Best Westside Therapist Podcasts (2024)

1
Psychodrama 101: It’s All About the Warm Up - Jean Campbell 39:15

26d ago39:15

39:15

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-heartedne…

1
Turning Down the Volume on Shame - Susskind & Merlino 22:20

2M ago22:20

22:20

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 s…

1
Attachment Assessment DIY - Joni Lavick, LMFT 34:35

2M ago34:35

34:35

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 addicti…

1
Living with Loss - Susskind & Merlino 18:22

3M ago18:22

18:22

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 ope…

1
A Grief Memoir - Jen Davis, MA, CLC 36:51

3M ago36:51

36:51

In this intimate conversation, Jen Davis takes us on a journey that most of us avoid. From her own transformative experiences with grief, Jen shares the curiosity, the wonder and the ultimate path to living a fuller life. Through a lens of self-compassion, honesty and forgiveness we explore the limitless possibilities and challenges that go along w…

1
Emotional Resilience - Susskind & Merlino 31:05

4M ago31:05

31:05

Today’s episode featuring Andrew and Sue focuses on Emotional Resilience, the lead chapter of Andrew’s workbook. In the original book, the first chapter explored Emotional Sobriety, but the word resilience is more aligned with Andrew’s current focus on regulating the nervous system. This episode kicks off a monthly spotlight on each workbook chapte…

1
Sexual Recovery: From a Nightmare to a Love Story - Steven Wolt 32:01

4M ago32:01

32:01

Today’s episode is Sexual Recovery: From a Nightmare to a Love Story. We welcome Steve Wolt, founder of Valor Recovery, a peer-based recovery coaching and support system to help men overcome porn abuse, sexual compulsivity and intimacy challenges. By discussing the promises of sexual recovery, Steve offers hope and inspiration to his clients and ou…

1
Virtual Book Launch Celebration - Susskind and Merlino 18:53

5M ago18:53

18:53

Andrew’s latest release The It’s Not About the Sex Workbook: Moving from Isolation to Intimacy after Sexual Compulsivity (Routledge Press, 2024) is now available for purchase on Amazon, and he and Sue wanted to take this opportunity to explore Andrew’s journey with his three books from 2004 to 2024. Andrew shares the opportunities and challenges th…

1
Lovingkindness Meditation - Susskind 9:18

6M ago9:18

9:18

At this time of unrest in the world, it’s even more important to focus our attention on lovingkindness toward self and others. Adapted from a meditation developed by the Mindfulness Awareness Research Center (MARC) at UCLA, this timely exercise provides an opportunity to carve out some time to cultivate the love and kindness within.…

1
The Over-Controlled Temperament - Dr. Tom Murray 36:58

6M ago36:58

36:58

We welcome Dr. Tom Murray, author of Making Nice with Naughty which explores the intricate dynamics of self-control and its impact on sexual and intimate relationships. During this provocative conversation, issues related to the over-controlled temperament, monogamy and the wanting vs. willing dynamic in sexual relationships are explored fully. Tun…

1
Visioning 2024 - Susskind 5:22

7M ago5:22

5:22

Adapted from Jack Canfield’s book The Success Principles, this visioning exercise gives you an opportunity to envision the coming year without limiting yourself. By examining the seven areas he developed, this will invite you to open the aperture to the limitless possibilities ahead of you. It’s not that anything has to happen, but simply what coul…

1
Consensual Non-Monogamy - Mellissa McCracken, CADC, CSAT-C 37:15

7M ago37:15

37:15

Mellissa McCracken is a trauma informed substance abuse counselor working in an acute treatment setting in Los Angeles. In this episode we explore consensual non-monogamy, polyamory, and open relationships all in the context of sexual recovery and more. Mellissa brings her expertise and wisdom within the LGBTQI+ community into this valuable convers…

1
Holiday Tips - Susskind & Merlino 21:33

8M ago21:33

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.…

1
Porn Literacy - Diane Gleim, LMFT 32:02

8M ago32:02

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 to this often-misunderstood topic. In this conversation she helps us explore the ambiguity of porn, the suspension of disbelief, m…

1
Guided Breathing Meditation - Susskind 4:12

9M ago4:12

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 awareness and see where this moment of relaxation may take you. This exercise has been modified from a meditation originally developed by…

1
Understanding Motivation for Change - Michael Vigorito, LMFT, CGP, CST-S 38:55

9M ago38:55

38:55

In this episode we welcome psychotherapist, sex therapist, author and trainer, Michael Vigorito as we discuss the motivation for change through a sexual health lens. He is the co-author of Treating Out of Control Sexual Behavior: Rethinking Sex Addiction with Douglas Braun-Harvey, a refreshing, non- pathologizing and research-based text. Take a lis…

1
Navigating Depression - Susskind & Merlino 32:06

10M ago32:06

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 how to tackle these complicated issues? Listen to the many ways that depression manifests and some practical tips you can try at h…

1
Becoming an Executive Coach - Klifton Fehr, LMHC 30:24

10M ago30:24

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 directions mental health and group therapy has taken him through the years. Learn about the differences between counseling and coaching as…

