It’s Not About the Sex

Moving from Suffering to Savoring with Carlos Canales, Psy.D.

As a bilingual, bicultural clinician, Dr. Carlos Canales comes to us from DesMoines, Iowa with an open heart and a clinical wisdom that transcends traditionalrecovery. In this stimulating conversation, he discusses the “many necessaryrecoveries” every person needs to engage in for well-being. With an emphasis onthe vulnerability and courage it takes to seek growth in recovery, Dr. Canalesoffers a broader perspective on the lifelong nature of the recovery process.

Window of Resilience - Susskind & Merlino

In this episode Andrew and Sue explore the Window of Resilience, originally
coined by Dr. Dan Siegel as the Window of Tolerance. Building somatic awareness
is part of long-term, sustainable recovery, and this descriptive diagram illuminates
the contrast between regulation and dysregulation. Learn simple strategies to
move toward resilience and embodiment including conscious breathing,
grounding, orienting, and connecting.
#dysregulation

The Role of Community in Recovery - Nate Larkin, M.Div

In this episode we welcome Nate Larkin, founder of a mutual aid society for Christian Men called the Samson Society and co-host of two podcasts, The Pirate Monk and the Positive Sobriety Podcast. Nate brings his salt-of-the-earth approach to 12 step recovery as we discuss the movement from isolation, loneliness, and resistance to humility, intimacy and deeper connection. Don’t miss this open-hearted look at recovery from compulsive sexual behavior and beyond. Learn more at www.samsonsociety.org.

Receiving Love - Susskind and Merlino

Andrew returned from his annual pilgrimage to the American Group Psychotherapy Association (AGPA) conference feeling well-fed and fortified with the love around him. AGPA has become a staple of love for both Andrew’s professional and personal life so tune in to learn more about how “receiving love” is a necessary component of long-term sustainable recovery. Andrew and Sue explore the ways love is all around us and the barriers we sometimes put up against it.

Core Roots & Sustainable Healing - Mariya Javed-Payne, LCSW

In this episode Mariya Javed-Payne, LICSW visits with us from her program located in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. Not only does she share valuable and comprehensive information about healing from ritualized self-soothing activities but she also embodies a  heart-centered, relationship-focused approach.  Mariya is a Brainspotting trainer as well as owner of Awaken Consulting Services and co-owner of Institute for Integrative Therapies. Don’t miss this refreshing, hopeful, cutting-edge conversation.

The Mystery of Men’s Group - Susskind & Merlino

Susskind and Merlino explore the sacred nature of men’s therapy groups and the lasting benefits such as shame resilience, self-compassion, empathy and emotional risk-taking just to name a few. Listen to this episode and learn how men’s groups can be a catalyst for sustainable healing from both addiction and trauma recovery.

Practical Psychotherapist - Joni Lavick, LMFT

Practical Psychotherapist Joni Lavick, LMFT joins us today on the podcast as we discuss Assets-based Therapy and The Elusive Nature of Feeling Good About Yourself. In this episode, Joni walks us through the correlation between Attachment and Addictions and also illuminates what she calls assets-based therapy. Tune in to this refreshing, positive conversation regarding sustainable addiction recovery.

Mission: Joy-Finding Happiness in Troubled Times - Susskind & Merlino

The Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu visited together for five days in 2015 resulting in a book and a documentary developed from their conversations of inspiration and wisdom. Andrew and Sue discuss the profound nature of their brief visit and the depth of their spiritual leadership. In this episode we try to capture just a little bit of the joy and compassion that were exuded in this extraordinary film.

Vision Exercise - Susskind

Andrew leads you through a personal favorite, a Visioning exercise adapted from Jack Canfield’s book The Success Principles. It’s not about getting caught in the “supposed to’s” or what others think is best for you. Instead, it’s an opportunity for soul-searching and expansiveness as you consider the limitless possibilities ahead of you. As you listen to this guided visioning exercise, you’ll create a space to identify what you truly want and desire.
 
If you would like a copy of this exercise please send Andrew and email at: andrew@westsidetherapist.com

Visioning - Susskind & Merlino

In this New Year’s episode Andrew and Sue discuss the Visioning exercise originally developed by Jack Canfield. Playing with the possibilities, asking yourself what you truly want and desire and giving yourself the freedom to unlock your twelve-month vision. Often utilized by coaches, visioning allow you to take a closer look at where you are and where you want to be in the future. Join this energizing discussion and begin to envision your trajectory. For more information about Jack Canfield's exercise email Andrew for more information: andrew@westsidetherapist.com