Shiromi Ratnayake, MA
Psychology Doctoral Trainee
Responsibilities
Shiromi Ratnayake is a second-year doctoral student in psychology at Pepperdine University’s Graduate School of Education and Psychology. She provides psychosocial care and clinical support to patients and families navigating cancer diagnosis, treatment, survivorship, and bereavement. Shiromi is part of a multidisciplinary team and collaborates with colleagues to deliver evidence-based psychosocial interventions tailored to each patient’s needs.
Training and Professional Experience
Shiromi earned a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Pepperdine University. She has worked in community mental health settings, including community college settings and the Pepperdine Telehealth Community Counseling Clinic.
Through her training, Shiromi has developed a person-centered approach to care and utilizes third-wave cognitive behavioral therapy interventions, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT). Additionally, Shiromi has experience facilitating access to medical and psychosocial care through nonprofit work, including providing free health fairs to communities in Kern County and Mexico.
Personal Interests
Outside of her clinical work, Shiromi enjoys crafts such as embroidery and painting, trying new recipes, reading, and creative writing. She finds comfort and peace in spending quality time with family, friends, and pets; connecting with nature; listening to music; journaling; and practicing meditation.