It’s Not About the Sex

Breaking Down The Walls - Susskind and Merlino

Andrew Susskind and Sue Merlino discuss Chapter 9 of Andrew's Book, It's Not About The Sex.  Andrew discusses the differences between authentic intimacy and pseudo-intimacy, and how breaking down the walls that are built from within will begin to heal relationships in long-term recovery.

Childhood Trauma - Jan Bergstrom, LMHC

Andrew Susskind and Jan Bergstrom discuss topics from Jan's book: Gifts from a Challenging Childhood: Creating a Practice for Becoming Your Healthiest Self.  The discussion revolves around Jan's description of her 5 core practices for healthy living, and how to heal from childhood trauma and speak your truth.

Sexual Healing - Susskind and Merlino

Andrew Susskind and Sue Merlino discuss the WHO (World Health Organization) description of Sexual Health. The definition includes the well-being principles that are also found when discussing mental and physical health. Andrew and Sue explore how those in recovery can enjoy an addiction-free and healthy sex life full of pleasure.  Be sure to listen, share and rate this podcast.  For more information on Andrew's book, It's Not About the Sex please go to this Amazon link and you can see more about Andrew on his website here.
 
It's Not About the Sex: https://www.amazon.com/Its-Not-About-Sex-Isolation/dp/1949481069
Westside Therapists: https://westsidetherapist.com/
  

Couples Healing - Carol Juergensen Sheets, LCSW, CSAT

Andrew Susskind and Carol Juergensen Sheets talk about Carol's approach to couples healing around sex addiction.  
https://www.sexhelpwithcarolthecoach.com/home.html

Cultivating Contentment – Susskind and Merlino

Andrew Susskind and Sue Merlino discuss Chapter 7 of It’s Not About the Sex. Andrew believes that the concept of contentment is not always fully examined. Positive Psychology brings this topic to the forefront, and we look at ways to cultivate it in one’s daily life.  Some of the strategies discussed include: identifying moments of gratitude, setting contentment goals and staying accountable to a satisfying and sustainable recovery.

Formal Disclosure - Marty Simpson, LMFT, CSAT

Marty Simpson joins Andrew Susskind to talk about Formal Disclosure.  This is an option given to couples who are experiencing sexual infidelities in their relationship.  Marty walks us through this method and shares some of her specific techniques when she facilitates a formal disclosure.

Regulating the Nervous System – Susskind and Merlino

Chapter 6 from Andrew’s book is entitled Regulating the Nervous System. Andrew and Sue Merlino discuss the differences between Talk Therapy and Somatic Therapies. They also describe what happens in our brain and our bodies when we experience triggers and how we can become more aware of the reactions that show up in our bodies. What we do with this awareness is a key to establishing a brand-new path for recovery and trauma healing.

The Rhythm Within - Susskind and Merlino

In this episode Andrew and friend, Sue Merlino discuss Chapter 5 of It’s Not About the Sex. They highlight ways of slowing down in order to listen to what’s going on inside of you and how to create sacred space for this self-exploration. Andrew offers his own insights and experience as well as time-tested methods such as meditation to carve out a daily practice in your recovery.

Group Therapy - Nancy Sobel, Psy.D

Dr. Nancy Sobel joins Andrew for a discussion about sexual compulsivity and group therapy. Dr. Sobel talks about how she conceptualizes groups and provides quality support for members in her groups. Today’s conversation provides an intimate look at how groups for those in sexual addiction recovery often become a family of support.

Narcissism and Sex Addiction - Susskind and Merlino

Today Andrew and long-time friend Sue Merlino discuss narcissism - an often misunderstood topic that applies to all addicts and sex addicts in particular. Is narcissism an overused word? Is it a disease? Is there a way to change this disorder? Thanks for listening, be sure to rate and like us with 5 stars where ever you listen, and be sure to leave comments.