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About Us

Our Mission

At Aurora Center for Psychology & Wellbeing, our mission is to provide a safe and supportive space where people can heal, grow, and thrive. We believe that change is possible at any stage of life, and that wellbeing is built through a balance of science, creativity, and compassion.

We are dedicated to helping individuals and families navigate challenges such as trauma, chronic illness, anxiety, depression, and life transitions — always with respect, empathy, and evidence-based care.

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At Aurora, you don’t have to go through life’s challenges alone. Together, we’ll create space for healing, resilience, and hope.

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Our Method

At Aurora, therapy is never “one size fits all.” Instead, we draw from a range of approaches to meet your unique needs:

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  • CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy): Practical tools to change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors.

  • ACT (Acceptance & Commitment Therapy): Building flexibility, presence, and alignment with your values.

  • IFS (Internal Family Systems): Exploring inner “parts” with curiosity and compassion.

  • Art Therapy: Using creative expression when words aren’t enough.

  • tDCS (Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation): A safe, evidence-based brain stimulation technique for migraines, depression, and chronic pain.

 

This integrative approach allows us to work on challenges such as emotion regulation, trauma recovery, life transitions, chronic pain, and oncology support for patients and caregivers.

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About

I’m Dr. Barbara Colombo, a licensed psychologist with a PhD in Psychology. Born and raised in Italy and now living in Vermont, I bring both an international perspective and a deep connection to this community.

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Alongside my clinical practice, I serve as a professor and researcher, exploring how people regulate emotions, recover from trauma, and build resilience. This means that the methods I use in therapy are not only grounded in compassion, but also informed by the latest research in psychology and neuroscience.

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Clients often describe my style as warm, curious, and collaborative. I believe therapy works best when we walk side by side — blending your lived experience with my training and tools to create a path that feels both supportive and effective.

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Credentials

Certifications

Professional Background

I am a licensed psychologist with a PhD in Psychology and additional training from Harvard University in clinical research. Over the past 15 years, I have worked in private practice, research labs, and universities in both Europe and the U.S. My professional path reflects a commitment to bridging science and practice — always grounded in evidence, but shaped with warmth and empathy.

Therapeutic Approach

No two people are the same, so I tailor therapy to each client’s needs. I often integrate Internal Family Systems (IFS), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and art therapy. For some clients, I also offer neuromodulation (tDCS) as a safe and evidence-based way to support recovery from migraines, depression, and chronic pain. My goal is to create an approach that feels effective, collaborative, and deeply human.

Areas of Expertise

  • Emotion regulation and resilience

  • Trauma (intergenerational, religious, and complex)

  • Life transitions and identity changes

  • Chronic pain and migraines

  • Oncology support for patients and caregivers

  • Anxiety, depression, and stress-related concerns

Professional Affiliations

  • Licensed Psychologist – State of Vermont

  • President, Vermont Psychological Association

  • Member, American Psychological Association

  • Faculty, Fielding Graduate University

Evidence-Based and Creative Care

I believe that healing happens at the intersection of science and creativity. My work combines research-based methods such as CBT, ACT, IFS, and bio/neurofeedback with more creative approaches like art therapy. I also integrate neuroscience tools such as tDCS to support pain management and emotional regulation. This flexible, integrative model allows me to adapt therapy to each client’s unique goals and strengths.

Achievements

In addition to my clinical work, I have led research projects on aging, discrimination, and emotion regulation, securing national and international grants to support this work. Earlier in my career, I directed a Behavioral Neuroscience Lab, where I studied innovative treatments such as tDCS and biofeedback. These experiences allow me to bring both cutting-edge science and compassionate practice into every session

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