Andrew Susskind, LCSW, SEP, CGP

Andrew Susskind is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Brainspotting and Somatic Experiencing Practitioner, Certified Group Psychotherapist and author based on the westside of Los Angeles since 1992 specializing in trauma and addictive, compulsive behaviors. His book, It’s Not About the Sex: Moving from Isolation to Intimacy after Sexual Addiction (Central Recovery Press, June 2019) is joined by The It’s Not About the Sex Workbook: Moving from Isolation to Intimacy after Sexual Compulsivity (Routledge Press,2024).

The Opposite of Addiction is Connection: The Intersection of Attachment, Nervous System Regulation and Positive Psychology
Friday | May 3, 2024
1:45 pm - 3:15 pm
(1.5 CEs)

Workshop Description:

This interactive presentation explores the principles of nervous system regulation, attachment theory and positive psychology as applied to long-term sustainable recovery from addictive, compulsive behaviors. Because addiction and trauma are often inseparable, a multi-dimensional approach to relational and neurobiological healing will be discussed. Attendees will acquire useful clinical strategies to help clients develop greater somatic awareness and regulation skills, necessary ingredients leading toward more deeply-connected relationships and secure attachment. Case vignettes will illustrate the distinctions between the challenges of early sobriety and the opportunities of long-term recovery.

Learning Objectives:

At the end of the workshop, participants will be able to:

• Describe three ways that trauma, addiction and attachment are correlated.
• Identify three benefits associated with the development of secure attachment.
• List three examples of emotional resilience.
• Name the three main attachment styles and how they apply to addiction recovery.

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