Grounding Exercise

Grounding Exercise

Author: Westside Therapist May 21, 2021 Duration: 3:15

Many people find it challenging to start a meditation practice. In this “mini-meditation” Andrew will lead you through a brief Grounding exercise that takes less than 5 minutes of your time. Give it a try and see what happens.


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.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

It’s Not About the Sex
Podcast Episodes
Window of Resilience - Susskind & Merlino [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:57
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…
The Role of Community in Recovery - Nate Larkin, M.Div [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:32
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-…
Receiving Love - Susskind and Merlino [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:57
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 pro…
Core Roots & Sustainable Healing - Mariya Javed-Payne, LCSW [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:27
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 act…
The Mystery of Men’s Group - Susskind & Merlino [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:29
Susskind and Merlino explore the sacred nature of men’s therapy groups and the lasting benefits such as shame resilience, self-compassion, empathy and emotional risk-taking just to name a few. Listen to this episode and…
Practical Psychotherapist - Joni Lavick, LMFT [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:13
Practical Psychotherapist Joni Lavick, LMFT joins us today on the podcast as we discuss Assets-based Therapy and The Elusive Nature of Feeling Good About Yourself. In this episode, Joni walks us through the correlation b…
Mission: Joy-Finding Happiness in Troubled Times - Susskind & Merlino [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:27
The Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu visited together for five days in 2015 resulting in a book and a documentary developed from their conversations of inspiration and wisdom. Andrew and Sue discuss the profound nature of the…
Vision Exercise - Susskind [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:25
Andrew leads you through a personal favorite, a Visioning exercise adapted from Jack Canfield’s book The Success Principles. It’s not about getting caught in the “supposed to’s” or what others think is best for you. Inst…
Visioning - Susskind & Merlino [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:18
In this New Year’s episode Andrew and Sue discuss the Visioning exercise originally developed by Jack Canfield. Playing with the possibilities, asking yourself what you truly want and desire and giving yourself the freed…
Beyond Anti-Depressants: TMS as an Alternative - Dr. Martha Koo [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:33
Today we welcome Dr. Martha Koo, Board Certified in Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine, who describes the treatment of depression with Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). Dr. Koo shares the history and current usage…