Question 1

What is a clinical health psychologist, and how is that different from a therapist?

Accepted Answer

A clinical health psychologist specializes in the relationship between psychological well-being and physical health. While a general therapist may focus on mood, relationships, or life stressors, a health psychologist is specifically trained to work with patients who have chronic medical conditions, physical symptoms influenced by the nervous system, or psychological challenges that arise from illness. Dr. Alana holds a doctoral degree (PsyD) and completed specialized fellowship training in psychogastroenterology, behavioral medicine, and sex therapy — areas that require deep knowledge of both medicine and psychology.

Question 2

Who is a good fit for this practice?

Accepted Answer

This practice is a strong fit for adults who are dealing with a chronic physical condition that has a psychological component — such as IBS, IBD, chronic pain, or sexual health concerns — or who are struggling emotionally with a medical diagnosis. Patients often come after years of medical treatment that has not fully addressed their quality of life, or after a physician has recommended psychological support as part of their care plan. You do not need a referral to schedule a consultation.

Question 3

Do I need a referral from my doctor?

Accepted Answer

No referral is required to schedule a consultation. However, if your physician has recommended psychological support as part of your treatment, Dr. Alana is happy to coordinate care with your medical team. Many patients find that having their psychologist and physician communicate directly leads to more integrated and effective treatment.

Question 4

What happens during the first appointment?

Accepted Answer

The first session is a comprehensive intake appointment, typically 60 minutes. Dr. Alana will ask about your medical history, current symptoms, psychological background, and treatment goals. This session is collaborative — it is as much about you getting a sense of whether this is the right fit as it is about gathering clinical information. By the end, you will have a clearer picture of what treatment might look like and what to expect going forward.

Question 5

Is this practice fully telehealth?

Accepted Answer

At the moment - Yes. For now, all sessions are conducted via secure, HIPAA-compliant video. In-person appointments will be available in Chicago soon. Telehealth allows patients to receive specialized care from the comfort of their own home, which can be especially helpful for those managing chronic illness or pain that makes travel difficult. Many patients also find that meeting from home reduces the stress or anxiety sometimes associated with in-person medical settings.

Question 6

Which states does Dr. Alana practice in?

Accepted Answer

Dr. Alana is licensed in New York, Illinois, and Wisconsin, and is authorized to practice in all PSYPACT‑participating states. PSYPACT is an interstate compact that allows licensed psychologists to provide telehealth services across member states. If you are unsure whether your state participates, please reach out and we can confirm your eligibility.

Question 7

What do I need for a telehealth session?

Accepted Answer

You will need a device with a camera and microphone (smartphone, tablet, or computer), a stable internet connection, and a private, quiet space where you feel comfortable speaking openly. Dr. Alana uses a secure video platform — you will receive a link before each session. No special software download is typically required.

Question 8

How long are sessions, and how often will we meet?

Accepted Answer

Standard sessions are 50 minutes. The frequency of sessions depends on your individual needs and treatment goals. Many patients begin with weekly sessions and gradually taper to bi‑weekly or monthly as they progress. For structured protocols like gut‑directed hypnotherapy, there may be a recommended session schedule. This will be discussed and tailored during your intake.

Question 9

What does treatment actually look like?

Accepted Answer

Treatment is highly individualized and depends on your specific condition and goals. Sessions typically involve a combination of psychoeducation (learning about the brain‑body connection), skill‑building (relaxation techniques, cognitive strategies, behavioral tools), and processing the emotional impact of living with a chronic condition. For some patients, structured protocols like gut‑directed hypnotherapy or Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) are used. Dr. Alana will explain the rationale for each approach and collaborate with you on the treatment plan.

Question 10

Is this "just therapy," or is it medically informed?

Accepted Answer

This is not general talk therapy. Dr. Alana's training is deeply rooted in medicine — she completed her postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Chicago, working alongside gastroenterologists, gynecologists, and pain specialists. Her approach integrates current medical research with evidence‑based psychological interventions. She understands the physiology of your condition, not just the emotional experience of it, which allows for a more targeted and effective treatment.

Question 11

How long does treatment typically take?

Accepted Answer

This varies considerably depending on the condition and individual. Some patients see meaningful improvement in 8–12 sessions; others benefit from longer‑term support, particularly when managing complex chronic conditions. Structured protocols (such as gut‑directed hypnotherapy for IBS) typically involve 7–12 sessions. Dr. Alana will give you a realistic sense of the expected timeline during your intake appointment and will regularly reassess progress with you.

Question 12

Will Dr. Alana communicate with my other doctors?

