It’s Not About the Sex

Examining the Five Love Languages

Another Valentine’s Day, another opportunity to re-visit our blueprints of giving and receiving love. In this intimate conversation, Andrew and Sue examine their love languages derived from the bestselling book, The Five Love Languages. Take the brief quiz at www.5lovelanguages.com which reveals how you feel most loved and desired. Keep in mind that these languages not only apply to romantic partners but can be relevant to all your relationships.  

Gratitude Guided Imagery

Nowadays you hear more and more about gratitude, but how do you integrate it into your daily life? In this episode Andrew leads you through a 5-minute guided imagery focusing on appreciation of life, yourself and loved ones. This may be a valuable reminder or possibly a kickstart for a gratitude practice.

The Eating Disorder Trap - Robyn Goldberg, RDN

Today we welcome Robyn Goldberg, RDN, CEDRD-S, registered dietician and author who helps us understand eating disorders and disordered eating in a friendly, easy-to-digest manner. With more than two decades of experience, Robyn brings a rare depth of experience as she discusses the profound suffering sometimes associated with food, body image and intimacy issues. Robyn can be reached on her websites at www.askaboutfood.com and www.theeatingdisordertrap.com or by phone at (310) 273-0413.

Lonely for the Holidays - Susskind and Merlino

Loneliness is everywhere. It’s a form of invisible suffering that is a universal part of being human. It’s also a trigger toward compulsive sex and possibly the fantasy to be rescued. We’re all lonely at one time or another, but how we respond to the loneliness is the key. Responding with acceptance, understanding and compassion will ease the pain inside. Cultivate emotionally-dependable connections and you will feel more soothing whenever you can use a shoulder to lean on. 
Kk5lbivCTFFmnCwD3BVw

Guest Podcast: Healing Early Trauma Through Somatic Experiencing and Brainspotting with Andrew Susskind

Today, Duane talks with Andrew Susskind about his book, It's Not About the Sex: Moving from Isolation to Intimacy after Sexual Addiction. They go into depth about attachment, emotional regulation, the need for reliable people to heal your traumatic wounds, and how we can do that when we're in recovery and still struggling with internal chaos.

Intimacy Avoidance - Susskind and Merlino

Scratch the surface of compulsive sexual behavior and you’ll find intimacy avoidance. Andrew and Sue take a closer look at what is often referred to as love avoidance (aka avoidant attachment pattern) which acts as a survival strategy but eventually outlasts its purpose. Tune in to discover how this attachment style may apply to you.

Porn Brain Rewire - Dr. Trish Leigh and Andrew Susskind

Porn Brain Reboot podcast: Andrew is a featured guest as Dr. Trish Leigh focuses this interview on his book It’s Not About the Sex with a special emphasis on the chapters related to shame, grief, narcissism and codependency.

The Curious Voyage - Cynthia Schwartzberg, LCSW

In this podcast we welcome Cynthia Schwartzberg who is a licensed clinical social worker and Brainspotting trainer based in Atlanta. She is the author of The Curious Voyage: A Rule-Breaking Guidebook to Authenticity which provides powerful exercises and insights that will strengthen your connection both to your truest self and to others. www.cynthasis.com or (917) 816-3534. 

The Opposite of Addiction - Susskind and Merlino

Based on Johann Hari’s Ted Talk, Andrew and Sue explore the premise that “The opposite of addiction isn’t sobriety. The opposite of addiction is connection.” Andrew believes that emotional sobriety and nervous system regulation are pillars of connection and sustainable recovery. Listen to this episode as you put together the triad of connection for yourself: connection to self, connection to others and connection to a higher power. 

Sex, Money and Power - Debra Kaplan, MBA, CMAT, CSAT-S

Today’s podcast features psychotherapist and certified sex addiction therapist, Debra Kaplan who passionately discusses her work with couples on issues of “relational currency”, sexual and financial health and imbalances of power. Her recent book “Battle of the Titans: Mastering the Forces of Sex, Money and Power in Relationships” provides a basis for a lively exploration of how these elements make or break relationships.  Debra can be reached at www.debrakaplancounseling.com or info@debrakaplancounseling.com.  Be sure to follow or subscribe to the podcast and you can get a copy of Andrew's book, "It's Not About the Sex" here.