Emerging research demonstrates that BDSM/kink can assist individuals in healing from past trauma. Some kink practitioners appear to intentionally seek out these purposes from kink, while others may experience healing as a by-product. This presentation aims to increase clinicians' cultural competence with the diverse spectrum of kink sexualities, relational dynamics, and unique experiences of stigma. A brief introduction to the BDSM/Kink Community will be presented, followed by a review of research and clinical accounts that support personal growth and healing from BDSM/Kink engagements. The risks and benefits of trauma-informed kink play for psychosomatic healing will also be reviewed and discussed.

Learning Objectives

1.      Describe two common myths about BDSM Practitioners.
2.      Discuss at least 3 ways BDSM/Kink can facilitate personal growth and healing from trauma.
3.      Identify 2 potential risks to using BDSM/kink activities for psychological and somatic healing.