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It’s Not About the Sex

Westside Therapist
121 episodes   Last Updated: Nov 29, 24
It’s Not About The Sex is a podcast based on the book by the same name. Psychotherapist Andrew Susskind examines issues such as shame, grief, narcissism, and codependency to demonstrate how people use out-of-control sexual behavior to cope with broken heartedness. Each podcast he interviews other therapists who work with clients dealing with addictive behaviors around troubled relationships.

Episodes

During this conversation Andrew and Sue take a deeper dive into Chapter Six Feeling the Feelings from The It’s Not About the Sex Workbook. Maybe it looks simple on the surface, but Andrew highlights the sustainable benefits of deeper emotional awareness and expression. With an emphasis on anger, hurt, fear and loneliness, we explore the feelings language that is often missed in childhood. Take a listen and see that it’s never too late to become more fluent in the world of emotions and deeper contact with others.   Music credit: Neil Freebern Freebernmusic.com
In this episode we welcome Katie Griffin, a nationally-recognized group consultant and leader in the field. She brings her passion and enthusiasm to other practitioners and believes firmly in the power of group to help individuals become more fully alive. In this candid and revealing conversation Katie takes a closer look at sexual identity development in sustainable recovery as a portal to deeper understanding of one’s aliveness. For more details, visit www.katiegriffinconsulting.com   Music credit: Neil Freebern Freebernmusic.com
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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 #ItsNotAbouttheSex #JoniLavick #JoniL #Attachment #ClinicalPsychologist #Psychologist #AttachmentTheory #Misconceptions #DIY #UserFriendly #Addictive #Episode111 #google #podbean #spotify #AndrewSusskind #WestsideTherapist
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