# merlino (audio feeds) — RSS Amplifier Recent posts from the 1 feeds in the RSS Amplifier directory that cover merlino. Page: Feed: --- ## [Guided Meditation: Mindful Self-Compassion](https://westsidetherapist.podbean.com/e/guided-meditation-mindful-self-compassion/) _2026-02-12 · It’s Not About the Sex_ 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 it's a health concern, relationship difficulty, or work pressure, using the three pillars of self-compassion: mindfulness, common humanity, and self-kindness. [Listen](https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/fyxvn75ppdzta7wd/Mindful_SelfCompassionbd3y3.mp3) ## [Guided Meditation: Encountering Your Grief](https://westsidetherapist.podbean.com/e/guided-meditation-encountering-your-grief/) _2026-02-12 · It’s Not About the Sex_ 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 reflective phrases to open to pain, find inner resources, and practice self-forgiveness for things left undone or unmet needs. Rather than avoiding or rushing through grief, this… [Listen](https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/d54cfs4xferchefz/Greif_Meditation_20269i3tz.mp3) ## [Guided Meditation on Grief](https://westsidetherapist.podbean.com/e/guided-meditation-on-grief/) _2025-05-20 · It’s Not About the Sex_ 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 grief can be your teacher. [Listen](https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/tuxhs39wdn2kt683/Grief_Meditation.mp3) ## [Gratitude & Goodbye - Susskind & Merlino](https://westsidetherapist.podbean.com/e/gratitude-goodbye-susskind-merlino/) _2025-05-02 · It’s Not About the Sex_ 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 ending, it will be available indefinitely on most platforms as well as www.westsidetherapist.com. Andrew and Sue thank all of you from the bottom of their hearts, and don’t forget, to… [Listen](https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/cxcy9huz3h8dnhqx/Final_Podcast_Show8befj.mp3) ## [Revitalizing Sexual Health - Susskind & Merlino](https://westsidetherapist.podbean.com/e/revitalizing-sexual-health-susskind-merlino/) _2025-04-18 · It’s Not About the Sex_ 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 conversation takes a look at the intersection of 12 step recovery and sexual health as we open up a larger dialogue to exploring your authentic sexual self. Give yourself a few minutes to… [Listen](https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/nsfbaudiqeb9gvka/Andrew_Chap10.mp3) ## [Coaching & Clarity: The Power of Clear Pathways - Sue Merlino, CADC](https://westsidetherapist.podbean.com/e/coaching-clarity-the-power-of-clear-pathways-sue-merlino-cadc/) _2025-04-04 · It’s Not About the Sex_ 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 benefits to all of us, including those struggling with addiction or emotional challenges. In addition to walking clients through organizational skills, Sue also provides time management… [Listen](https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/xk6kxs6x4apsmb6f/Andrew_Sue.mp3) ## [Receiving Love - Susskind & Merlino](https://westsidetherapist.podbean.com/e/receiving-love-susskind-merlino/) _2025-03-21 · It’s Not About the Sex_ 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 opportunities related to truly receiving love in recovery. With a focus on avoidant and anxious attachment styles they discuss the often-misunderstood term love addiction as well as the… [Listen](https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/dwyf7cvzbzfgw3vr/Andrew_Sue_Chap9_PODBEAN.mp3) ## [The Necessity of Shame - Stefanie Klein, LCSW](https://westsidetherapist.podbean.com/e/the-necessity-of-shame-stefanie-klein-lcsw/) _2025-02-28 · It’s Not About the Sex_ 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 lens of the Neuro-Affective Relational Model (NARM). You will learn about shame as a verb rather than an emotion and how it functions as an adaptive process. Because shame is… [Listen](https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/2m8928fc2i474zwv/Andrew_StefK_PODBEAN.mp3) ## [Restoring Purpose - Susskind and Merlino](https://westsidetherapist.podbean.com/e/restoring-purpose/) _2025-02-21 · It’s Not About the Sex_ 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 deeper soul-searching. How do spirituality, religion and purpose intersect with one another? Or not? Asking the bigger questions and staying away from exact answers is where the… [Listen](https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/xgrwzij6an5z8caw/Andrew_Sue_CH8_Podbean.mp3) ## [Redefining Recovery Through Connection and Purpose - Tim Harrington](https://westsidetherapist.podbean.com/e/breaking-the-chains-embracing-connection-in-recovery/) _2025-02-07 · It’s Not About the Sex_ 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 aligning actions with deeper values. Based on a depth of personal and professional experience, Tim offers practical steps for creating a more satisfying and purposeful recovery as… [Listen](https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/gcir34kgfku2ipm9/Andrew_Tim_PODBEAN-d5cwyk-Optimized.mp3) ## [Play Both Sides Of The Lie (Sponsored)](https://crawlproof.com/a/PBFFY3I2Cppk) _2025-02-07 · **Sponsored**_ Two operatives, one manufactured war — uncover the Complete Truth after both campaigns. ## [Cultivating Contentment - Susskind & Merlino](https://westsidetherapist.podbean.com/e/unlocking-contentment-the-role-of-core-values-and-connection/) _2025-01-24 · It’s Not About the Sex_ In this episode we take a closer look at Chapter 7 of Andrew’s workbook and examine some of the essential ingredients of contentment including gratitude, connection and unconditional love. Distinctions are made among the terms joy, happiness and contentment as we discuss core values, visioning and purposeful goals. Listen to this optimistic episode as you choose to enhance contentment in your life… [Listen](https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/4ht6aitgtkp6ufpe/Andrew_Chap7_PODBEAN-rgqfzs-Optimized.mp3) ## [A Gestalt Healing Perspective - Rafael Cortina, MFT](https://westsidetherapist.podbean.com/e/unpacking-trauma-and-addiction-a-new-perspective/) _2025-01-10 · It’s Not About the Sex_ Rafael Cortina, a San Diego-based therapist joins the podcast to discuss some of his valuable and wise perspectives on healing from addictive, compulsive behaviors. He shares the following themes: the functional understanding of addiction, the interwoven nature of trauma and addiction, the necessity of curiosity from both the therapist and client as well as “relational space healing”. Check out… [Listen](https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/xn7mqqeinbgb98yh/Andrew_Rafael_PODBEAN-ymydja-Optimized.mp3) ## [Feeling the Feelings - Susskind & Merlino](https://westsidetherapist.podbean.com/e/feeling-the-feelings-exploring-emotions-and-intimacy/) _2024-11-29 · It’s Not About the Sex_ During this conversation Andrew and Sue take a deeper dive into Chapter Six Feeling the Feelings from The It’s Not About the Sex Workbook. Maybe it looks simple on the surface, but Andrew highlights the sustainable benefits of deeper emotional awareness and expression. With an emphasis on anger, hurt, fear and loneliness, we explore the feelings language that is often missed in childhood. Take a… [Listen](https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/e9ub8fcae65xc3n4/Andrew_Sue_EP119-rjfzxf-Optimized.mp3) ## [Sexual Identity Development - Katie Griffin, CGP](https://westsidetherapist.podbean.com/e/sexual-identity-development-katie-griffin-cgp/) _2024-11-15 · It’s Not About the Sex_ In this episode we welcome Katie Griffin, a nationally-recognized group consultant and leader in the field. She brings her passion and enthusiasm to other practitioners and believes firmly in the power of group to help individuals become more fully alive. In this candid and revealing conversation Katie takes a closer look at sexual identity development in sustainable recovery as a portal to deeper… [Listen](https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/ug4tjbuh97p88ct8/KATIE_PODBEAN.mp3) ## [Regulating the Nervous System - Susskind & Merlino](https://westsidetherapist.podbean.com/e/regulating-the-nervous-system-susskind-merlino/) _2024-11-01 · It’s Not About the Sex_ Andrew and Sue discuss Chapter Five, Regulating the Nervous System from Andrew’s recent workbook. Beginning with a memoir snapshot and ending with practical strategies and action steps, they explore the following themes: following the rhythm within, identifying regulation and dysregulation, utilizing the Window of Resilience, and naming attachment styles and how they correlate with nervous system… [Listen](https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/6vkikfesw7efgu2p/Andrew_Chap5_PODBEAN.mp3) ## [Problematic Sexualized Drug Use - Dr. David Fawcett](https://westsidetherapist.podbean.com/e/problematic-sexualized-drug-use-dr-david-fawcett/) _2024-10-18 · It’s Not About the Sex_ In this episode we welcome Dr. David Fawcett, a clinical social worker, sex therapist and two-time author specializing in chemsex and problematic sexualized drug use. Often a misunderstood form of suffering, David disentangles the complexities of these intertwined behaviors. With effective clinical strategies and decades of experience, David helps us understand a path to recovery based on a clear,… [Listen](https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/umzk3ws7m29cvhxe/Andrew_Podcast_Fawcett_PODBEAN.mp3) ## [Moving Beyond Narcissism - Susskind & Merlino](https://westsidetherapist.podbean.com/e/moving-beyond-narcissism-susskind-merlino/) _2024-10-04 · It’s Not About the Sex_ Today’s episode focuses on Chapter Four of Andrew’s workbook as we explore the healthier side of narcissism, other-centeredness, generosity of spirit as well as longing and belonging. Beneath narcissism is broken heartedness so tune in to understand the deeper healing and trajectory from this complicated survival strategy. [Listen](https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/fy4edaivy8ezn7d6/Andrew_Chapt4_Podbean.mp3) ## [From Vocal Coach to Recovery Coach - Arnold McCuller](https://westsidetherapist.podbean.com/e/from-vocal-coach-to-recovery-coach-arnold-mcculler/) _2024-09-20 · It’s Not About the Sex_ In this episode we welcome Arnold McCuller, interventionist and recovery coach based in Southern California. Learn about his extensive career working as a professional vocalist which has taken a later-in-life shift toward interventions for those in the entertainment industry and beyond. Arnold can be reached at www.arnoldmcculler.com . Music credit: Neil Freebern Freebernmusic.com [Listen](https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/pruutjgkghs6hxgz/Arnold_PODBEAN.mp3)