About me

Heather Lortie is the founding director of The Collaborative. Drawing on three decades experience across fields of human development – as an educator, curriculum and staff developer, as a community organizer versed in systems thinking, organizational and cultural change, she guides our team. Our philosophy is informed by emerging breakthroughs in psychology, neuroscience, intercultural and social justice theory, trauma and resilience.

Heather steers clients toward a felt sense of what’s true, guiding them to trust their inner compass and move toward acceptance, joy and, most importantly, toward unknown parts of yourself and deepening connections with others. Our group develops effective ways to integrate best practices, respond to the uniqueness of each individual and situation, and co-creates a community of courage and belonging.

Learning to meditate as a teen was among the most powerful influences in her life. Conscious attention and mindfulness inform her presence and practice in the therapy room and beyond.

Heather Lortie has lived and worked cross culturally in several US cities and abroad, traveled extensively throughout Western Europe, the Middle East, Asia and currently lives in the Village with her family and her salt and pepper labradoodle, Nina.

Focus Areas

  • Anxiety and Mood Issues
  • Career and workplace challenges facing professionals and creatives
  • Trauma, complex PTSD, intergenerational and cross-cultural trauma.
  • Relationship Issues including couples and family treatment
  • Child and adolescent therapy
  • Parenting and child development
  • Educational issues, special needs.