It’s Not About the Sex

It’s Not About the Sex

Author: Westside Therapist Language: English Episodes: 100
Hosted by psychotherapist Andrew Susskind of Westside Therapist, It’s Not About the Sex explores the deeper emotional landscapes that often drive compulsive behaviors. While the title might suggest one topic, the conversations consistently move beneath the surface to examine core human experiences like shame, unresolved grief, and codependency. This podcast, an extension of Andrew's book, provides a thoughtful space where listeners can understand how out-of-control actions are frequently misguided attempts to mend a sense of broken-heartedness. Each episode breaks down complex psychological concepts into relatable discussions, making the journey toward self-improvement feel more accessible and less isolating. By framing issues of sexuality and relationships within the context of mental health and emotional fitness, the show offers a unique perspective on personal growth. You'll hear honest explorations of how patterns of narcissism and emotional dependency shape our lives, alongside practical insights for fostering healthier connections with oneself and others. Tuning in provides more than just information; it’s an invitation to reflect on the underlying narratives that influence daily choices, all from a place of professional expertise and genuine compassion. This is a podcast dedicated to the idea that healing begins when we look past the symptom to address the root cause.
Episodes
Holiday Tips - Susskind & Merlino [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:33
Andrew and Sue offer an abundance of tips to help navigate the 2023- 2024 holidays and beyond. Borrowed from Andrew’s new book, The It’s Not About the Sex Workbook (Routledge Press, February 2023), these tips are part of…
Porn Literacy - Diane Gleim, LMFT [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:02
Porn has inadvertently become a form of sex education in our culture, but it’s actually entertainment. Diane Gleim is a psychotherapist as well as a certified sex therapist who brings her seasoned perspective and wisdom…
Guided Breathing Meditation - Susskind [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 4:12
How often do we forget to simply breathe? Listen to this guided meditation as an opportunity to take stock of your breath non-judgmentally and with curiosity. In this brief exercise you will build body and breath awarene…
Navigating Depression - Susskind & Merlino [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:06
In this episode Andrew and Sue examine the differences between clinical depression, seasonal mood changes and generalized sadness. Depression sometimes shows up side-by-side with sexual compulsivity, but how do you know…
Becoming an Executive Coach - Klifton Fehr, LMHC [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:24
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 directio…
Five Years Later - Susskind & Merlino [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:54
Andrew and Sue take a look at the past five years since the original book It’s Not About the Sex was born. In this episode Andrew reveals the big news about his companion workbook to be released in the Spring of 2024 (Ro…
Happy, Silly, Wise - Claudia Lewis, LMFT [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:06
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 eno…
Guided Meditation for Working with Difficulties - Susskind [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:08
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) at UCLA, this mindfulness exercise al…
Moving from Suffering to Savoring with Carlos Canales, Psy.D. [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:00
As a bilingual, bicultural clinician, Dr. Carlos Canales comes to us from Des Moines, Iowa with an open heart and a clinical wisdom that transcends traditional recovery. In this stimulating conversation, he discusses the…