Brenda K. Wiederhold, PhD, is a clinical psychologist with expertise in treating stress-related conditions, including anxiety, specific phobias, and panic disorder integrating Virtual Reality (VR) and cognitive behavioral therapy with physiological techniques such as relaxation training, heart rate variability monitoring and biofeedback to help patients improve emotional regulation.
Dr. Wiederhold uses virtual environments and guided exposure to help individuals facing challenges such as fear of flying, fear of driving, fear of medical procedures and generalized anxiety. She also works with patients experiencing stress related to chronic pain, medical diagnoses or occupational burnout.
Her care philosophy is based on the belief that patients benefit most from a compassionate, personalized approach that blends science and technology with human connection. She values collaboration and provides tools that empower individuals to take an active role in their mental wellness both during and between visits. She welcomes the opportunity to apply evidence-based methods in an accessible, supportive environment.
Dr. Wiederhold has been practicing clinical psychology since 2000. In addition to her clinical work, she has contributed nationally and internationally to research on the use of VR and digital therapeutics to support mental health and has authored numerous articles in peer-reviewed journals. She also serves as editor-in-chief of a peer-reviewed journal for both research on understanding the social, behavioral and psychological impact of today's social networking practices and exploring the use of VR and other advanced technologies in both prevention and treatment.
In her free time, Dr. Wiederhold enjoys traveling, reading and spending time outdoors.