Marie Heideman, M.S.,LPC
Founder, Spes et Fortitudo Counseling, PLLC | Colleyville, Texas

I practice from the premise that each of us is made in the image and likeness of God and that we are unconditionally loved by Him. I am a cradle and practicing Roman Catholic and a lifelong learner of our faith. My faith is an important part of who I am and shapes the way I understand the human person, suffering, relationships, healing, and hope.

I believe therapy can be a gift. Therapy has helped me through different seasons of my own life, and I understand the courage it can take to sit with someone and share your story. I believe that identifying who God created us to be, understanding where our attachments and relationships come from, and learning how to persevere through difficult seasons are essential to moving toward lasting joy and peace.

We are made in God’s image and likeness. From that premise, I believe we are called to live and breathe in His grace and mercy. It is an honor for me to sit with you, hold space for your story, and walk alongside you as you seek healing, repair, and restoration in your life.

My areas of clinical focus include grief and loss, trauma, pornography and sexual addiction concerns, depression and anxiety, miscarriage and child loss, widowhood, couples counseling, religious and clergy concerns, and suicidality. I am trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for couples and individuals and am a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist (CSAT) Candidate. I am also trained in the Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality (CAMS), which provides a collaborative and structured approach for supporting individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts.

My Story:
I was raised in Phoenix, Arizona, and have called North Texas home since 2006. My Catholic faith has been woven throughout my life from the very beginning. I attended Catholic schools, including a grade school taught by the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (BVM) and a Catholic high school run by Franciscan Friars, OFM, in Phoenix, Arizona.

My own life experiences have profoundly shaped the way I understand and accompany others. My parents divorced when I was ten years old. Later in life, I experienced the sudden loss of my husband after 17 years of marriage. I am now a single mother to five children, ages 15-23.

Marriage, motherhood, grief, loss, and faith have all shaped me in ways I could never have anticipated. They have taught me that life does not always unfold the way we expect, but that even in the midst of profound suffering, there can be hope, grace, growth, and ultimately healing.

Before entering the mental health field, I was a stay-at-home wife and mother while also working part-time as a Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments. I spent approximately 20 years working in education and had the privilege of working with children, families, schools, and a variety of professionals. That experience continues to inform the way I understand families and the many systems that can influence a person’s life.

I hold degrees from Divine Mercy University (M.S., Clinical Mental Health Counseling), Boston College (M.Ed., Curriculum and Instruction), and Arizona State University (B.A., Special Education). I am the founder of Spes et Fortitudo Counseling, PLLC, located in Colleyville, Texas. Spes, or hope, represents optimism, aspiration, and the belief that something good remains possible even in the midst of adversity. Fortitudo, or courage, represents the strength and fortitude it takes to face what is difficult, endure hardship, and continue moving forward.

I hope that I can be a place where you feel safe enough to bring your whole story—the joys, wounds, questions, relationships, struggles, and hopes.

Whether you are seeking personal growth, healing from trauma or loss, navigating a difficult relationship, struggling with anxiety or depression, or simply longing for a place where you can be heard and understood, I would be honored to walk alongside you.
I believe your story is unique. It deserves to be heard, honored, and cared for.

Professional Memberships: I am a member of:
Catholic Psychotherapy Association
International Centre for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy
International Institute for Trauma and Addiction Professionals

• Mental Health Counseling- TEXAS
• Telehealth -TEXAS
• In-Person -TEXAS
• Catholic Christian Meta Model of the Person Trained
• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing-Trained
• Emotionally Focused Therapy-informed
• Porn, Alcohol and Drug Addiction-informed clinical mental health counselor
• Brief- Solution-Focused Therapy
• Forgiveness Therapy informed
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Grief
• Trauma informed

Texas

Self-Pay Discounted Rates are available at this time. Service may be eligible for HSA reimbursement when deemed medically necessary by your PCP

Reta Trust

 Upcoming opportunities for patients:

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