Becoming kink-aware – a necessity for sexuality professionals

Abstract

Bondage and discipline (B/D), dominance and submission (D/s), and sadism and masochism (S/M), also known as BDSM/kink, is becoming an increasingly popular topic in both mainstream media and people's sexual lives. As such, it is vital for sexuality professionals to have an understanding of BDSM and training in working with clients, over and above the current requirements. We present a three part training program which utilizes Sexual Attitude Reassessments (SARS), independent reading, and skills development through supervision, which will ensure that sexuality professionals are more than simply “kink-friendly” but are highly trained and able to help clients navigate concerns with kink and BDSM relationships.

Keywords:

• kink
• BDSM
• sex therapy
• sex education
• sexuality counselor
• sexuality professional
• kink-aware
• kink-friendly

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Sabitha Pillai-Friedman

Sabitha Pillai-Friedman is an assistant professor at the Center for Human Sexuality Studies at Widener University. She is also a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) and an AASECT certified sex therapist (CST) and an AASECT approved supervisor. In addition to her teaching, she maintains a clinical practice in Philadelphia, PA.

J.L. Pollitt

J.L. Pollitt graduated from the PhD program at the Center for Human Sexuality Studies in May 2014. Her dissertation was titled As she likes it: Erotic agency and the deconstruction of Fifty Shades of Grey.

Annalisa Castaldo

Annalisa Castaldo is an associate professor in the English Department at Widener University and has recently completed her Master's degree in sexuality education at the Center for Human Sexuality Studies at Widener University.