“Vulnerability is the birthplace of innovation,
creativity and change.”
                                                       — Brene Brown

Welcome to the Summer 2014 issue of Westside Notes. Brene Brown’s quote about vulnerability seems especially relevant as I put together this edition of my quarterly newsletter. Although I’ve been publishing this ezine since 2007, this is the first time I get to announce my very own publication entitled From Now On: Seven Keys to Purposeful Recovery that will be officially released in early September. For those of you in the L.A. area, my book release gathering will be held on Saturday September 27th from 3–5pm in Venice (details to follow).

Some of you know that I’ve been developing this workbook for several years, and after many stops and starts, it’s finally complete which leaves me very grateful and at the same time a tad bit vulnerable. Yet, I’ve been carrying the intention to expand upon innovative, creative projects so here is a sneak preview:

From Now On:
Seven Keys to Purposeful Recovery
Andrew Susskind, MSW, SEP, CGP

Introduction & Testimonials

Recovery from addiction is not a cookie-cutter process. Every addict experiences addiction differently, and every addict has a unique path of recovery. This workbook will complement your existing approaches to recovery whether they are 12-step programs, treatment centers, psychotherapy, and/or coaching.

Purposeful recovery is a hybrid term to describe another dimension of addiction recovery which isn’t always emphasized in the traditional places where one receives support. By using a strengths-based approach derived from both coaching and positive psychology, you’ll have the opportunity to leverage parts of you that have been dormant. As a result, the possibilities of adding deeper meaning and clearer direction to your recovery will become more and more available to you.

Read more . . .

Featured Article:
How I Use A.C.T. to
Deal with "Stinking Thinking"
by Maria Gray, M.A., M.Ed.

Sometimes my clients ask me how they can get their minds to quiet down. I am a big fan of mindfulness and meditation. I recommend starting with 5 minutes of silent meditation in the morning. Some people think that if they meditate "properly," they will have a "blank mind." As a longtime meditator, I am here to report that I have never experienced a "blank mind" and I still have "stinking thinking" on a regular basis.

Read more . . .

Private Practice Internships
Available Soon

Currently, I have three very talented associates (aka interns) in my practice, and as they prepare to cross the threshold into licensure, I’m beginning to meet with prospective candidates interested in joining my practice:

Part-time, post-graduate associate/intern position available for BBS-registered MSW associate or MFT intern. Addictions experience required; group and bereavement experience preferred. Prefer candidates with fewer than 1000 hours accrued toward licensure. Email CV to andrew@westsidetherapist.com.

GPALA Outreach Committee Update

Maria Gray and I have been enthusiastically collaborating with our committee to roll out an innovative initiative and create brand-new relationships between GPALA (The Group Psychotherapy Association of Los Angeles) and the local clinical community. Our committee is dedicated to getting the word out about group therapy to as many clinicians as possible in the L.A. area, and we strongly believe that group therapy is one of the most effective and underutilized forms of psychotherapy available. In our efforts to generate visibility and establish alliances with training sites, agencies and programs all over the Southland, I welcome you to let us know about anyone who may benefit from a presentation to its interns and/or staff. If you have any leads, please let us know, and we will happily contact them.

Current Group Openings

Mixed Adult Psychotherapy Group (1 opening)
Mondays 6pm–7:30pm
Andrew Susskind, LCSW, SEP, CGP

Men’s Psychotherapy Group (1 opening)
Wednesdays 7pm–8:30pm
Andrew Susskind, LCSW, SEP, CGP

Summer 2014

In This Issue:

• From Now On:
  Seven Keys to Purposeful Recovery
• Featured Article:
  How I Use A.C.T. to
  Deal with "Stinking Thinking"
• Private Practice Internship
  
• GPALA Outreach Committee Update
• Current Group Openings

About Andrew Susskind —

Andrew Susskind, MSW, SEP, CGP is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Somatic Experiencing Practitioner, Certified Group Psychotherapist and Life Transition Coach who brings more than 22 years of experience to his work.

Associates

Annabel Raymond, M.A.

Maria Gray, M.A., M.Ed.

Schuyler Ha, M.A.

Community Resources

Visit Andrew’s website for a comprehensive list of resources in the Los Angeles and Southern California area.

Click here . . .

Instant Connection!

Read more about Andrew’s psychotherapy

Read more about Somatic Experiencing

Read more about Andrew’s coaching

View Andrew’s therapy video

12-Step Self-Help Groups

Contact Andrew

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