• Certification: Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (2022). Medical University of South Carolina and the TF-CBT Therapist Certification Program.
• Specialization: Foundations of Positive Psychology (2018), Philadelphia, PA. University of Pennsylvania
• Certification: Solution Focused Interventions (2017), Framingham, MA. Institute for Solution-Focused Therapy and Framingham University
• PhD in Organization and Management (with Distinction, 2013) from Capella University.
  • Capstone Project: Leadership Practice and Transformation
  • Dissertation: Does student perception of quality matter: A study of perceived academic quality and intention to persist
• Post-Doctoral Residency in Psychology in Clinical and Forensic Psychology (1998) at Oakwood Center of the Palm Beaches (formerly 45^th Street Community Mental Health Center)
• Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology (1997) from Nova Southeastern University (APA Accredited).
  • Dissertation: The detection of malingered psychosis in the criminal population
  • Internship: Southern Illinois University Counseling Center (APA Accredited)
• MS in Psychology (1993) from Nova Southeastern University
• BA in Business Administration and Psychology (dual major, 1991) from Malone University

My teaching philosophy draws inspiration from the foundational principles of person-centered therapy, positive psychology, solution-focused therapy, and deliberate practice. I firmly believe that nurturing the development of clinical psychologists goes beyond the mere transmission of knowledge; it encompasses the cultivation of a profound understanding of each student’s unique individuality and how to bring this uniqueness to their work with clients.

In my classroom, I strive to recreate the empathetic and nonjudgmental therapeutic environment that forms the foundation for person-centered therapy. I understand that learning thrives in an atmosphere where students feel valued, heard, and respected. By fostering this kind of supportive space, I encourage students to explore their perspectives, articulate their voices, and cultivate a deeper sense of self-awareness.

Positive psychology plays a significant role in my teaching approach. I am committed to empowering students to recognize and leverage their inherent strengths, fostering resilience, and instilling a positive mindset that transcends the academic realm and enriches their personal and professional lives. I firmly believe that a focus on well-being is essential, not only for the students themselves but also for the clients they will serve in their work as health-service psychologists.

Incorporating solution-focused principles, I facilitate active problem-solving and goal-directed learning. By providing practical tools and frameworks, I equip students with the skills necessary to navigate the complexities of the clinical psychology field. My aim is to foster a sense of efficacy and competence in my students, enabling them to approach challenges with confidence and creativity. By using a deliberate practice approach, I incorporate the practice-feedback loop into both small and large group activities and emphasize the importance of ongoing self-reflection and professional growth.

Ultimately, my goal is to empower students with the ethical grounding, professional competence, and compassionate understanding required to excel as effective practitioners. I aspire to guide them toward becoming clinical psychologists who not only flourish in their work but also make a profound and positive impact on the well-being of the individuals and communities they serve.

Dr. Heffner leads the Positive Psychology Lab, where he oversees research on topics related to human flourishing, resilience, and well-being. Recent dissertations and group projects have focused on gratitude and resilience, operationalizing self-care, building professional resilience, caregiver optimism, and strength-based interventions.

His current research interests focus on the intersection of clinical psychology, positive psychology, and modern technology.

• Zinn, B. B. & Heffner, C. L. (forthcoming). The essential self-care companion: A guide for mental health trainees, early-career practitioners, faculty, and supervisors. Cognella.
• Heffner, C. L. & Cowan, J. A. (2023). The strength-based clinical supervision workbook: A complete guide for mental health trainees and supervisors. Routledge. ISBN: 978-0367439361
• Heffner, C. L. (2022, 2023). Positive Self-Care Starter: Five activities to build resilience and counter unhealthy stress. AllPsych. Available as free download from https://allpsych.com/product/positive-self-care-starter/
• Heffner, C. L. (2013). Does student perception of quality matter: A study of perceived academic quality and intention to persist, PhD Dissertation, Capella University. https://www.proquest.com/docview/1431912164.
• Heffner, C. L., Larson, S. C., Lowder, B., & Stites, P. (2007). Rebuttal – ISO 9000: An Ineffective Quality System. Online Article, American Society for Quality.
• Heffner, C. L., Larson, S. C., Lowder, B., & Stites, P. (2007). ISO 9000: An Ineffective Quality System. Online Article, American Society for Quality.
• Gold, S. N. & Heffner, C. L. (1998). Sexual addiction: Many conceptions, minimal data. Clinical Psychology Review, 18(3), 367-381. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0272-7358(97)00051-2

