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Evaluation ViewAttendees 6

Mini Workshop

LGBTQ+

Mini Workshop 24 - Working with Alternative Sexualities: Common Clinical Issues & Interventions

Saturday, November 16, 2024
10:30 AM – 12:00 PM EST
Location: Grand Ballroom D, Level 5, Downtown Marriott
Earn 1.5 Credit
Keywords: Underserved Populations, LGBTQ+, Sexuality
Level of Familiarity: All levels
Recommended Readings: Boyd-Rogers, C. C., & Maddox, G. B. (2022). LGBTQIA+ and heterosexual BDSM practitioners: Discrimination, stigma, tabooness, support, and community involvement. Sexuality Research & Social Policy, advance online publication, 1-16. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13178-022-00759-y,   De Neef, N., Coppens, V., Huys, W., & Morrens, M. (2019). Bondage-Discipline, Dominance Submission and Sadomasochism (BDSM) From an Integrative Biopsychosocial Perspective: A Systematic Review. Sexual Medicine. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.esxm.2019.02.002 ,   Sprott, R. A., & Randall, A. (2017). Health disparities among kinky sex practitioners. Current Sexual Health Reports, 9, 104-108. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11930-017-0113-6,   Waldura, J. F., Arora, I., Randall, A. M., Farala, J. P., & Sprott, R. A. (2016). Fifty Shades of Stigma: Exploring the Health Care Experiences of Kink-Oriented Patients. J Sex Med, 13(12), 1918-1929. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsxm.2016.09.019,   Dunkley, C., Dunkley, C. R., & Brotto, L. A. (2018). Clinical Considerations in Treating BDSM Practitioners : A Review Clinical Considerations in Treating BDSM Practitioners : A Review. Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy, 0(0), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1080/0092623X.2018.1451792

    Presenter(s)

  • Shveta Mittal, Ph.D.

    Clinical Psychologist
    Private Practice
    Staten Island, New York, United States

BDSM and kink are terms describing a heterogenous set of pleasurable leisure activities that often overlap with sexual or erotic activities, and are not synonymous with sex (Williams & Sprott, 2022). These activities may include bondage or restraint, consensually constructed and eroticized power differentials between partners (Dominance and submission), and the giving and receiving of intense sensations, such as pain. The field of BDSM Studies has grown significantly over the past 13 years, with research being published on a variety of topics such as health, personality differences, identity formation, and intersections with gender and sexual orientation diversity (Williams & Sprott, 2022; Wignall, 2022).

While it is rare for people to not have any BDSM fantasies (Lehmiller, 2018), there remains a pervasive stigma and discrimination directed toward people engaged in BDSM/kink is pervasive. This often resembles experiences of stigma faced by other sexual and gender diverse populations (Boyd-Rogers & Maddox, 2022; Wright, 2006; Wright 2008). Additionally, a number of studies have noted that LGBQ+ people are more likely to report involvement in BDSM and kink (Cross & Matheson, 2006; Connolly, 2006; Waldura et al, 2016; Sprott & Benoit Hadcock, 2018; Sprott, 2023). Thus, it is not surprising that BDSM practitioners face minority stressors and healthcare disparities similar to those faced by the LGBTQ+ community. This discrimination is experienced despite a body of empirical evidence that shows that BDSM involvement is not associated with detrimental relational, well-being, or health outcomes (Connolly, 2006; Hillier, 2019; Martinez, 2016; Richters et al., 2008; Rogak & Connor, 2018; Wismeijer & Assen, 2013).

Currently, BDSM/kink sexualities are not required or typically taught in graduate clinical and counseling training programs, making it uncommon for clinicians to receive training on issues facing the BDSM/kink community (Helfer, 2022). In light of the pervasive stigma, health disparities, and minority stress faced by the BDSM/kink community, and the special intersection with the LGBTQ+ community, it is crucial for clinicians to learn about this marginalized group and build cultural humility and competence.

Outline:
Myths & Stereotypes
Definitions
BDSM/Kink & ENM as Identities
Safety, Consent, and Sexual Ethics
Intro to BDSM/ENM Culture & Play
Impact of Medicalization & DSM Classifications
Stigma & Healthcare Disparities
Clinical Issues in Psychotherapy, including case examples for discussion
Clinical Practice Guidelines
Resources & References

Learning Objectives:

At the end of this session, the learner will be able to:
  1. Identify at least 3 reasons people are attracted to BDSM/kink and/or non-monogamy.
  2. Identify at least 3 characteristics that been found to be correlated among BDSM practitioners.
  3. Identify at least 3 issues that bring BDSM practitioners into therapy.
  4. Identify at least 2 ways to distinguish between BDSM and abuse.
  5. Identify at least 1 personal challenge that you may face when working with sexual minority clients.
  6. Long-term Goal: combat stigma and improve their cultural competence and humility in working with alternative sexual minority groups.