It’s Not About the Sex

Navigating Depression - Susskind & Merlino

In this episode Andrew and Sue examine the differences between clinical depression, seasonalmood changes and generalized sadness. Depression sometimes shows up side-by-side withsexual compulsivity, but how do you know how to tackle these complicated issues? Listen tothe many ways that depression manifests and some practical tips you can try at home.

Becoming an Executive Coach - Klifton Fehr, LMHC

In this episode we welcome Klifton Fehr, a counselor based in South Florida who works extensively within the corporate sector as a coach and trainer. With a focus on inspirational influences, we explore the many directions mental health and group therapy has taken him through the years. Learn about the differences between counseling and coaching as well as the avenues he continues to develop. Visit www.fehrassociates.com for more details.

Five Years Later - Susskind & Merlino

Andrew and Sue take a look at the past five years since the original book It’s Not About theSex was born. In this episode Andrew reveals the big news about his companion workbookto be released in the Spring of 2024 (Routledge Press, New York City). We discuss theevolution of thinking that has accompanied this process as well as the many influences ofthis latest project. Listen to this lively retrospective discussion!

Happy, Silly, Wise - Claudia Lewis, LMFT

This episode features psychotherapist and spiritual seeker, Claudia Lewis, LMFT as we discuss her recent provocative book entitled Happy, Silly, Wise: Creating a Magical Life in Challenging Times. Themes such as “not enough-ness”, human being vs. human doing, letting go of seriousness and cultivating creativity are just some of the topics explored. Contact Claudia at www.claudialewistherapy.com.

Guided Meditation for Working with Difficulties - Susskind

In this meditation we focus on the possibility of holding both pleasant and unpleasant feelings/sensations simultaneously. Borrowed from the Mindful Awareness Research Center (MARC) atUCLA, this mindfulness exercise allows you to feel your capacity to hold whatever life has tooffer you. For more information and mindfulness resources, visit www.marc.ucla.edu.

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.