Rest and relaxation is a lost art. When I was a kid, I had a BFF in my neighborhood who was always available to simply hang out. I would call him on my red rotary phone and ask him, “What are you doing?” and he would typically answer, “Nothing.” So I would respond, “Wanna do nothing together?” and he would always enthusiastically say, “Absolutely. Let’s do nothing together!”
Continue reading...Andrew Susskind
The positive psychology of sex addiction
Traditionally, twelve-step programs describe addiction with borrowed language from the medical model such as disease, illness, and even the word addiction itself. Yet, there’s less shameful and stigmatizing ways to talk about it.
In 1998, Dr. Marty Seligman, a psychologist at the University of Pennsylvania coined the term Positive Psychology, and a like-minded, international community of researchers came out of the woodwork. Not only did they open the door to expanded research in this brand-new field, but they also paved the way toward its application toward addictive and compulsive behaviors.
Continue reading...The evolution of brainspotting
When I finished graduate school in the early 90’s, there was a shortage of clinical tools to effectively treat trauma. Many times, clients would share their stories of anguish, and instead of feeling better, they would end up feeling worse. As a newer therapist, I felt helpless alongside my clients as we often hit a wall together.
Continue reading...Group therapy revisited
“Since I joined group, I don’t feel so alone anymore—now I know there are others who want the best for me.” I hear this sentiment over...
Continue reading...Rethinking infidelity
Esther Perel’s recent release “The State of Affairs” is a masterful look at relationships in the 21st century—masterful because it invites us to think outside the...
Continue reading...Soul-searching
It’s been fourteen years since I’ve collaborated face-to-face with my coach, and I’ve just returned from Asheville, North Carolina after a very productive and revitalizing two-day...
Continue reading...Coaching and positive psychology
In 2001 I completed an 18-month coach training program which helped turn the course of my clinical career. In the 90’s I was trained very traditionally...
Continue reading...Open House
It’s been 10 years since we moved into our professional home that I now call the “Overland Suite”, and what a great excuse to bring together...
Continue reading...2018 Annual Group Therapy Conference (4/27 & 4/28)
On Friday April 27th and Saturday April 28th, the Group Psychotherapy Association of Los Angeles (GPALA) will be hosting its Spring Conference at the American Jewish...
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