Understanding Kink And BDSM

Course
90-day access

In this 3-hour exploration we will examine definitions and delight alike, looking into the array of interests our clients might have and how we can support them wherever they might be in their journey. These interests can include bondage, discipline, dominance, submission, sadism, masochism, fetishes, voyeurism... and so much more.

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Course Description

Some people like blindfolds and whipped cream. Others enjoy pushing the boundaries of what their body can take. Some people like it mild, and other folks like it wild, getting spicy and freaky in the bedroom and beyond. Whether a client enjoys intense sensations or more subtle flavors, everyone wins when they have support from providers as they explore and interrogate their tastes.

In this 4-hour exploration we will examine definitions and delight alike, looking into the array of interests our clients might have and how we can support them wherever they might be in their journey. These interests can include bondage, discipline, dominance, submission, sadism, masochism, fetishes, voyeurism... and so much more. We will look together at our own biases concerning these topics as well as be exposed to interests and desires your clients may bring up with you. In turn, we will break apart the differences between what a person might be into and what their actions currently are, both of which may or may not be what they are seeking your support on.

These topics can elicit a sense of titillation, or of dread. In this humorous and accessible class about alternative and sometimes edgy sexual practices, we will be looking at what draws people to this wide array of kink interests as well. Bring your sense of humor, your curiosity, and your questions as you learn about the wide variety of sexual expression found in BDSM and kinky eroticism, passions, and desires.

What you'll learn

Learn an array of common terms used to describe kink activities and identities
Examine the Gender, Sexuality, and Relationships Diversity model and note how it might apply to your clients
Debunk common myths and misconceptions concerning BDSM, kink, and alternative sexuality practices and communities
Consider the reasons that individuals might practice these activities and in turn why they might be seeking you out for their mental health needs
Be exposed to an expansive range of activities that kinksters engage in
Acquire tools to recognize the differences between abuse and kink
Gain some ways they can support your clients who practice kink activities and have kink or power exchange identities

Meet Your Instructor

Lee Harrington

Sexuality and Spirituality Educator, Author, and Artist

Lee Harrington (he/they) is an internationally known sexuality, gender, relationships, and personal authenticity educator. He brings a combination of playful engagement and thoughtful academic dialogue to a broad audience, having taught over one thousand classes, presentations, and keynotes worldwide. An award-winning author and editor on gender, sexual, and sacred experience, his books include “Traversing Gender: Understanding Transgender Journeys,” “Sacred Kink: The Eightfold Paths of BDSM and Beyond,” and “Playing Well With Others: Your Guide to Discovering, Exploring and Negotiating the Kink, Leather and BDSM Communities” (with Mollena Williams), among many other titles. He has been blogging online since 1998 and has been teaching since 2001. You can check out Lee’s adventures, as well as his podcast, tour schedule, free essays, videos, and more, at PassionAndSoul.com.

Audience

This course is designed for:

Mental health and physical health professionals, including: clinicians, psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, peer specialists, recovery support specialists, housing specialists, nurse practitioners, wellness support workers, coaches, holistic practitioners
Students in mental health and/or gender, sexuality and relationship diversity studies

What You'll Get

Recorded 3 hour class
Access to the recording for 30 days
A reference and resource list to aid ongoing learning and exploration on the course topics
3 CEUs (for Florida licensed mental health professionals)

Continuing Education (CEUs)

This course provides 3 CEUs for licensed mental health professionals in the state of Florida. Participants must provide license number and complete course evaluation for credit.

Frequently asked questions

How long will I have access to the recording?

You will have access to the recording for 30 days after purchasing the course.

What if I am unhappy with the course, content, or platform?

We love hearing your feedback on what we can do to improve our efforts to provide gender, sexuality, and relationship diversity studies to helping professionals! Shoot us an email at hello@serenayeager.com and let us know your thoughts. If you disagree with any of the perspectives shown in this course - that's great! We encourage differing perspectives, so feel free to leave a comment in the course - so long as your comments remain respectful and you speak from your own point of view.