Dr. Alana Friedlander

I am a clinical health psychologist with advanced fellowship training in sexual medicine and gastropsychology from the University of Chicago. My work sits at the intersection of chronic illness, GI/pelvic conditions, pain, and sexual functioning. I work to help adults navigate the emotional and relational impact of medical conditions while building practical skills for symptom management and quality of life. My approach is grounded in evidence-based health psychology. Working from a biopsychosocial framework, I work to address the many factors that contribute to both physical and mental health. Treatment often includes nervous system regulation, sex therapy, brain–gut skills, medical anxiety reduction, communication, and intimacy support. I collaborate closely with medical providers and create a space that is body-positive, validating, and affirming of diverse identities and relationship structures. My goal is not simply symptom reduction, but helping you feel more empowered, informed, and connected to your body. Examples of conditions treated: chronic pain, IBS, IBD, GERD, dyspepsia, dysphagia, erectile dysfunction, sexual arousal and desire concerns, penetrative and pelvic pain, sexual exploration, and chronic pain illness management. I am trained in CBT, ACT, sex therapy, and clinical hypnosis.

At the core of my work is a deep belief that bodies are not problems to be fixed, they are systems to be understood. I value curiosity over judgment, collaboration over hierarchy, and compassion over shame. I practice from a sex-positive, body-positive, and gender-affirming lens, and as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I am committed to creating a space where LGBTQ+ and their allies feel safe and respected. I believe healthcare works best when it is integrative and human. Many of my clients have felt dismissed or minimized in medical spaces, and I am passionate about bridging that gap. I support body autonomy, inclusive healthcare, and reducing stigma around sexuality, chronic illness, and mental health. I’m someone who values lifelong learning, mentorship, and collaboration, and am always engaged in advanced training/consultation to ensure my work remains thoughtful, evidence-based, and culturally responsive. I hope that through our work together, you feel supported and empowered.

In our first session, you can expect a warm, collaborative, and judgment-free space. We’ll spend time discussing what brings you in, your medical journey, your goals for therapy, and the broader context of your health. I’ll ask thoughtful questions to understand patterns that may be impacting your mental health and/or physical symptoms, while also making sure you feel comfortable setting the pace and boundaries of the conversation. Together, we’ll start to clarify how biological, psychological, relational, and social factors intersect in your experience, and outline an integrative treatment plan grounded in evidence-based, affirming care.