Introduction to BDSM and Kink(2 CE Hours)Presenter:Rhoda Lipscomb, Ph.D.

Introduction to BDSM and Kink

Research examining the experiences of BDSM-identified individuals indicates a need for cultural competency training for mental health professionals (Hoff & Sprott, 2009; Kolmes, Stock, & Moser, 2006; Nichols, 2006). A study assessing therapists’ attitudes toward BDSM found that while 76% of participants reported having treated at least one client who engaged in BDSM at some point in their practice, only 48% of those clinicians felt they were culturally competent on BDSM lifestyle and behaviors (Kelsey, Stiles, Spiller, & Diekhoff, 2013). The effects of a lack of BDSM cultural competency among clinicians can be seen in the results of a survey investigating BDSM-oriented individuals’ experiences in therapy; the participants reported encountering biased care that pathologized them and reinforced internalized stigmatization and heterosexism, and missed opportunities for treatment unrelated to the individuals’ sexual practices (Kolmes, Stock, & Moser, 2006).

Clinicians unfamiliar with BDSM practices face common issues, including: countertransference; lack of competence in working with people with newly emerging sexual identities and/or with their partners; and discriminating between sexual abuse and “play” (Nichols, 2006; Pitagora, 2015). This seminar has been designed to bolster cultural competence in BDSM sexuality, which to date has been lacking in clinical training. Included will be a review of the literature related to healthy expressions of BDSM sexuality and the experiences of BDSM-identified individuals who have attended therapy. Core content includes the definition of terms and common BDSM practices, an exposition of commonly held stereotypes, clinical issues and guidelines for practice with this population, and a discussion of case studies.

After attending the presentation, clinicians will:

• Describe BDSM behaviors and lifestyle

• Describe four common fallacies of BDSM sexuality and explain how these might relate to personal biases and countertransference;

• Apply these areas of new knowledge into existing areas of practice.

Activity Schedule:

• Introduction (5 minutes)
• Section 1 (20 minutes): BDSM basics
  • terminology (5 min)
  • power roles (5 min)
  • the scaffolding of consent: negotiation, consent, communication/safewords, aftercare (10 min)
• Section 2: (40 minutes) Presenting problems and clinical guidelines
  • common misconceptions (10 min)
  • common presenting problems (10 min)
  • countertransference (10 min)
  • clinical approaches (10 min)
• Section 3 (15 minutes): Case presentation 1
• Section 4 (15 minutes): Case presentation 2
• Section 5 (15 minutes): Case presentation 3
• Q&A (10 minutes)

Speaker Bio:

Rhoda has a PhD in Clinical Sexology, is a Licensed Professional Counselor, AASECT Certified sex therapist, ASCH Certification in clinical hypnosis, Sexuality Coach and Board-Certified Clinical Sexologist. She specializes in individual therapy and coaching. She is available for in-person or online sessions.

She has over 28 years’ experience as a therapist and coach, specializing in sex therapy. She is in private practice working with a broad spectrum of clients. She is an expert in the areas of open relationships and AB/DL. As well as depression, anxiety, sexual functioning and alternative sexual expression.

Rhoda also teaches in the sex therapy certification program at the Colorado School for Family Therapy in Aurora, CO.

Rhoda is an interactive, eclectic-focused therapist. Her approach provides support and practical feedback to help people manage personal life challenges. She integrates complementary methodologies and techniques. This offers a personalized approach tailored to each person. She works with each individual to help them build on their strengths and meet their personal growth goals.