It’s Not About the Sex

Porn Brain Reboot podcast: Andrew is a featured guest as Dr. Trish Leigh focuses this interview on his book  It’s Not About the Sex  with a special emphasis on the chapters related to shame, grief, narcissism and codependency.

In this podcast we welcome Cynthia Schwartzberg who is a licensed clinical social worker and Brainspotting trainer based in Atlanta. She is the author of The Curious Voyage: A Rule-Breaking Guidebook to Authenticity which provides powerful exercises and insights that will strengthen your connection both to your truest self and to others. www.cynthasis.com or (917) 816-3534. 

Based on Johann Hari’s Ted Talk , Andrew and Sue explore the premise that “The opposite of addiction isn’t sobriety. The opposite of addiction is connection.” Andrew believes that emotional sobriety and nervous system regulation are pillars of connection and sustainable recovery. Listen to this episode as you put together the triad of connection for yourself: connection to self, connection to othe...

Today’s podcast features psychotherapist and certified sex addiction therapist, Debra Kaplan who passionately discusses her work with couples on issues of “relational currency”, sexual and financial health and imbalances of power. Her recent book “Battle of the Titans: Mastering the Forces of Sex, Money and Power in Relationships” provides a basis for a lively exploration of how these elements mak...

Today’s podcast features Dr. Carol Clark, sex therapist, addictions specialist and author who discusses addiction as a universal problem. She also explores the intersection of sex, relationships and intimacy in the context of addiction recovery. You may contact Dr. Clark by email at counselor@drcarolclark.com or through her websites at www.drcarolclark.com and www.addictamerica.net .

In this podcast we take a closer look at the often-misunderstood term sex addiction in contrast to the  World Health Organization’s classification of compulsive sexual behavior. Through Andrew’s personal and professional experience, we discuss the historical context, the sexual health approach as well as the controversy over the conflicting language still at odds.

Today’s podcast features psychotherapist, workshop leader and speaker, Terra Holbrook, LCSW, CADC, CSAT who brings a unique healing approach to early childhood toxic stress. By utilizing Polyvagal Theory and Internal Family Systems (aka Parts Work), Terra focuses on the healing of deep-rooted intimacy wounds. You may contact Terra through her website at www.terraholbrook.com or email at terra@terr...

In twelve-step programs such as SLAA, fantasy is often labeled as a problem. Yet, it may also be an adaptive way to cope with a complicated childhood or trauma. So how can fantasy be a pleasurable, liberating experience? Tune in to this episode to learn more about this expansive subject and see how building the capacity for healthy fantasy is a sure-fire sign of advanced recovery.

This month marks thirty years since Andrew finished his graduate school experience at UCLA, and this podcast takes a clinical stroll down memory lane. From his roots in traditional talk therapy moving on to coaching, somatic therapies and group therapy, Andrew explores the evolution of the mental health field as well as his unexpected career path. Sprinkled into the conversation is his view on com...

In this podcast, we welcome an old friend and colleague, Buck Dodson who is a life coach and licensed psychotherapist passionate about helping clients share their gifts and activate their superpowers. Buck hosts the Gay Men’s Life Lab podcast and can be reached through his website at www.buckdodson.com.

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.

In this informative podcast, we welcome San Diego-based sexual health author, trainer, and psychotherapist, Douglas Braun-Harvey . His recent book “Treating Out of Control Sexual Behavior: Rethinking Sex Addiction” sets the stage for a lively discussion about his sexual health model. Braun-Harvey offers us easy-to-understand ways of conceptualizing out of control sexual behaviors as a sexual healt...

Today we take a closer look at the inner critic that exists within each of us and often gets entangled with shame and perfectionism. Because you learned in childhood how to judge yourself, you can also learn to cultivate self-acceptance and self-compassion in your recovery today. By observing yourself with curiosity, you can explore how your inner saboteur might have served a purpose but has outla...

