It’s Not About the Sex

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.

Is 12-Step the only Option? - Susskind and Merlino

In this Episode Andrew and friend Sue Merlino discuss the many paths of recovery. Andrew shares a conversation that he had recently with someone who choose not to do the 12-Step program for Sex Addicts and instead took a more organic route.  Andrew and Sue discuss the aspects of 12-Step programs and why it is a good plan of recovery for some and how it may not be for everyone.  They also discuss the roles of responsibility, community and having the support system in place for success.

Shame Resiliency – Susskind and Merlino

Today we have a conversation about shame resiliency and sex addiction. Andrew shares tools and strategies that can help build resiliency toward healing.  We discuss ways to identify shame and guilt as emotions that are part of being human. He discusses how self awareness, self-compassion and group therapy can all be effective tools to build more capacity for shame resiliency.
Brene Brown, The Power Of Vulnerability, Ted Talk
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EMDR Therapy - Claudia Lewis, LMFT

In this episode, Claudia Lewis and Andrew discuss how EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) helps individuals with trauma and compulsive sexual behavior. Claudia takes us through the EMDR process and discusses in user-friendly terms how the brain functions and heals from different types of trauma.

The Gratitude of Loss - Susskind and Merlino

The Gratitude of Loss is the title of the 2nd chapter in Andrews' book, "It's Not About the Sex". He discusses that grief and loss are things that nobody talks about and how grief is almost taboo in our society. Grief can be a more comprehensive way of moving towards healing. He explains that the process of breaking up with your addiction is really like saying goodbye to it. The gratitude of loss is another way to experience a more dimensional self.

Sex Coaching - Dr. Patti Britton

Andrew interviews World-Renowned Sex Coach, Dr. Patti Britton. In this podcast, Andrew and Dr. Patti discuss what exactly is sex coaching and what are the differences between sex coaching and sex therapy.   They also discuss how important it is to help guide and facilitate clients to set goals and how to work with them in achieving their goals. Dr. Patti gives us some highlights of her Sex Coaching University online training and certification course.