It’s Not About the Sex

Westside Therapist
  • 5.0 (16)
  • SELF-IMPROVEMENT

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.

  1. FEB 12

    Guided Meditation: Mindful Self-Compassion

    Learn to meet your struggles with kindness through this gentle meditation developed by Chris Germer and Kristin Neff. This practice guides you through working with a moderately stressful situation in your life, whether it's a health concern, relationship difficulty, or work pressure, using the three pillars of self-compassion: mindfulness, common humanity, and self-kindness.

    6 min

  2. FEB 12

    Guided Meditation: Encountering Your Grief

    A tender, contemplative meditation adapted from Joan Halifax's work that gently guides you through the difficult terrain of loss and sorrow. This practice invites you to sit with your grief compassionately, using reflective phrases to open to pain, find inner resources, and practice self-forgiveness for things left undone or unmet needs. Rather than avoiding or rushing through grief, this meditation encourages you to be present with your sadness while remembering that you are not your sadness. The practice concludes with an invitation to be open with others, receive support, and recognize grief as a profoundly humanizing experience that can bring greater depth to our lives. Whether you're processing a recent loss, anticipating one, or simply want to develop a healthier relationship with grief, this meditation offers a safe space for self-compassion and healing.

    5 min

  3. 05/20/2025

    Guided Meditation on Grief

    We all experience loss in one form or another throughout life. In this mindfulness meditation we will focus on grief and loss as opportunities to live with loss rather than “getting over it.” Check it out and see how grief can be your teacher.

    5 min

  4. 05/02/2025

    Gratitude & Goodbye - Susskind & Merlino

    After 6 years, 128 episodes and 60 guests, the podcast is winding down. It’s a bittersweet moment to say goodbye and to express gratitude to everyone involved in this collaborative experience. Although the podcast is ending, it will be available indefinitely on most platforms as well as www.westsidetherapist.com. Andrew and Sue thank all of you from the bottom of their hearts, and don’t forget, to stay connected.   Thank you Neil for the tunes! Music credit: Neil Freebern Freebernmusic.com

    16 min

  5. 04/18/2025

    Revitalizing Sexual Health - Susskind & Merlino

    In Chapter 10 of Andrew’s workbook he investigates sexual health through a non- pathologizing, destigmatizing lens. Themes include: defining sexual health, reviving pleasure and fantasy as an ally. This candid conversation takes a look at the intersection of 12 step recovery and sexual health as we open up a larger dialogue to exploring your authentic sexual self. Give yourself a few minutes to listen to this heart-centered and liberating exploration. Music credit: Neil Freebern Freebernmusic.com

    27 min

  6. 04/04/2025

    Coaching & Clarity: The Power of Clear Pathways - Sue Merlino, CADC

    In this episode we turn the tables on our podcast producer, Sue Merlino to discuss her services called Clear Pathways. With a combination of coaching and organizing one’s physical space, Sue describes the valuable benefits to all of us, including those struggling with addiction or emotional challenges. In addition to walking clients through organizational skills, Sue also provides time management and mindset coaching as well as being a guide toward self-reflection. For more details, contact Sue at www.yourclearpathways.com or merlinosusanc@gmail.com   Music credit: Neil Freebern Freebernmusic.com

    25 min

  7. 03/21/2025

    Receiving Love - Susskind & Merlino

    If you scratch the surface of compulsive sexual behavior, you’ll find intimacy avoidance. In this powerful episode, Susskind and Merlino look through the lens of attachment as they discuss the challenges and opportunities related to truly receiving love in recovery. With a focus on avoidant and anxious attachment styles they discuss the often-misunderstood term love addiction as well as the possibility of utilizing obsessive thinking to reveal deeper parts of self. By establishing emotionally reliable relationships and receiving love, the ruptures of the past will heal over time. Music credit: Neil Freebern Freebernmusic.com

    25 min

  8. 02/28/2025

    The Necessity of Shame - Stefanie Klein, LCSW

    In this podcast we welcome Stefanie Klein, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, NARM Master Therapist, Somatic Experiencing Practitioner and Consultant based in Los Angeles who shares a refreshing take on shame through the lens of the Neuro-Affective Relational Model (NARM). You will learn about shame as a verb rather than an emotion and how it functions as an adaptive process. Because shame is universal to all human beings, it can be part of a reparative and valuable key to long-term recovery.   Music credit: Neil Freebern Freebernmusic.com

    37 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
16 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Westside Therapist
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2021 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    It’s Not About the Sex