1
Five Years Later - Susskind & Merlino 25:54

11M ago25:54

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 (Routledge Press, New York City). We discuss the evolution of thinking that has accompanied this process as well as the many influenc…

1
Happy, Silly, Wise - Claudia Lewis, LMFT 29:06

11M ago29:06

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 enough-ness”, human being vs. human doing, letting go of seriousness and cultivating creativity are just some of the topics explored.…

1
Guided Meditation for Working with Difficulties - Susskind 7:08

1y ago7:08

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 allows you to feel your capacity to hold whatever life has to offer you. For more information and mindfulness resources, visit www.m…

1
Moving from Suffering to Savoring with Carlos Canales, Psy.D. 38:00

1y ago38:00

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 “many necessary recoveries” every person needs to engage in for well-being. With an emphasis on the vulnerability and courage it …

1
Window of Resilience - Susskind & Merlino 36:57

1y ago36:57

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 diagram illuminates the contrast between regulation and dysregulation. Learn simple strategies to move toward resilience and embo…

1
The Role of Community in Recovery - Nate Larkin, M.Div 34:32

1+ y ago34:32

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-the-earth approach to 12 step recovery as we discuss the movement from isolation, loneliness, and resistance to humility, intimacy…

1
Receiving Love - Susskind and Merlino 30:57

1+ y ago30:57

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 professional and personal life so tune in to learn more about how “receiving love” is a necessary component of long-term sustainable …

1
Core Roots & Sustainable Healing - Mariya Javed-Payne, LCSW 35:27

1+ y ago35:27

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 activities but she also embodies a heart-centered, relationship-focused approach. Mariya is a Brainspotting trainer as well as owner …

1
The Mystery of Men’s Group - Susskind & Merlino 37:29

1+ y ago37:29

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 learn how men’s groups can be a catalyst for sustainable healing from both addiction and trauma recovery.…

1
Practical Psychotherapist - Joni Lavick, LMFT 33:13

1+ y ago33:13

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 between Attachment and Addictions and also illuminates what she calls assets-based therapy. Tune in to this refreshing, positive co…

1
Mission: Joy-Finding Happiness in Troubled Times - Susskind & Merlino 32:27

1+ y ago32:27

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 their brief visit and the depth of their spiritual leadership. In this episode we try to capture just a little bit of the joy and com…

1
Vision Exercise - Susskind 6:25

1+ y ago6:25

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. Instead, it’s an opportunity for soul-searching and expansiveness as you consider the limitless possibilities ahead of you. As you lis…

1
Visioning - Susskind & Merlino 33:18

1+ y ago33:18

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 freedom to unlock your twelve-month vision. Often utilized by coaches, visioning allow you to take a closer look at where you are and w…

1
Beyond Anti-Depressants: TMS as an Alternative - Dr. Martha Koo 37:33

1+ y ago37:33

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 of TMS with patients who have not responded effectively with antidepressants or ECT. This cutting-edge approach is a best-kept sec…

1
Got Consultation? - Susskind & Merlino 32:48

1+ y ago32:48

32:48

In this up close and personal episode, Andrew and Sue explore the challenges associated with asking for help. Andrew reviews his 30-year journey of not only learning how to ask for help but becoming more and more comfortable seeking consultation from trusted friends, colleagues and mentors. To contact Andrew please do so through his website: https:…

1
Reigniting Intimate Connection - Linda Landon, PCC 32:39

1+ y ago32:39

32:39

As a certified life and recovery coach, Linda works extensively with couples interested in revitalizing their intimate, sexual connection. With a focus on deeper contact to self and to one another, Linda shares her respectful approach to couples in recovery including somatic tools, mindfulness and “homeplay” that she suggests for practice between s…

1
The MindTravel Experience - Susskind & Merlino 27:51

1+ y ago27:51

27:51

Andrew and Sue discuss their recent experience on Santa Monica Beach entitled “MindTravel”. In this episode, they re-visit the theme of forgiveness which was the focal point of this multi-sensory experience. Spiritual? Metaphysical? Psychological? All of the above were present during this highly-creative experiential evening.…

1
Sexual Integrity - Dr. Steven Davidson 34:34

2y ago34:34

34:34

In this episode we discuss sexual integrity based on Dr. Davidson’s book of the same name. We also take a fresh look at the depathologizing language of compulsive sexual behavior rather than sex addiction. Dr. Davidson shares his direct, psycho-educational approach to working with couples to help them expand their capacity for discussing and explor…

1
Positive Psychology and Coaching - Susskind & Merlino 38:46

2y ago38:46

38:46

Did you know that the term Positive Psychology was coined less than twenty-five years ago? Although it’s one of the newer additions to the mental health field, it has taken its place as a refreshing, optimistic approach to life fulfillment. In today’s episode we take a look at its connection to coaching as well as a comparison with the Twelve Steps…

