It’s Not About the Sex

Meaning, Purpose and Legacy – Susskind and Merlino

Andrew Susskind and Sue Merlino explore the significance of finding purpose and meaning in long-term recovery. They discuss how spirituality can be defined as “whatever gives your life meaning” and take a look at legacy.

Robert Weiss, PhD, MSW Prodependence

Andrew and Dr. Rob discuss his recent groundbreaking book, Prodependence. It is intended to improve the ways we treat loved ones of addicts and other troubled people, offering them more dignity for their suffering than blame for the problem.  Prodependence chooses to celebrate and value a caregiving loved one’s willingness to support and stay connected with an addicted family member, while promoting healing for the entire family.

Codependency and Boundaries - Susskind and Merlino

Andrew Susskind and Sue Merlino discuss how codependency and blurry boundaries can hinder long-term recovery from out-of-control sexual behavior if not fully addressed and processed. They explore these sometimes misunderstood themes from a fresh, new perspective and offer practical strategies to fine-tune them.

Somatic Experiencing - Blair Smith, LMFT, SEP

Psychotherapists, Andrew Susskind and Blair Smith discuss Somatic Experiencing and how you can regulate and self-regulate your nervous system.  In this episode, Blair walks us through a few valuable regulation strategies that you can practice at home.

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.