Becoming a Kink Aware Therapist

by Caroline Shahbaz, Peter Chirinos

As a result of recent media interest, the practice of BDSM has become more mainstream yet remains marginalized. Now more than ever, greater numbers of heterosexual and LGBTQ couples are starting to explore some form of BDSM. However, profound misunderstandings continue leading to unintentional physical and psychological harm. Drawing on current research and ethnographic narratives from the kink community, this book seeks to provide psychotherapists with an introductory understanding of the culture and practice of BDSM, and presents specific therapeutic concerns related to common misconceptions. This book strives to de-pathologize BDSM practices, while also providing concrete ways to distinguish abuse from consent, harmful codependency, and more. Packed with practical suggestions and rich case studies, this book belongs on the shelf of every therapist seeing BDSM and kink clients.

Genres: Psychology, Nonfiction, BDSM

140 pages, Hardcover

Published October 21, 2016

Reviews

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good introduction for trained therapists. Do note: it is only that - an introduction. The book discusses some of the most asked questions (eg. what about sexual masochists who also self-harm?) - a much needed discourse for those in the counseling profession. The heathy BDSM checklist is a good resource as well.

However, the arguments that bring the authors to their conclusions are oftentimes unclear. The book is heavily footnoted, which is great, but the arguments braiding all these resources together is sometimes lacking. This is understandable - the book spans only 140 pages including appendices and footnotes - but there is definitely a need for a more extensive work on this subject.

This book, small as it is, does not introduce you to the variety you might encounter in therapeutic practice. So, for readers unfamiliar with BDSM/kink I’d recommend to also read something akin to an introduction to kink.

[Jasmin Chrzan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a therapist who specializes in working with clients with non-normative sexual behavior. I love my job and I love the people I work with. I am vanilla myself, but that doesn't mean I cannot appreciate and support folks who are different than I am. This book provides some interesting perspectives and certainly a lot of food for thought. It also provides a lot of other recommended reading and specific kinds of approaches as a therapist.

I was so impressed with this book that I e-mailed one of the authors and I got an immediate supportive and kind response. Like author[s], like book, right?

[Scott Langston · Rating 4 out of 5]

OK, very specific audience, but well-researched and well presented. Undoubtedly food for thought for any therapist working with a kink-identified client.

[Emerson · Rating 4 out of 5]

a little dry at times, but still a helpful introduction

[Jocelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Found this in the bibliography of the "Clinical Practice Guidelines for Working with People with Kink Interests" and picked it up to see if I felt like I should suggest it to Alan as well. It's excellent, but I didn't feel it was necessary to work with someone like me - felt like it would be best for a clinician working with a client who's deeply involved with the kink community and/or in a serious power exchange relationship.

[Jhean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pretty good for a newcomer to the experience. There are some references to "pop" psychology but otherwise a decent book.