Counselor Toolbox Podcast with DocSnipes

1040-Sexual Diversity & Kink_ What Every Counselor Should Know

Listen Later

Overview of Kink and Sexual Diversity

  • Kink is a broad term that includes alternative sexual practices like BDSM, polyamory, and consensual non-monogamy.
  • Kink behaviors often fall outside of mainstream practices, but they are a normal part of sexual diversity for many people.

    • DSM-5's View on Kink

    • Kink-related behaviors, including BDSM and fetishism, are no longer considered mental disorders unless they cause harm or involve non-consensual acts.
    • It's essential to differentiate between consensual kink and problematic behaviors that cause distress or harm.

      • Mental Health Impacts

      • For many, kink activities provide empowerment, emotional expression, and fulfillment.
      • However, stigma around kink can lead to shame, guilt, and even suicidal ideation if individuals feel judged or isolated for their preferences.

        • Safe, Sane, and Consensual Practices

        • A key principle in kink is that all activities must be safe, sane, and consensual.
        • Proper training and open communication are crucial to ensure that participants engage safely and have the ability to withdraw consent at any time.

          • Debunking Myths

          • Kink participants are not necessarily dealing with trauma, nor is kink inherently linked to psychological issues.
          • Many participants in kink lead healthy, well-balanced lives, and their practices are simply part of their sexual identity.

            • Clinician’s Role

            • Therapists must create a non-judgmental, supportive environment for clients to discuss kink without fear of stigma.
            • Recognizing one's biases and educating oneself on kink-related practices is essential to providing competent care.

              • Communication and Education

              • Encouraging open, honest communication between partners in kink relationships helps maintain trust and safety.
              • Platforms like FetLife and local "munches" provide safe spaces for kink individuals to meet and learn in non-sexual settings.

                • Polyamory and Consensual Non-Monogamy

                • Polyamory is distinct from casual or open relationships and involves committed, loving relationships with multiple people.
                • Consent and communication are key, and therapists should understand the dynamics to better assist clients practicing these relationship models.


                  • Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

                  ...more
                  View all episodesView all episodes
                  Download on the App Store
                  Counselor Toolbox Podcast with DocSnipesBy Dr. Dawn-Elise Snipes
                  • 4.7
                  • 4.7
                  • 4.7
                  • 4.7
                  • 4.7

                  4.7

                  590 ratings

                  More shows like Counselor Toolbox Podcast with DocSnipes

                  View all
                  The Trauma Therapist by Guy Crawford Macpherson

                  The Trauma Therapist

                  536 Listeners

                  The Social Work Podcast by Jonathan B. Singer, Ph.D., LCSW

                  The Social Work Podcast

                  515 Listeners

                  Therapy Chat by Laura Reagan, LCSW-C

                  Therapy Chat

                  678 Listeners

                  Counselling Tutor podcast by ken@counsellingtutor.com

                  Counselling Tutor podcast

                  121 Listeners

                  Being Well with Forrest Hanson and Dr. Rick Hanson by Rick Hanson, Ph.D., Forrest Hanson

                  Being Well with Forrest Hanson and Dr. Rick Hanson

                  2,504 Listeners

                  Therapist Uncensored Podcast by Sue Marriott LCSW, CGP & Ann Kelley PhD

                  Therapist Uncensored Podcast

                  1,395 Listeners

                  The Couples Therapist Couch by Shane Birkel

                  The Couples Therapist Couch

                  280 Listeners

                  Psychiatry & Psychotherapy Podcast by David Puder, M.D.

                  Psychiatry & Psychotherapy Podcast

                  1,348 Listeners

                  The Modern Therapist's Survival Guide with Curt Widhalm and Katie Vernoy by Curt Widhalm, LMFT and Katie Vernoy, LMFT

                  The Modern Therapist's Survival Guide with Curt Widhalm and Katie Vernoy

                  240 Listeners

                  Light Up The Couch by Clearly Clinical

                  Light Up The Couch

                  337 Listeners

                  The One Inside: An Internal Family Systems (IFS) podcast by Tammy Sollenberger

                  The One Inside: An Internal Family Systems (IFS) podcast

                  286 Listeners

                  Therapy in a Nutshell by Therapy in a Nutshell -Emma McAdam

                  Therapy in a Nutshell

                  571 Listeners

                  Trauma Rewired by Jennifer Wallace & Elisabeth Kristof

                  Trauma Rewired

                  352 Listeners

                  Psychology Unplugged by Dr. Corey J. Nigro

                  Psychology Unplugged

                  732 Listeners

                  Adult Child by Andrea Ashley

                  Adult Child

                  1,841 Listeners