Alvin R. Sutker, Ph.D., In Memorium

Alvin Ramon Sutker, Ph.D.

1922 - 2007

Dr. Alvin R. Sutker, a clinical psychologist in private practice for over fifty years with offices throughout Greater Cleveland, died June 29 at the age of 85. Dr. Sutker was four times past president of the Cleveland Society of Clinical Hypnosis, a past member of the Cleveland Psychological Association Executive Board, Cleveland Academy of Consulting Psychologists President in 1972, and a member-for-life of the Council for the Advancement of the Psychological Professions and Sciences. During his career he prepared educational material for the American Heart Association of Northeast Ohio and won its Distinguished Service Award in 1982. The Cleveland Society of Clinical Hypnosis awarded him a Distinguished Service Award twice, and he was made a Fellow in 2000. The Ohio Psychological Association provided him an Award for Special Services, and he later became a Fellow of the association. He was an associate member of the International Society for Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis and was one of the first two-hundred psychologists certified to practice in the State of Ohio.

Dr. Sutker’s practice focused on the use of hypnotherapy, self-hypnosis, and bio-feedback to overcome phobias, achieve weight-loss, and cease smoking. The American Board of Disability Analysts certified him as a Senior Disability Analyst and Diplomate in 1996. He was a Certified and Approved Consultant in Clinical Hypnosis by the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis. He provided training courses in clinical hypnosis for the Cleveland Clinic Foundation. Eight colleagues achieved professional status under his supervision, guidance, and direction. He was considered a master of Brief Therapy, particularly for Post Traumatic Stress Disorders. He appeared several times as a guest on the WEWS Morning Exchange. The ETI Technical College in Cleveland, Ohio named him to the Advisory Board in 1985.

Born in Savannah, Georgia, his family moved to Cleveland following the death of his father and a brief period in Lansing, Michigan. He helped in the family bakery during the Depression and then entered Western Reserve College at the age of 16. He achieved the rank of Technical Sergeant in the U.S. Army following graduation, serving between 1943 and 1946. In 1955 he married the opera singer and soloist Phyllis Braun and supported the Choral Arts Performing Society as a founder and member of the Board of Trustees, where she was a featured soloist. He participated in bowling leagues, enjoyed golf, was an avid reader, and amateur photographer.

Dr. Sutker was widowed in 1992. He was pre-deceased by his brothers Elliott and Richard, and by his sister Rita Sulzer of Florida. He is survived by his daughters Sharon Cohen, M.Ed., and Eileen Sutker, Ph.D., J.D.; and his grandchildren Nancy Cohen and twins Phillip and Richard Cohen. Contributions are suggested to the American Heart Association of Northeast Ohio.

Copyright 2007 Harlan R. Cohen MBA,CPIM and Eileen Sutker, Ph.D., J.D.
This tribute may be distributed freely with appropriate attribution.