It’s Not About the Sex

Regulating the Nervous System - Susskind & Merlino

Andrew and Sue discuss Chapter Five, Regulating the Nervous System from Andrew’s recent workbook. Beginning with a memoir snapshot and ending with practical strategies and action steps, they explore the following themes: following the rhythm within, identifying regulation and dysregulation, utilizing the Window of Resilience, and naming attachment styles and how they correlate with nervous system regulation. Check out these user-friendly ways to get to know your nervous system as part of sustainable recovery.
 
Music credit: Neil Freebern Freebernmusic.com

Problematic Sexualized Drug Use - Dr. David Fawcett

In this episode we welcome Dr. David Fawcett, a clinical social worker, sex therapist and two-time author specializing in chemsex and problematic sexualized drug use. Often a misunderstood form of suffering, David disentangles the complexities of these intertwined behaviors. With effective clinical strategies and decades of experience, David helps us understand a path to recovery based on a clear, effective approach. Visit www.david-fawcett.com and check out his recent book Sex Under the Influence for more in-depth exploration.
 
Music credit: Neil Freebern Freebernmusic.com

Moving Beyond Narcissism - Susskind & Merlino

Today’s episode focuses on Chapter Four of Andrew’s workbook as we explore the healthier side of narcissism, other-centeredness, generosity of spirit as well as longing and belonging. Beneath narcissism is broken heartedness so tune in to understand the deeper healing and trajectory from this complicated survival strategy.

From Vocal Coach to Recovery Coach - Arnold McCuller

In this episode we welcome Arnold McCuller, interventionist and recovery coach based in Southern California. Learn about his extensive career working as a professional vocalist which has taken a later-in-life shift toward interventions for those in the entertainment industry and beyond. Arnold can be reached at www.arnoldmcculler.com.
 
Music credit: Neil Freebern Freebernmusic.com

Psychodrama 101: It’s All About the Warm Up - Jean Campbell

Today we welcome Jean Campbell, the CEO of Action Institute of California to talk with us about psychodrama, sociometry, resourcing, and Somatic Experiencing—all in the context of compulsive sexual behavior, addictions in general as well as trauma. With 30 years of expertise, Jean brings together groups of people to heal from their broken-heartedness. She can be reached at www.theactioninstitute.com or actioninstitute@mac.com.
 
Music credit: Neil Freebern Freebernmusic.com

Turning Down the Volume on Shame - Susskind & Merlino

In this episode we examine Chapter Three of Andrew’s workbook as we encourage curiosity and non-judgment about shame. Although shame never goes away entirely, you can respond to it differently. In this discussion we explore the following: building shame resiliency, taming the inner critic and practicing mindful self-compassion. Tune in to see how shame can be normalized and diminished in your life and recovery.
 
Music credit: Neil Freebern Freebernmusic.com

Attachment Assessment DIY - Joni Lavick, LMFT

On today’s episode we warmly welcome back clinical psychologist Joni Lavick, who is a seasoned expert on attachment theory and its applications. In this informative conversation we cover the following: the history of attachment theory, misconceptions, how to understand your own patterns, and the correlation between attachment strategies and addictive behaviors and more. Please tune in to this user-friendly approach to understanding attachment strategies.
 
Music credit: Neil Freebern Freebernmusic.com
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Living with Loss - Susskind & Merlino

Grief and loss is often overlooked or avoided in our society. Andrew and Sue take this opportunity to delve into this often-misunderstood topic of grief and loss and its implications on long-term recovery from sexual compulsivity. Andrew shares a “memoir snapshot” as well as specific practices to consider using toward living more peacefully and openheartedly with the inevitable losses that come with being human.
 
Music credit: Neil Freebern Freebernmusic.com

A Grief Memoir - Jen Davis, MA, CLC

In this intimate conversation, Jen Davis takes us on a journey that most of us avoid. From her own transformative experiences with grief, Jen shares the curiosity, the wonder and the ultimate path to living a fuller life. Through a lens of self-compassion, honesty and forgiveness we explore the limitless possibilities and challenges that go along with grief recovery. Co-collaborating with grief and the practice of sitting with uncomfortable emotions sets the stage for this very natural and eternal part of being human. Jen Davis can be reached at www.kindregardsjenny.com.
 
Music credit: Neil Freebern Freebernmusic.com

Emotional Resilience - Susskind & Merlino

Today’s episode featuring Andrew and Sue focuses on Emotional Resilience, the lead chapter of Andrew’s workbook. In the original book, the first chapter explored Emotional Sobriety, but the word resilience is more aligned with Andrew’s current focus on regulating the nervous system. This episode kicks off a monthly spotlight on each workbook chapter.
 
Music credit: Neil Freebern Freebernmusic.com