Personalized Support for Healthy Aging and Lifelong Cognitive Vitality
Brain Health and Cognitive Reserve Program in Vermont
At the Aurora Center for Psychology & Wellbeing, we believe that healthy aging is not just about preventing decline — it’s about cultivating resilience, adaptability, and joy at every stage of life.
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Our new Cognitive Reserve & Psychogerontology Program is designed to help adults and older adults strengthen the mental, emotional, and lifestyle factors that protect the brain over time.
What Is Cognitive Reserve and Why It Matters
Cognitive Reserve (CR) refers to the brain’s ability to stay flexible and efficient even as we age or face stress, illness, or life changes.
Research shows that education, creativity, social connection, and meaningful activity can all help build this reserve — allowing people to maintain focus, memory, and emotional balance for longer.
Our brain health work complements the emotional healing done in psychotherapy.
How the Brain Health Program Works
Each participant begins with a Cognitive Reserve Assessment (CoRe-T) — a structured, evidence-based tool developed through research by Dr. Colombo and her team.
The assessment explores key areas of resilience, including:
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Education and lifelong learning
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Variety and engagement in leisure activities
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Creativity and problem-solving flexibility
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Occupational and life experience complexity​
After completing the assessment, you receive a personalized Cognitive Reserve Report outlining your unique strengths and areas for growth.
Your Personalized Brain Health and Resilience Plan
Based on your results, we design a customized program of evidence-based activities to strengthen the domains most relevant to you.
Your plan may include:
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Mental enrichment exercises and creative thinking challenges
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Emotion regulation and mindfulness strategies
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Sleep quality and stress resilience tools
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Lifestyle adjustments to increase daily cognitive stimulation
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Optional follow-up sessions to track progress and adjust your plan
Each program combines psychology, neuroscience, and wellness — turning the latest research into practical, enjoyable steps you can integrate into everyday life.
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tDCS can support neuroplasticity and is sometimes paired with our tDCS Therapy
Who Can Benefit from the Brain Health Program?
This program may be especially meaningful if you:
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Want to stay mentally sharp and emotionally balanced as you age
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Are noticing mild changes in focus or memory and want proactive support
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Are caring for an aging loved one and wish to understand brain health better
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Have experienced stress, health challenges, or life transitions and want to “reset” your mental energy
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Simply enjoy learning, creating, and staying curious
Why This Approach Is Unique
This program bridges clinical psychology, neuroscience, and lifestyle science, combining:
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The CoRe-T Cognitive Reserve assessment, developed in research led by Dr. Barbara Colombo
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A personalized, research-based feedback report
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A library of tailored activities (built from scientific evidence in cognitive reserve, attachment, sleep, emotion regulation, and trauma resilience)
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Compassionate, integrative guidance that supports the whole person — mind, body, and life context
Getting Started
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Schedule an initial consultation or get in touch using our Contact Page.
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Complete your Cognitive Reserve Assessment (CoRe-T).
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Receive your Personalized Brain Health Report and tailored plan.
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Begin your guided 4–8 week program with follow-up support as needed.