Accepted Answer

Yes, with your written consent. Coordinated care is a core part of this practice. Dr. Alana regularly collaborates with gastroenterologists, gynecologists, primary care physicians, pain specialists, and pelvic floor physical therapists. She can send progress notes, participate in care conferences, and provide clinical recommendations to your medical team. Many patients find that this integrated approach leads to significantly better outcomes.

Question 13

Do you prescribe medication?

Accepted Answer

No. As a psychologist, Dr. Alana does not prescribe medication. If medication is a consideration, she will discuss this with you and can coordinate with your prescribing physician or provide a referral to a psychiatrist if needed. Psychological treatment and medication are often complementary, and Dr. Alana is experienced in working alongside prescribers.

Question 14

What is the gut-brain axis? Can therapy actually help with my GI problems?

Accepted Answer

The gut-brain axis refers to the bidirectional communication network between the central nervous system (your brain and spinal cord) and the enteric nervous system (the complex network of neurons lining your gastrointestinal tract). These two systems are in constant dialogue via the vagus nerve, neurotransmitters, hormones, and the immune system. This is why stress and anxiety can trigger very real physical GI symptoms — and why calming the nervous system can produce measurable improvements in gut function. Psychological therapies that target this axis, such as gut-directed cognitive behavioral therapy and gut-directed hypnotherapy, have been shown in multiple clinical trials to significantly reduce symptoms of IBS, functional dyspepsia, and other disorders of gut-brain interaction. Therapy does not just help you "cope" — it can directly modulate the physiological processes driving your symptoms.

Question 15

What is clinical hypnosis?

Accepted Answer

Clinical hypnosis — also called hypnotherapy — is a therapeutic technique that uses a state of focused attention and deep relaxation to increase receptivity to suggestion and facilitate change in perception, sensation, and behavior. It is not the stage hypnosis you may have seen in entertainment; you remain fully conscious and in control throughout. In the context of gut-directed hypnotherapy, the hypnotic state is used to deliver specific suggestions aimed at calming the gut-brain axis, reducing visceral hypersensitivity, and normalizing gut motility. It is one of the most evidence-based treatments for IBS, with research showing sustained symptom improvement in the majority of patients. Sessions are conducted in a calm, guided format and are often experienced as deeply relaxing.

Question 16

My GI doctor says my symptoms are "stress‑related." What does that mean?

Accepted Answer

This is one of the most common — and most misunderstood — things patients hear. It does not mean your symptoms are imaginary or "all in your head." It means that the nervous system, which runs through your gut as well as your brain, is playing a significant role in your symptoms. The gut has its own nervous system (the enteric nervous system) and is in constant communication with the brain. Stress, anxiety, and past trauma can sensitize this system, leading to very real physical symptoms. Psychological treatment targets this brain‑gut pathway directly.

Question 17

Can psychology really help with IBS?

Accepted Answer

Yes — and the evidence is strong. Gut‑directed cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and gut‑directed hypnotherapy are among the most well‑researched treatments for IBS, with multiple randomized controlled trials demonstrating significant symptom reduction. These approaches work by calming the hypersensitive gut‑brain axis, reducing visceral anxiety, and breaking the cycle of symptom anticipation and flare. Many patients who have not responded fully to dietary changes or medication find meaningful relief through psychological treatment.

Question 18

I have IBD (Crohn's or Colitis) — can psychological treatment help even though my condition is inflammatory?

Accepted Answer

Yes. While IBD is an immune‑mediated inflammatory condition (distinct from functional disorders like IBS), psychological factors significantly influence disease course, quality of life, and symptom burden. Stress is a well‑documented trigger for flares in IBD. Psychological treatment can help reduce stress reactivity, improve coping, address the emotional toll of living with a serious chronic illness, and manage functional symptoms that often co‑occur with IBD.

Question 19

I have chronic pain. How is psychological treatment different from just "learning to live with it"?

Accepted Answer

Psychological pain treatment is not about resignation — it is about changing the way the nervous system processes pain signals. Approaches like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and pain‑focused CBT have been shown to reduce pain intensity, improve physical functioning, and decrease the emotional suffering associated with chronic pain. The goal is not to simply endure pain, but to reduce its grip on your life and restore meaningful activity and quality of life.

Question 20

Is sex therapy only for couples?

Accepted Answer

No. Individual sex therapy is common and effective. Many patients seek sex therapy on their own to address concerns like sexual pain, low desire, anxiety around intimacy, or the impact of chronic illness on sexual health. Couples are also welcome, but a partner is not required. Sessions are talk‑based and professional — there is no physical contact involved in sex therapy.

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