Pivot Collaborative
a trauma informed group practice
Alana Friedlander, PsyD
she/her/hers
Welcome! My name is Dr. Alana Friedlander, and I am a clinical health psychologist specializing in sex therapy, chronic illness, and psychogastroenterology (brain–gut disorders). My approach is sex-positive, kink-affirming, and gender-affirming, and I am committed to creating a safe, inclusive space for individuals and couples across the diverse spectrum of gender, sexuality, and relationships.
I believe no illness or concern exists in isolation. Using a biopsychosocial framework, I consider the full context of each client’s life to inform treatment planning. I have experience working with a wide range of concerns, including low desire, sexual pain (including anodyspareunia), premature ejaculation, erectile difficulties, orgasm challenges, genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM/vaginal atrophy), and sexual issues related to health conditions.
As a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, I understand the unique stressors our community faces and am passionate about providing evidence-based sex therapy that affirms and supports each client’s identity. My therapeutic work is grounded in evidence-based, second- and third-wave cognitive-behavioral therapies. Through a functional contextualist lens, I view every thought and behavior as serving a purpose. Together, we work to understand patterns, evaluate their impact, and develop more adaptive ways to thrive, individually, interpersonally, and sexually.
I completed my fellowship year at the University of Chicago in both the Sex Therapy and Psychogastroenterology programs, collaborating with interdisciplinary teams of medical and mental health professionals to provide holistic, integrative care. In addition, I serve as an adjunct professor at Roosevelt University, where I have led courses on sex and gender, racism, and stress and coping.
What MY clients can expect
I recognize the privilege and honor of being the person you share your most intimate details with. I approach sex therapy from an open, curious, and nonjudgmental perspective. Treatment is structured and collaborative, often including educational resources and at-home exercises to help you build skills and confidence between sessions.
Therapy Modalities:
* Sex Therapy
* Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
* Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
* Clinical Hypnosis
* DBT skills
email: afriedlanderpivotco@gmail.com / phone: 1.312.772.2017