Dr. Theda Heinks

Born and raised in Heidelberg, I studied psychology at the Albert Ludwig University in Freiburg im Breisgau, where I specialized early on in the field of neuroscience. During my studies, I completed internships in neuropsychology and psychiatry at the University Hospital in Hamburg-Eppendorf and at the Neurological Clinic in Austin, Texas. I graduated with a diploma in psychology in 2000. I then began my doctorate in the field of schizophrenia, electroencephalography (EEG) and imaging at the Stanford School of Medicine in California. After receiving my doctorate in 2005 (summa cum laude), I worked as a postdoctoral fellow at the University of California in San Francisco.

After a total of seven years in the USA, I returned to Europe, where I headed the neuropsychology team at the University Children's Hospital Bern (Inselspital) from 2007 to the end of 2016. There I treated children with illnesses and disorders such as ADHD, autism, epilepsy, oncological diseases and traumatic brain injury.

During this time, I worked scientifically primarily in the field of pediatric oncology. I investigated the effects of various oncological diseases and therapies (chemotherapy and radiotherapy) on cognitive abilities.

Over the past 15 years, my clinical interest has increasingly focused on the assessment and treatment of children with attention deficit disorder (ADHD). After 10 years at the Inselspital, I decided to switch to the pediatric and adolescent practice (2017-2021: Iuvenis pediatric practice, Münchenbuchsee; 2021-2024: Arche pediatric and adolescent practice, Aarberg and Hasle b. Burgdorf) with the aim of offering comprehensive assessment and advice to ADHD patients and their parents. At the same time, I worked at Spitalzentrum Biel with adult patients with ADHD and their relatives (evaluation and coaching). As a lecturer at the Bern University of Teacher Education (Pädagogische Hochschule) (2019-2023), I gave lectures in neurology and neuropsychology for prospective special education teachers.

After many years in EEG research, I was convinced of the effectiveness of neurofeedback and have been offering it to children and adults since 2019. In 2022, I completed the certification course at the icp in Aarau to become an ADHD coach and teach the module "Neurobiological Basics of ADHD" there.

I live in Bern with my partner, my two teenage sons and dog Dr. Oskar.

Memberships

• Federation of Swiss Psychologists (FSP)

• Association of Bernese Psychologists (VBP)

• Elpos

• World Federation of ADHD

• International Neuropsychological Society (INS)

Dr. Oskar

As a small puppy in Sumiswald, I would never have dreamed that I would be working professionally so soon. At just 4 months old, I started working in a pediatrician's office as an entertainer and companion for children and parents. I am a Labrador and as such very playful. I love people! I like to greet patients in a very friendly and excited way. But I also sense when they don't like that or are a little scared. Then I immediately retreat to my basket. I now have a lot of experience with patients, which is why I was awarded an honorary doctorate.

I can say that some children are so keen to come to coaching and neurofeedback because of me. When Dr. Heinks talks to the parents, I make sure that the children don't get bored. During tests, I usually sleep in the basket - I'm not allowed to disturb them. However, I do snore a little sometimes.

Every working day is full of great experiences. I love my job!