Main description:

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.

Contents:

Foreword Margie Nichols Foreword Barry McCarthy Preface Acknowledgments Introduction 1. Reimagining Healthy Sexuality 2. There are More Than Fifty Shades of BDSM 3. Is it "Bad", "Mad" and "Sick or, Is It Okay? 4. Psychotherapeutic Persecution: Kinkophobia and Othering 5. Becoming a Kink Aware Therapist 6. The "Yes But' Questions-Controversial Psychological Issues 7. Into the Psychotherapeutic Borderland Appendices References About The Authors