Kink & BDSM (4 CE Hours)

understand their client’s experience, their specific issues and what specialized skills make for culturally informed and humble care.

Learning Objectives:

Elements 1: Basics of Kink and Therapy

• List 2 key demographics, motivations, behaviors, and relationship roles common in the kink subculture
• Discuss three specific issues or concerns that bring kink-involved clients into therapy.

Elements 2: BDSM and the DSM

• Explain how the field of mental health has pathologized BDSM behaviors and interests.
• Compare three differences between the psychiatric/psychological literature and the sociological literature and how they characterize kink interests and behaviors

Speaker Bio

Anna Randall, MSW, DHS, MPH, is a clinical sexologist and sex therapist in the San Francisco Bay Area. Anna has over 25 years of experience in both the private and public sectors of health and sexuality and career focus is on the nexus of healthcare and sexual health. She lectures nationally to both professionals and consumers on the special mental health needs of sexual minorities and research focuses on relational power dynamics, self actualization and attachment. Her busy therapy practices in SF and Silicon Valley exemplify the vast interests and personalities of the kink community.