It’s Not About the Sex

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.
 
 

Emotional Sobriety – Susskind and Merlino

Andrew Susskind explores how Emotional Sobriety takes shape once an individual achieves Sexual Sobriety.  He describes Emotional Sobriety as a regulated state when you feel most comfortable in your skin. When someone is emotionally sober, they won't need the compulsive, addictive behavior to feel better.  Therefore, emotional sobriety reduces the vulnerability to relapse.

It’s Not About the Sex – Susskind and Merlino

Andrew Susskind discusses his latest book It’s Not About the Sex: Moving from Isolation to Intimacy after Sexual Addiction. As a psychotherapist and author who’s been in twelve-step recovery for more than twenty-five years, Andrew has witnessed hundreds of people struggle with out of control sexual behavior. And there’s one thing Andrew emphasizes: Sex addiction is not about the sex; it’s about deep-rooted challenges with intimacy and broken heartedness.

Chemsex - David Fawcett, Ph.D.

Dr. David Fawcett explores the phenomena of “chemsex” as we take a look at the intersection of gay men, drug use and high-risk sexual behavior.  In this episode we focus on a new wave of dangerous out of control sexual behavior leaving individuals at risk for severe consequences. He is the author of Lust, Men, and Meth: A Gay Man’s Guide to Sex and Recovery.

Troubled Couples - Leslie Quinn, LMFT

Effective listening is one of the fundamental keys to intimacy.  Taking responsibility for your reactions and not blaming your partner is part of healing ruptures.  Infidelity within a relationship can be an opportunity for learning and healing if both partners remain open to learning about themselves. Learning to be patient and compassionate for the partner who has been betrayed is necessary.