Assessing for Safety in BDSM/Kink Dynamics Workshop

Human sexuality is a broad spectrum, with some people finding pleasure in sexual acts that would cause others significant distress. From the outside, BDSM and kink can appear to some as dangerous or even thinly veiled intimate partner violence. However, the BDSM/kink community refutes these characterizations and is hailed by others as being more aware of safety risks, boundaries, and consent than the “vanilla world.” That being said, abuse can happen among all types of people, and the BDSM/kink community is not an exception.

If you are a mental health care provider working with clients who engage in BDSM/kink, it is essential to be able to spot the differences between consensual dynamics and abusive behavior. However, when something as simple as hitting becomes a desired action, traditional methods of assessing violence in interpersonal dynamics go out the window. As BDSM/kink becomes less stigmatized and people begin not only to explore but also to talk more openly about it, mental health care providers must stay up to date and informed about these nuances.

In this workshop, we will review foundational knowledge about BDSM/kink, consent, and patterns of abuse. We will explore red and green flags for danger, and provide guidelines for mental health care providers to assess for safety while remaining nonjudgmental and affirming of their clients’ sexuality.

Takeaways will include: understanding consent and how it can show up in BDSM/kink dynamics; common terminology within the BDSM/kink community; understanding common barriers that kinky clients experience when trying to access BDSM/kink-affirming care; understanding differences between patterns of abuse and consensual BDSM/kink dynamics; and methodology to assess for safety in BDSM/kink dynamics while maintaining trust in the therapeutic alliance.

Earn 2 AASECT CEU credits.

Wednesday, Jan 28th from 6:00–8:00 pm EST

ABOUT the TRAINERS:
Erin McCarron, LCSW, CST-S, AF-EMDR

I am a White, queer, neurodivergent, disabled, kinky, cisgender woman and an AASECT sex therapy supervisor. My clinical approach is grounded in anti-racist, trauma-informed, sex- and kink-positive frameworks. I am trained in Attachment-Focused EMDR and certified in Urban Tantra®, and integrating somatic experiencing to support healing and connection. I work with LGBTQIA+ individuals, couples/polycules navigating complex identities, intimacy, sexuality, neurodivergence, and trauma. I am passionate about co-creating safer spaces where people can explore and reclaim their erotic lives, nervous systems, and authentic selves.

Lowell VanBiene, LCSW
I am a Black, queer, disabled, neurodivergent, non-binary therapist working with adult individuals and couples. I approach therapy as a team effort grounded in trauma-informed, anti-racist, fat liberatory, sex & kink positive, and feminist ideals. I prioritize working communities with whom I share personal experience, including: LGBTQIA+, poly/ENM, BDSM/kink, sex worker, SA/DV survivors, neurodivergent, chronically ill & disabled

Important information for self-care

Please be aware that this training includes discussion of sexual exploitation and domestic abuse. While we strive to approach these topics respectfully and in a trauma-informed manner, we recognize that some participants may find the material emotionally challenging.

We encourage you to turn off your camera or step away from the session at any point to care for your well-being and stay grounded. We also recommend allowing yourself a 30–60 minute window after the training before returning to regular duties, giving yourself time to process the content.