Brittany Friedman, PsyD

As a clinical health psychologist specializing in pain and health psychology, I uniquely understand the challenges that differentiate this field from general psychology. Unlike traditional therapy, health psychology integrates the complexities of the body and mind—especially when working with individuals facing chronic pain and medical conditions. I integrate a strengths-focused approach and awareness of the environmental factors contributing to our experience of identity and health conditions. With many years of experience in highly integrative care teams, I have dedicated my career to helping clients navigate the psychological and physiological aspects of their health and wellbeing. Working closely alongside physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, physical therapists, registered dietitians, chiropractors, and other medical professionals to provide comprehensive, evidence-based care tailored to each individual’s needs has allowed me to develop a broad range of tools. Chronic pain and health conditions can disrupt every aspect of life, from daily functioning to relationships and emotional well-being. My goal is to help clients regain a sense of control, resilience, and fulfillment. Using a collaborative approach, I integrate cutting-edge insights from neuroscience with evidence-based psychological interventions such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and mindfulness-based strategies. My practice is rooted in the science of how the brain and nervous system interact with pain and illness—empowering clients with the tools they need to break cycles of suffering and move toward meaningful goals. Beyond my work with patients, I also have a strong interest in supporting physicians and other medical providers. Having worked closely with medical professionals throughout my career and being married to a physician, I appreciate the challenges they face in treating chronic pain, balancing high work burdens, and coping with the stressors of medical training and healthcare systems. I provide coaching for physicians to enhance their communication with patients struggling with chronic pain and comorbid diagnoses, helping them foster stronger therapeutic alliances and navigating patient encounters in more fulfilling ways. I also work with physicians to develop strategies for managing their own stress and maintaining well-being in a demanding field. In addition to my work in health psychology, I have a special interest in working with equestrian athletes in the context of sport psychology. As an equestrian myself, I understand the unique mental and physical demands of the sport. Whether managing competition anxiety, overcoming setbacks, or optimizing performance, I bring both professional expertise and personal experience to help riders refine and develop the mental skills necessary for success. Many of these skills I learned from my own experience as a competitor and I refined these through my doctoral training. Whether you are struggling with persistent pain, a chronic illness, the stressors of medical practice, or the mental challenges of high-level equestrian competition, I am here to provide compassionate, expert support. Together, we can develop a plan that aligns with your needs, working toward improved well-being, resilience, and a better quality of life. I am based in Colorado and authorized via PSYPACT to practice telepsychology across participating US states and Washington D.C. If you are interested in scheduling a consultation call with me, please send an appointment request. You are making an investment into your wellbeing and I am excited to be a part of your journey!