Heather Koledo, LMFT
About me
I’m excited to get to know you better! In the meantime, here’s a little about me, and my professional experience and training.
I think one of the biggest challenges, after taking that first brave step of reaching out, is to find a good therapist that you connect with. In my twenty-five years of experience, the therapeutic relationship is the principal reason that therapy “works” or “doesn’t work.”
My approach focuses on first developing a strong therapeutic alliance in which you feel emotionally safe and heard without judgment. You’ve already come to the conclusion that something in your life is not working, and my task is to help you to identify the ways in which you’d like things to be different. From there, together we can create realistic, achievable goals that support those changes and move you toward the life that you deserve.
I have a large repertoire of strategies and interventions, which include cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness practices, and motivational interviewing. Producing insights, strategies, and tools that you can use immediately is my goal for every interaction with you.
I have extensive experience in trauma, anxiety, relationship issues (adult as well as parent-child), substance abuse, and co-occurring disorders. I have found that many people experiencing trauma or anxiety are helped by a combination of mindfulness and cognitive behavioral therapy. This teaches us how to tolerate our intense feelings and how to reframe unhelpful thought patterns that keep us stuck. Life is challenging and, at times, difficult and painful. Learning how to be "comfortable being uncomfortable" gives us the skill and flexibility to ride these waves (as opposed to feeling like we're treading water or simply drowning).
On a personal note, I have been a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Vermont since 1997. I have worked in a wide variety of settings, including community mental health centers, where I have worked as both therapist and clinical supervisor; university training clinics; private residential treatment facilities; and a successful private practice. I have worked with individuals, couples, families, groups, and with children of all ages.
When I’m not helping people, I can be found on the golf course or outdoors, enjoying the beauty of my surroundings. I look forward to working with you and helping you to make the changes you desire.
Professional experience
Additional areas of focus: Family conflicts, Grief, Intimacy-related issues, Parenting issues, Anger management, Bipolar disorder, Coping with life changes, ADHD
Clinical approaches: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness Therapy
License information
MA LMFT 1872
VT LMFT 100.0000017
Reviews
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Heather Koledo. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
Heather is amazing
Written on Oct 18, 2023 after therapy with Heather for 5 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, and adhd
Heather is remarkable. She blends active listening, constructive guidance, space for reflection, and a down to earth approach that made my first therapy experience feel natural, comfortable, and approachable.
I couldn’t recommend Heather highly enough.
Written on Mar 01, 2023 after therapy with Heather for 2 months on issues concerning relationship issues, family conflicts, intimacy-related issues, and coping with life changes
In only a few sessions Heather has helped me more than months with other therapists. She’s taken considerable time to understand the ins and outs of my life and problems rather than just listen to me cry for an hour each week and call it therapy. She’s actually TEACHING me concepts that help me understand what’s going on with my body and mind so that I can hopefully manage and avoid negative thought patterns by understanding where they’re coming from and why. She’s been invaluable and I can’t recommend her enough!
Written on Aug 19, 2022 after therapy with Heather for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, coaching, and adhd
Heather is a phenomenal therapist who understands me and offers constructive advice
Written on Jul 05, 2022 after therapy with Heather for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, lgbt, relationship issues, coping with life changes, and coaching
Heather is a great therapist! Truly was there for me when I needed it the most. I saw great improvements with my mental and physical health in a quick period of time.
Written on Jun 23, 2022 after therapy with Heather for 3 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, and eating disorders
I have had such a positive experience with Heather. I always feel I am in a safe, non-judgemental and comfortable space during my sessions. Heather is such an attentive listener and super responsive and personable. She communicates with a lot of empathy and compassion and I can tell that she really loves what she does and truly cares. She has helped me work through anxiety, and life adjustments such as moving abroad. Having such a wealth of experience and knowledge, Heather has provided so much practical and powerful insight, as I have had so many "A-Ha!" "Lightbulb" moments during our sessions. She is always so spot on and perceptive with her guidance. She has provided tools and guidance that have helped me break out of negative thought patterns, connect with my authentic self and the greatest takeaway being just to have empathy and compassion for myself. Thank you Heather so much. I'm so grateful for your help.
Written on May 26, 2022 after therapy with Heather for 8 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, and self esteem