In this podcast, we welcome Dr. Joe Kort , licensed psychotherapist, author, and a board-certified sexologist. He is the founder and director of the Center for Relational and Sexual Health in Royal Oak, Michigan. Dr. Kort discusses the often- overlooked topic of Straight Men Who Have Sex with Men and explores sexual fluidity, erotic vs. sexual orientation as well as the stigma associated with stra...

In this podcast, we offer an alternative approach to processing hurt. Traditionally, therapists focus on healing the hurt by talking it out with the transgressor (e.g. parent, significant other, co-worker). Instead, today’s podcast encourages you to take full responsibility for all of your feelings and reactions without blaming or finger-pointing. Because cumulative hurt can create vulnerability t...

Today we welcome Tom Pecca, MA, LMHC, CSAT, CTT who is a Senior Clinical Advisor for the Guest House-Ocala located in Central Florida. As a trauma and addictions specialist and educator, Tom discusses how both aspects of healing need to be fully addressed in order to promote long-term sustainable recovery. We also take a look at sexual recovery and attachment patterns as part of the deeper healing...

In this podcast we explore resilience which is sometimes defined as the capacity to recovery quickly from difficulties.  So how do you build resilience? Listen to our revealing conversation and begin to consider ways to fortify your nervous system, alleviate shame and sustain longer-term recovery.

Today we welcome international Brainspotting trainer and addiction specialist, Dr. Roby Abeles who practices in Sydney, Australia. Dr. Abeles gives us a brief overview of neuroscience, addiction, and Brainspotting and introduces us to her highly-effective version of Brainspotting called the Crocodile set-up. Learn more about this cutting-edge approach to healing addictive, compulsive behaviors fro...

Today Andrew leads you in a short, mindful breathing exercise. Many relaxation exercises require five minutes, ten minutes, or even more, but here he invites you to take just a few minutes to observe your breath with curiosity and non-judgment. Find a comfortable space and give yourself a chance to catch your breath.

In this podcast, we welcome psychotherapist and DBT specialist, Elle Michel, LMFT to discuss how Dialectical Behavior Therapy helps clients heal from trauma and addiction. She shares about the clinical applications of DBT and expands on specific skills such as emotional regulation, distress tolerance, mindfulness, and interpersonal effectiveness.

It’s that time of year again, and this is going to be a holiday season unlike any other. With a new wave of Covid crossing our country, travel is questionable, and being “home for the holidays” takes on a whole different meaning. In this podcast, we discuss ways to navigate the holiday season and strengthen recovery through mindfulness, creative connection, and healthier boundaries.

Andrew interviews psychologist and certified sex addiction therapist/supervisor, Dr. Tracy Zemansky who specializes in treating professionals struggling with boundary crossings, boundary violations, and sexual misconduct. Through customized group therapy, she provides support to doctors, lawyers, pilots as well as other professionals toward healing problematic sexual behaviors and preventing furth...

Susskind and Merlino take on the often-misunderstood topic of obsession in today’s podcast.  In this episode we look at obsession as a universal part of being human and a chance to learn about oneself and one’s mind. Because love addiction and fantasy often result in obsession, this podcast offers a larger perspective on the road to healing. Susskind presents specific strategies to move beyond obs...

In this podcast, we welcome Eddie Capparucci, LPC, C-CSAS, CPCS, creator of the Inner Child Recovery Process for the treatment of sex and porn addiction. This method uncovers the root issues of sex addiction and provides clients with tools and insight to manage their behaviors. He is the author of Going Deeper: How the Inner Child Impacts Your Sexual Addiction. Contact Eddie Capparucci at edcappa@...

Susskind and Merlino take on the often-misunderstood subject of anger and how it influences long-term recovery. Andrew believes that unexpressed anger can create vulnerability to relapse and expressing anger safely and productively can create more authentic intimacy and connection in your relationships. Can anger truly be an ally? Tune in and find out.