• Morris Tuip, H., Falloria, A., Xu, S., Lo, S., Costa, C., Roberts, J. & Heffner, C. L. (2023). Gratitude, resilience, privilege awareness, and social position: A quantitative study [Poster Presentation]. American Psychological Association Annual Convention, Washington D.C.
• Harrison, H., Newberry, K. E., Barajas, D. D., Cowan, J. A, & Heffner, C. L. (2022). The many hats of supervisors: Comparing time spent in supervisor roles from past to present [Poster Presentation]. American Psychological Association Annual Convention, Minneapolis, MN.
• Heffner, C. L., Cowan, J. A., Harrison, H., Newberry, K. E., & Barajas, D. D. (2022). Utilization of Strength-Based Supervision: Exploring the Perspective of Trainees and Supervisors [Poster Presentation]. American Psychological Association Annual Convention, Minneapolis, MN.
• Heffner, C. L. (2021). Countering Stress and Building Resilience: Self-Care in Graduate School. Presentation for doctoral students at Antioch University.
• Heffner, C. L. (2021). Positive Psychology: Research and Practice. Invited two-day (16 hours of seat time) course at Antioch University New England.
• Cowan, J. A. & Heffner, C. L. (2021). Clinical supervision and COVID-19: Insights from a national sample of supervisors and trainees [Poster Presentation]. American Psychological Association Annual Convention, Washington DC.
• Heffner, C. L. & Struthers, G. (2021).A strength-based lens on the ethics of self-care in health-service psychology training [Poster Presentation]. American Psychological Association Annual Convention, Washington DC.
• Heffner, C. L., Zinn, B., Struthers, G., Monahan-DeMella, J, & Agassiz, K. (2021). Amplifying well-being through self-care in the age of COVID-19: An online peer mentoring group [Poster Presentation]. American Psychological Association Annual Convention, Washington DC.
• Cowan, J. A., Heffner, C. L., Albert, S., & Dalbey, C. (2021). Coercive and compulsive treatment of eating disorders: Surveying treatment providers’ attitudes and behaviors. Poster Presentation. National Eating Disorders Association Annual Convention.
• Heffner, C. L. (2020). The deliberate practice of effective supervision: Developing your professional identity as a strengths-based clinical supervisor. Program developed for and presented to Pre-Doctoral Interns and Post-Doctoral Trainees in Health-Service Psychology through the National Psychology Training Consortium [APA CE approved], Renton, WA.
• Heffner, C. L. (2020). Integrating social justice into advanced doctoral coursework in health-service psychology. In Bergkamp (Chair), Amplification of social justice in doctoral curriculum. Antioch University Seattle [WA CE Approved]. Seattle, WA.
• Heffner, C. L. (2020). Integrating social justice into clinical supervision training and practice. In Bergkamp, J. (Chair), Amplifying social justice in core PsyD courses: Social justice in the classroom. Presentation given at the 2020 National Council of Schools and Programs in Professional Psychology (NCSPP) Midwinter Conference [APA CE approved]. Carlsbad, CA.
• Heffner, C. L. & Cowan, J. (2019). Foundations of effective strength-based clinical supervision: A start to finish approach. Program developed for and presented to supervising psychologists, mental health counselors. and clinical social workers in the Behavioral Health Program at Swedish Medical Center. Seattle, WA.
• Nelson, J., Heusler, W., Heffner, C. L., Brown, M. & Randall, C. (2019). Sexually objectifying microaggressions in film: Using entertainment for clinical purposes. Poster presented at the American Psychological Association Annual Conference in Chicago, IL.
• Heffner, C. L. & Cowan, J. (2019). The deliberate practice of effective clinical supervision. Program developed for and presented to supervising psychologists through the National Psychology Training Consortium [APA CE approved], Renton, WA.
• West, I., Waters, D., Heffner, C., & Cohen-Filipic, J. (2018). Avoiding unhelpful responses: A proposed theoretical measure of readiness to work with transgender clients. Poster presented at the American Psychological Association Annual Conference in San Francisco, CA.
• Heffner, C. L. & Cowan, J. (2018). Competency-based clinical supervision: Developing a competency-based approach to clinical supervision in primary care health-service psychology. Program developed for and presented to supervising psychologists through the National Psychology Training Consortium [APA CE approved], Renton, WA.
• Heffner, C. L. (2014). Leveraging your degree in the international marketplace. Presentation given at The Chicago School’s International Psychology PhD Residency, Chicago, IL, July 25, 2014.
• McIntyre, M. & Heffner, C. L. (2014). New ideas for effective learning and mentoring. Presentation given at the Capella University Leadership Conference. Minneapolis, MN, January 15, 2014.
• Heffner, C. L. (2013). Does student perception of quality matter: A study of perceived academic quality and intention to persist, PhD Dissertation, Capella University. http://gradworks.umi.com/35/90/3590337.html.
• Heffner, C. L. & Crews, C. (2013). Fostering a relational environment in a blended program. Poster presentation at the 2013 National Council of Schools and Programs in Professional Psychology (NCSPP) Midwinter Conference. Nassau, Bahamas, January 24, 2013.
• Crews, C. & Heffner, C. L. (2012). Practicum readiness evaluation: A competency-based model for evaluating readiness to begin clinical training. Poster presentation at the National Council of Schools and Programs in Professional Psychology (NCSPP) Midwinter Conference. New Orleans, LA, January 18, 2012.
• Heffner, C. L. (2011). Education and Training in 2025: Issues in Technology. Presentation given at the National Council of Schools and Programs in Professional Psychology (NCSPP) Midwinter Conference [APA CE approved]. San Juan, Puerto Rico, January 19, 2011.

Dr. Heffner is a core faculty member in the Clinical PsyD program. He teaches Foundational Clinical Skills, Interventions II, Consultation and Supervision, and Community Psychology and oversees the Clinical Competency Exam. He is a founding member of AllPsych.com and CustomCE.com and has a private clinical and consulting psychology practice.

Dr. Heffner has a background in community mental health, clinical supervision, academic leadership, student counseling, and program development and consultation.

• Licensed as a Psychologist (WA – PY60518621). Continuously Licensed since 1999.
• Member, American Psychological Association [APA]
• Member, Media Psychology and Technology [APA Division 46]
• Member, Positive Psychology Section [APA Division 17, Counseling Psychology]
• Member, International Positive Psychology Association [IPPA]
• Member, Positive Health and Well-Being [IPPA Division]
• Member, Washington State Psychological Association [WSPA]