As we enter this new decade, limitless possibilities lie before us. My long-time coach, Sam Foster, once told me that “it’s not that anything has to happen, but simply what could happen.” In other words, it’s a time to play with the possibilities without feeling locked into any particular outcome. In Brainspotting we honor the uncertainty principle which invites us to stay humble to what life and our nervous system may reveal to us. By putting one foot in front of the other while letting go of the results, anything can happen. In 2020, I welcome you to join me in the not knowing because as much as we know, there is way more that we don’t know.

It’s Not About the Sex: An Update

As the New Year begins, I’m truly humbled by the ongoing support and genuine feedback I’ve received related to my book release in June of 2019. After hibernating for several years in the process of writing and editing this project with my publisher, Central Recovery Press, I’m thrilled to know that there’s some traction surrounding it. Please see details below regarding my Book Discussion/Signing at Book Soup bookstore in March.

A Gentle Reminder: If you’ve read my book and feel so inclined, please write a short review on Amazon which helps the project gain visibility and find a wider audience

2020 Appearances (January-March)

Group Psychotherapy Association of Los Angeles
The Opposite of Addiction is Connection
La Ventana Treatment Programs
Santa Monica, California
Sunday January 26, 2020, 1-4pm

American Group Psychotherapy Association
The Opposite of Addiction is Connection:
The Group as an Agent Toward Sustainable Sobriety
Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel
New York, New York
Saturday March 7, 2020, 9-11:30am

Women’s Association for Addiction Treatment
Brainspotting and Sexual Addiction:
Restoring the Wisdom of the Nervous System
14156 Magnolia Blvd. Suite 101
Sherman Oaks, California
Friday March 13, 2020, 9 -10:30am

Book Soup Bookstore
It’s Not About the Sex: Book Discussion and Signing
8818 Sunset Blvd.
West Hollywood, California
Sunday March 15, 2020, 4pm

Podcast and Blog Update

Podcasting:
Last Spring I began podcasting with the skillful assistance of my friend and producer, Sue Merlino, who has been instrumental helping me with this steep learning curve. Not only has it been a fun challenge for me, but it’s turned out to be a meaningful project as I get to create honest conversations with experts to speak about sexual compulsivity from an open-minded, thoughtful perspective. In December, I welcomed Marty Simpson, LMFT, who discussed “Formal Disclosure” and in January, Carol Juergensen Sheets, LCSW is focusing on how empathy skills act as a vital element for the healing of the partner.

Sue and I have also developed a series of podcasts expanding upon themes of my book. In January we focus on Sober Sex. My podcast which is entitled “It’s Not About the Sex” can be found on ITunes, Spotify or on my website www.westsidetherapist.com.

Blog:
For many years my blog has been a well-kept secret, but it took the crashing down of my site this past summer for me to re-evaluate its value. Now that it’s re-designed, it’s also more user-friendly and can be found on www.purposefulrecovery.com. This year I plan to expand on the tools, strategies and action steps introduced in the book, and it will be posted on social media twice monthly. This month I expand upon Emotional Sobriety as an action plan

As the New Year unfolds, I encourage you to stay curious about 2020 as a challenge and an opportunity to stay connected to yourself, loved ones and our communities.

Warmly,

Andrew

Winter 2020

In This Issue:

• It’s Not About the Sex Update
  
• 2020 Appearances
• Podcast and Blog Update

Order Andrew’s Recent Book:
It's Not About the Sex:
Moving from Isolation to
Intimacy after Sexual Addiction