1
Self-Compassion Break - Susskind 6:26

2y ago6:26

6:26

Mindful self-compassion has taken the world by storm as a power tool for wellness and self-acceptance. Borrowing from the Self-Compassion. Break developed by Chris Germer and Kristin Neff, Andrew walks you through this exercise which provides a valuable way to speak to yourself kindly and mindfully.By Westside Therapist

1
Interview with Sue Merlino 31:19

2y ago31:19

31:19

To celebrate our 75th episode, we turn the tables on our podcast producer, Sue Merlino as we discuss her career which has involved several twists and turns but always comes back to both storytelling and connection. As a close friend and collaborator for the past 37 years, Sue and Andrew take a stroll down memory lane as well as a mindful chat about…

1
Gut Health and Addiction - Edison DeMello, MD 37:45

2y ago37:45

37:45

Dr. Edison DeMello, an integrative physician and author of the recent groundbreaking book Bloated? joins us for an informative, mind-body-spirit discussion about how addictive, compulsive behaviors can be related to the gut. He normalizes the shame often attached to painful gastrointestinal issues while offering practical healing strategies. Listen…

1
Brainspotting - Susskind & Merlino 41:47

2y ago41:47

41:47

Today’s episode entitled Brainspotting: A Step by Step Approach goes behind the scenes and into an actual session. Although it’s a worldwide phenomenon utilized in more than 70 countries, Brainspotting remains a mystery to many. In this episode Andrew and Sue offer a step by step demonstration of the standard sequence used in this healing process.…

1
Psilocybin? Ketamine? MDMA?: Cutting-Edge Therapeutic Approaches - Dr. Eva Altobelli 33:17

2y ago33:17

33:17

Today we welcome Dr. Eva Altobelli, a Santa Monica-based addiction psychiatrist and psychedelics expert who speaks openly about the therapeutic use of psilocybin, ketamine and MDMA. This discussion clarifies both the controversy and the research-based direction the clinical community is moving.By Westside Therapist

1
The ABC’s of Dual Diagnosis - Susskind & Merlino 33:11

2y ago33:11

33:11

Dual Diagnosis? Co-occurring Disorders? Today we explore how these terms originated and how they are commonly used within the medical model. Because they don’t take into account the complexities of trauma, nervous system regulation and attachment ruptures, these terms are limited in their scope and relevance. Tune in to this honest conversation abo…

1
Cutting-Edge Treatment for Chronic Pain - Dr. Mel Pohl 34:53

2y ago34:53

34:53

In this episode we welcome Dr. Mel Pohl, a seasoned addiction and chronic pain physician in the field for more than forty years. He is the Senior Medical Consultant at the Pointe Malibu Recovery Center, Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Nevada and author of two valuable books focusing on pain management. Together we discuss the chal…

1
A Day at the Beach - Guided Imagery 7:47

2+ y ago7:47

7:47

Today Andrew offers a short, guided imagery called A Day at the Beach. Take this opportunity to give yourself a few minutes to visit a favorite place from your past—a mini-vacation of relaxation.By Westside Therapist

1
Demystifying Group Therapy - Susskind and Merlino 29:20

2+ y ago29:20

29:20

In this episode Andrew and Sue travel behind the scenes of group therapy to take a closer look at the opportunity to learn about oneself side-by- side with others invested in growing together. Group therapy is one of the most cost-effective and underutilized forms of deeper healing. Join this vital conversation to get a glimpse into this often-misu…

1
Unresolved Trauma and Sexualized Drug Use - Mellissa McCracken, CADC-II 33:19

2+ y ago33:19

33:19

Today we welcome Mellissa McCracken who brings an elegant combination of experience, expertise, compassion, and clarity to this complicated subject with a focus on men who have sex with men. Utilizing a practical, harm-reduction approach, clients benefit from an open-minded, holistic method to establishing longer-term recovery and healing.…

1
Chinese Medicine and Trauma - Dr. Lucy Postolov DACM, L.Ac. 38:50

2+ y ago38:50

38:50

Today’s episode features Dr. Lucy Postolov who discusses how trauma is treated through Chinese Medicine. Lucy talks about the art and science of Chinese Medicine and acupuncture and how she conceptualizes and treats both physical and emotional trauma. With thirty-five years of experience, Lucy brings an extraordinary depth of experience to this epi…

1
A Peaceful Place Guided Meditation - Susskind 8:35

2+ y ago8:35

8:35

Today Andrew offers a short, guided visualization traditionally called A Safe Place which he renamed A Peaceful Place. Take this opportunity to give yourself a few minutes to visit a favorite place from your past—a mini-vacation of relaxation.By Westside Therapist

1
Assessing Problematic Sexual Behavior - Bill Herring, LCSW, CSAT 36:33

2+ y ago36:33

36:33

On today’s episode psychotherapist Bill Herring joins us from Atlanta as he introduces us to the Problematic Sexual Behavior (PSB) framework he developed. Bill explores a non-pathologizing, refreshing perspective he applies to all sexual behaviors that have become problematic. Tune in to understand the five concise components often related to compu…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Westside Therapist Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide