Dr. Susan Heitler PH.D.

Psychologist

4500 East 9th Avenue Suite 660 Denver Colorado, 80220 Show map

About
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About

Dr. Susan Heitler, a clinical psychologist practicing in Denver, Colorado, specializes in the treatment of emotional and relationship distress. Patients usually visit Dr. Heitler because they have been experiencing depression, anxiety, stress, anger or relationship difficulties. They may know of Dr. Heitler from the multiple self-help books that she has written, her TEDx talk on treating depression without pills, her marriage education program at poweroftwomarriage.com, or from her blog posts. Dr. Heitler's blog on psychologytoday.com has received over 14 million reads.

Education and Training

Harvard University BA 1967

New York University PhD 1968

Board Certification

Colorado

psychology

Provider Details

FemaleEnglish 57 years of experience

Dr. Susan Heitler PH.D.

Dr. Susan Heitler PH.D.'s Expert Contributions

My Answers

My sister had a car accident last month. What can we do to help her?
The best treatments for PTSD, in my opinion, are the newer so-called energy therapies. Check out Emotion Code and also Acupoint Tapping (Emotional Freedom Technique). If you can't find an Emotion Code practitioner in your area, no problem. A skilled practitioner can do it over the phone or by skype. As to the tapping, you or anyone can learn the technique via free videos on the web. READ MORE
Can depression lead to dementia?
People who suffer from depression are prone to show earlier signs of the kinds of dementia that often come with normal aging. However, sudden screaming and other relatively abrubt personality changes merit a thorough medical exam. These are not typical either of the gradual decreases in mental functioning that we call dementia or of depression. READ MORE
How long will it take for my wife to recover from postpartum depression?
The duration of postpartum depression can vary from hours to years. However there is lots you can do. First, arrange for her your wife to be able to get as much sleep as she needs. Have family members or friends come help out, and consider hiring a night nurse. Sleep is the single best antidote to postpartum depression. Giving birth and ending pregnancy induce major bodily and physiological stresses. Sleep enables the body and the psyche to recover, healing themselves. Second, check out the 3P's technique that I demonstrate in videos on my several websites (watchpsychotherapy and also prescriptionswithoutpills). I explain it also in my TEDx talk on lifting depression without pills. You can do the 3P's technique with your wife, or arrange for her do it with a psychotherapist. The technique addresses whatever triggered the depression. When you have found a solution to that dilemma, the postpartum depression generally lifts, provided that the woman is getting enough sleep as well. Lastly, if the depression still persists, explore getting a prescription for antidepressant medication from a physician. READ MORE
Why am I such an introvert?
This problem may best be treated via techniques called Emotion Code, Body Code, and Heartmath. Do a web search and consider giving these a try. These treatments are unorthodox but can be highly effective. And it's nice that if they are going to work, you'll know by how you feel after even just one first session. READ MORE
Can one start showing symptoms of ADHD as an adult?
ADHD has usually begins in childhood. They are part of the "temperatment" that folks are born with. At the same time, the symptoms often do not get recognized until problems in work and relationships lead to diagnosis. Occasionally however a head injury, illness, or trauma in adulthood can cause a personality change that looks like ADD or ADHD. If so, be sure to get the problem checked out and treated. READ MORE
Is bipolar disorder treatable?
The combination of medicines and therapy can massively impact how much bipolar disorder wreaks havoc in someone's life, or is a minor background factor that just has to be taken care of in a well-informed way. The key: aim for prevention of hyper-emotional episodes rather than either a total cure (unlikely) or just managing the symptoms. Learn factors that keep the episodes at bay, factors like for instance getting plenty of rest and solving problems rather than letting them fester. Learn also to recognize the earliest signs that an episode is beginning; responding early on makes treatment most effective. READ MORE
My husband gets very violent sometimes. What should I do?
Yes. Your husband's anger definitely merits a thorough psychological workup and treatment. The best though may be for the two of you to go together to a couples therapist. That way you can learn what you can do differently as well as what he needs to change. When you work together as a team, the odds zoom up that the anger will become a thing of the past. READ MORE
How can I get my son to not be scared of the dark?
Contact an energy therapist. Someone who does techniques such as Emotion Code. Or who treats allergies with other energy therapy techniques. You can think of your son's fears either as a form of ptsd, or as an allergy to the dark. Shop around. If there's no energy therapist in your area, many work via phone or skype so you can find one anywhere. READ MORE
Is there a link between loss of appetite and depression?
Yes, loss of appetite can be a sign of depression. Interestingly, excessive appetite and therefore weight gain also can signify depression. The question then is what to do next. Best is to find out what has triggered the depression. What does your father feel discouraged about? Is there a way to help him get what he is depressed about not getting? Medication for depression may help as well. At the same time, loss of appetite also can stem from medical problems. Be sure to evaluate them as well. For more information on helping someone with depression, see my youtube TEDx talk on lifting depression and my book, Prescriptions Without Pills: For Relief From Depression, Anger, Anxiety and More. Susan Heitler, PhD READ MORE
Do therapists lead therapy sessions or do I?
Effective therapists generally ask you, at the outset of each session, what you want to work on. The therapist then hopefully knows what questions to ask you and interventions to offer to help you to feel better about that issue. READ MORE
Can I go to a psychiatrist instead of a psychologist?
Psychiatrists prescribe medicine. Many, maybe even most, also do psychotherapy. Psychologists only offer psychotherapy interventions. If you want to stay clear of medications, starting with a psychologist can be a good idea. For a core understanding of the main emotional difficulties (depression, anger, anxiety, addictions) and what you and/or a therapist can do to relieve them, you might want to check out my website and book called Prescriptions Without Pills http://prescriptionswithoutpills.com. READ MORE