivity and substance abuse.

I am an interactive, solution-focused therapist. While my primary theoretical orientation is cognitive-behavioral, I integrate complementary methodologies and techniques to offer a highly personalized approach tailored to each client (including supportive, interpersonal, motivational interviewing and existential amongst the types of approaches I will employ), effectively creating a new therapy for each new patient. Regardless of the theoretical orientation employed, the importance of the therapeutic relationship is always held as a top priority. I work with each individual to help them build on their strengths and attain the personal growth they are committed to accomplishing.

Academic & Scientific Awards

06/01 Women and Gender Young Investigator Travel Award - National Institute of Drug Abuse

06/99 Research Award : Society for Behavioral Neuroendocrinology

06/88 Great Distinction / University Scholar : McGill University

Research Scholarships :

1993 Fonds pour la Formation de Chercheurs Et l'Aide à la Recherche (F.C.A.R.)

1989 Natural Sciences and Engineering Council of Canada (N.S.E.R.C.)

1989 Fonds pour la Formation de Chercheurs et l'Aide à la Recherche (F.C.A.R.)

Scientific Presentations and Publications

McDonald, J., Schleifer, L.A., Richards, J.B., & de Wit, H. (2003). Effects of delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol on behavioral measures of impulsivity in humans. Neuropsychopharmacology , Jul;28(7):1356-65

Schleifer, L.A., Justice, A., & de Wit, H. (2002). Lack of effects of acute estradiol on mood in postmenopausal women. Pharmacology, Biochemistry and Behavior , 71 , 71-77.

Schleifer, L.A., McDonald, J.M., & de Wit, H. (2001). Marijuana and impulsivity: The role of gender and sex hormones. Proceedings and Abstracts of the Annual Meeting of the College on Drug Dependence .

Schleifer, L.A., Sherwin, B.B., Young, S.N., & Benkelfat, C. (1999). The Role of estrogen in the mood lowering effect of acute tryptophan depletion in menopausal women. Proceedings and Abstracts of the Annual Meeting of the Society for Behavioral Neuroendocrinology , 3 , 193.

Schleifer, L.A. & Woodside, B.C. (1990). The effect of reproductive status on sodium chloride intake and preference curves in rats. Proceedings and Abstracts of the Annual Meeting of the Eastern Psychological Association , 61 , 35.

Licenses:

Quebec, Canada : 10863-07
New York, USA: 015476-1

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