Welcome to the January 2019 issue of Westside Notes. I just returned from a few days in my home city of Philadelphia and had a chance to re-connect with a few childhood friends as well as family. If you have the opportunity to visit the City of Brotherly Love, I highly recommend the Barnes Foundation which is a private collection of predominantly impressionist art displayed in a beautiful new museum walking distance from where Rocky famously ran up the steps to the Philly Art Museum. As we turn the page on the calendar once again, I wish all of you a very peaceful and healthy New Year wherever you may roam.

It’s Not About the Sex Update

My publisher recently informed me that the release date for my book, It’s Not About the Sex: Moving from Isolation to Intimacy after Sexual Addiction is set for June 11, 2019. Having conceptualized the book in 2010 and then having started the writing process in 2015, it feels like a lifetime ago that I decided to move forward with this passion project. Currently, I’m in hibernation as I dig into the second set of edits, and I remain so grateful for Central Recovery Press and their openness to collaborate with me. As the release date approaches, I will be sure to keep you in the loop.

Prodependence: Moving Beyond Codependency
by Robert Weiss, PhD, MSW

The original model for codependency was developed back in the 1980s, and in his recent book, my colleague, Rob Weiss has given it a much-needed makeover. Prodependence gives clinicians a new lens to help those who love and care for addicts. An attachment-focused model, prodependence recognizes that no one can ever love too much, nor should anyone be pathologized for who they choose to love.

Prodependence provides loved ones with tools to love more effectively, but without having to carry a negative label for the valuable support they give. When treating loved ones of addicts using prodependence, we need not find something "wrong" with them. Instead, we acknowledge the trauma and inherent dysfunction that occurs when living in relationship with someone whose life is failing. Validating a caregiver's painful journey for what it is opens the door to support them in useful, non-shaming ways. Helping people take incremental, positive steps toward intimate healing is what Prodependence is all about.

Not only do I highly recommend this revolutionary book to clinicians, but it’s especially useful for prodependents everywhere.

AGPA Connect, February 25 - March 2,
Los Angeles, CA

For the first time in many years, the American Group Psychotherapy Association (AGPA) will be hosting its annual conference here in Los Angeles February 25-March 2. As an ever-evolving group therapist, I owe much of my passion for groupwork to AGPA. Not only is it a top-notch organization, but this is a conference unlike any other with some of the most talented group leaders internationally. If you enjoy leading groups and would like to sharpen your skills and gain clinical confidence, this is the conference for you. Please let me know if I can answer any questions or visit www.agpa.org.

Current Group Opening

Speaking of groups, I have two openings in my Monday night mixed adult, interpersonal process group. This is an established group that has been meeting for the past eight years, and the current age rage is late 20s to late 60s. Please keep this group in mind if you know anyone who might be a good fit.

Brainspotting and Addiction:
Evolution of Addiction Treatment

Winter 2019

In This Issue:

• It’s Not About the Sex update
• Prodependence
• AGPA Connect
• Group Openings
• Evolution Conference

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