Holiday Tips - Susskind & Merlino

Holiday Tips - Susskind & Merlino

Author: Westside Therapist December 22, 2023 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 the practices outlined at the end of his workbook. Take a listen and try out a few tips that resonate for you.


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
Guided Meditation: Mindful Self-Compassion [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:07
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 i…
Guided Meditation: Encountering Your Grief [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 5:22
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 reflect…
Guided Meditation on Grief [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 5:26
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 gri…
Gratitude & Goodbye - Susskind & Merlino [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:33
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 end…
Revitalizing Sexual Health - Susskind & Merlino [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:51
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 conversati…
Coaching & Clarity: The Power of Clear Pathways - Sue Merlino, CADC [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:11
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 benefi…
Receiving Love - Susskind & Merlino [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:36
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 opportunitie…
The Necessity of Shame - Stefanie Klein, LCSW [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:38
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…
Restoring Purpose - Susskind and Merlino [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:03
Following the subjects from Chapter 8 in The It’s Not About the Sex Workbook, Andrew and Sue explore themes of long-term recovery including purpose, spirituality and legacy—all in the context of Positive Psychology and d…
Redefining Recovery Through Connection and Purpose - Tim Harrington [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:15
Tim Harrington, founder of Family Coaching Services joins the podcast as he addresses the following topics: building a meaningful life post-recovery, especially by emphasizing healthy relationships, self-discovery and al…