Honoring the Whole Self: Introducing Health Psychology at Hanover CBT
At Hanover CBT, we believe that therapy should be tailored to support and respect the whole person. The recent addition of clinical health psychologist Dr. Alexandria Brunkow to our team furthers our mission to serve individuals across all aspects of their lives with compassion and integrity.
What Is Health Psychology?
Health psychology is a specialty within clinical psychology that examines how psychological, emotional, and behavioral factors influence physical health and illness (APA). It aims to bridge the gap between medical and mental health care by offering clients support that honors their lived experiences.
Health psychology can be beneficial for:
Individuals managing chronic illness or chronic pain
Those adjusting to and living with a new medical diagnosis
Clients trying to establish healthier habits or routines
Dr. Brunkow describes health psychology as a space to unpack and normalize the human experience of pain and suffering — a process of learning to move forward with kindness and purpose.
Dr. Brunkow’s Path to Hanover CBT
Before joining Hanover CBT, Dr. Brunkow worked with Veterans at the White River Junction VA, where she supported veterans and their families in managing emotional and physical health concerns such as long-term consequences of military exposures, PTSD, and changes in identity. “It was incredibly rewarding,” she shares, “to give people the peace of mind and hope that they won’t have to suffer for the rest of their lives.”
Her time at the VA shaped her integrative approach to care, built around collaboration with prescribers and other healthcare providers. At Hanover CBT, she continues this team-based model, coordinating across systems to ensure that each client’s treatment plan reflects their medical, psychological, relational, and environmental needs.
Beyond “Being Healthy”
In U.S. culture, “health” often gets equated with being fit, thin, and strong. But beneath that ideal lies a hidden expectation that to be healthy means being free from pain and suffering. Dr. Brunkow challenges this myth. Pain and discomfort, while difficult, are normal parts of being human, and can even bring meaning and clarity to our lives.
Her work invites clients to reimagine what “health” truly means. Whether exploring their relationship with food or body image, Alye fosters compassionate spaces where clients can approach wellness without judgment or restriction, allowing change to unfold in ways that feel possible and sustainable.
At Hanover CBT, we view health as deeply intertwined with identity, agency, and relationships. Through health psychology, we help clients:
Support behavior changes aligned with their values
Process the emotional impact of illness or injury
Build self-compassion and body trust
Access collaborative, evidence-based care
Learn More about health psychology at Hanover CBT and how our clinicians can support you in building a life guided by your values.
