Westside Notes — Winter 2018

For last year's words belong to last year's language and next year's words await another voice .

— T.S. Eliot

As the New Year gets underway, my practice resumes its evolution. Adam Berg recently received his MFT license and will continue to be a part of our Overland Suite. Congratulations, Adam—well-deserved! I'm very fortunate to have several former associates share our much-loved space. My newest associate, Jen Davis has been very busy getting oriented to the practice as well as attending the first two modules of the Brainspotting training. In this issue, you'll also find a very intimate portrayal of how Brainspotting has impacted Jen's life both personally and professionally. If you're looking for a very talented, third-career clinician who sees clients on a sliding scale, please keep Jen in mind.

Brainspotting Training: Los Angeles,
February 23-25, 2018

I'm thrilled to announce that the first weekend module of the Brainspotting training will be coming back to Los Angeles in February for the first time in almost three years. As a result of my Brainspotting experiences, I've seen my clinical lens sharpen and my practice become more dimensional. I welcome you to join us in February, and I'll be attending part of the weekend as well. Please register early because there's a good chance it will sell out (maximum 45-50).

Brainspotting (BSP) is a powerful, brain-based, treatment modality that accesses the subcortical brain where unresolved traumatic experiences are stored. Identifying the physical and emotional correlates of the client's problems helps ground the client while simultaneously stimulating a powerful therapeutic associative process. This leads to the processing and release of the core neurophysiological sources of emotional/body pain, trauma, dissociation, performance anxiety and an array of other challenging symptoms. Click here for the flyer or you can also register directly at www.drpiefrey.com.

Brainspotting and Grief
by Jen Davis, MFT associate

It is 6am. The sun is not yet out. I am bracing myself for the long journey from Los Angeles to Costa Mesa for my first introduction to Brainspotting with Dr. Pie Frey. Exactly one month ago, we discovered that my mother had cancer; cancer that had spread undetected throughout her body. I have just arrived home from days in the hospital in New York. Within three weeks she will be gone, but I do not know this yet. I only know that I am terrified and bone tired and that I have to be at the training by 8:30.

Read more . . .

Save the Date: Overland Suite
Open House, Sunday April 15th, 11am

On Sunday April 15th, we'll be hosting an Open House at our suite located at 2550 Overland just south of Pico. It will be a chance to gather together and learn more about each other's practices and have a little nosh. Stay tuned for more details.

Principles of Group Psychotherapy:
Sold Out

For the past several years, I've been part of the faculty for the Group Principles course sponsored by the Group Psychotherapy Association of Los Angeles (GPALA). This year it will be held on the weekend of January 20-21, but due to popular demand, the course is already full. We're considering the possibility of offering a second weekend in 2018 so more information to follow.

My Group Openings:

Monday Co-ed Therapy Group: 1 female opening
Wednesday Men's Therapy Group: 1 male opening

If my groups aren't right for your client, I'm happy to help you find some solid referrals.

Save the Date:
GPALA's Annual Conference:
April 27-28, 2018

Callin' in Race: Finding Words, Finding Courage in Group

Presenters: Christine Schmidt and Rudy Lucas

This conference will offer group leaders an opportunity to learn how our racial identities are consciously and unconsciously transformed through personal interactions. Group leaders nourish responsive groups by being able to identify and respond to colorblindness, racially-encoded dog whistle language and micro-aggressions with honesty and openness. Once limiting racial taboos are spoken aloud, they lose their toxicity. As we expand our skills about racial dynamics, we confidently foster cohesion in groups by making space for every member to be visible and heard.

Wishing you and yours a very healthy, happy 2018.

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With gratitude,

Andrew

Winter 2018

In This Issue:

Brainspotting Training in L.A.
Brainspotting and Grief
Overland Suite Open House
Principles of Group Therapy
Group Openings
GPALA Annual Conference

Order Andrew’s Workbook:
From Now On:
Seven Keys to Purposeful Recovery

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 25 years of experience to his work.

Associates

Jen Davis, M.A.

Instant Connection!

Read more about Andrew’s psychotherapy