Heddie Tinker

Born and raised in New York City, I earned my Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Journalism and my Master of Arts degree in Counseling Psychology from New York University, where I also worked during my early career as a counselor, director of advising and counseling, and director of student affairs. Presently, in addition to private practice, I am a clinical vocational counselor and instructor at EPRA, a small, well-known, social service agency, specializing in career issues of individuals in recovery from alcohol dependence, substance abuse, and other co-existing psychatric conditions. There, as well as in private practice, I also supervise mental health counseling graduate students, other LMHCs, and MHC limited permit holders in the metropolitan area.

Drawing extensively on cognitive behavioral theory in both my agency work and private practice, I utilize a variety of psychotherapeutic techniques which have been proved to be effective in helping people to make lasting improvements in their lives. I have studied with the late Albert Ellis, PhD, founder of the Albert Ellis Institute in New York, and I remain connected to the Institute for continuing professional education. I specialize in short term treatment, which can be characterized as evidence-based, collaborative, active, and goal-oriented.

Treatment is tailored to the specific needs of the client. My practice is based primarily on treating current issues, but at times it is necessary for clients to address past experiences before moving on to present objectives. My practice is flexible and practical, designed to meet a client's most pressing needs first. If clients are interested in exploring the possibility of medication management as an additional treatment component, a referral can be made to one of the experienced psychopharmacologists with whom I collaborate.

I am a master's level counseling psychologist, licensed mental health counselor, and certified cognitive behavioral therapist, eligible to practice in New York State. I belong to the National Association of Cognitive Behavioral Therapists, the New York City Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Association, and am a founding member of the New York Metropolitan Chapter of the New York Mental Health Counselors Association, where I served on the Chapter's executive board in a variety of roles since its inception. I continue to live and work in New York City.