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.
Caroline Shahbaz, BBSc(Hons), MPsych, MA, is a trained clinical psychologist. She has spoken widely at conferences across the US and Australia on issues related to BDSM relationships, consensual master slave dynamics and kinkophobia as it applies to the practice of psychotherapy.
Peter Chirinos, MA, LPC, NCC, DCC, is the president and CEO of Capital Counseling Services, LLC, where he provides psychotherapy services as well as professional coaching, training and expert consultations in the area of sex, intimacy, and alternative sexualities.
Author(s): Caroline Shahbaz and Peter Chirinos
Series: Routledge Focus
Publisher: Routledge
Year: 2017
Language: English
Pages: 169
Cover......Page 1
Half Title......Page 2
Title Page......Page 4
Copyright Page......Page 5
Dedication page......Page 6
Contents......Page 8
List of Figures......Page 10
List of Tables......Page 12
Foreword......Page 14
Note......Page 16
Foreword......Page 18
Preface......Page 20
Acknowledgments......Page 24
Introduction......Page 26
Pathologizing Sexuality......Page 30
Healthy Sexuality Defined......Page 31
What Is BDSM?......Page 34
BDSM Practices......Page 35
BDSM Relationships......Page 37
Altered States of Consciousness......Page 40
BDSM Culture: Role of Ritual and Symbolism......Page 41
Defining Healthy BDSM Relationships......Page 44
Notes......Page 47
Chapter 3: Is It “Bad,” “Mad,” and “Sick” or, Is It Okay?......Page 48
Psychopathology and Mental Disorders Defined......Page 49
Sexual Masochism and Sadism Disorders......Page 50
BDSM Demographics......Page 51
Debunking BDSM Myths......Page 53
Psychobiology of BDSM......Page 54
Social Persecution and Discrimination......Page 56
Summary......Page 59
Notes......Page 60
Persecution or Psychopathology......Page 61
Kinkophobia and Othering......Page 62
Othering Consciousness......Page 64
Summary......Page 65
BDSM as a Cultural Identity......Page 66
Development of Awareness......Page 67
Establishing a Therapeutic Container......Page 68
Client Characteristics......Page 71
Contraindications and Exclusionary Criteria......Page 72
Common Client Issues......Page 73
Notes......Page 89
Domestic Violence versus BDSM......Page 90
Research......Page 91
Clinical Considerations......Page 94
Non-Suicidal Self-Injury and Intense BDSM Sensation Play......Page 96
Research......Page 97
Motivations for Cutting......Page 99
Interface with Masochism......Page 103
Reframing Cutting: From Destructive to Constructive......Page 107
Call for Future Research......Page 109
Codependency in BDSM Relationships......Page 110
Ending a BDSM Relationship......Page 113
BDSM Pornography versus Reality......Page 116
Notes......Page 118
Chapter 7: Into the Psychotherapeutic Borderland......Page 120
Pain Reframed......Page 122
Therapeutic Relationship Container......Page 124
Container for Deeper Insight and Growth......Page 125
Container for Mental, Emotional, and Physical Disabilities......Page 126
Transformative Authenticity......Page 129
Notes......Page 132
Appendix A: Shahbaz-Chirinos Healthy BDSM Checklist......Page 134
Appendix B: NCSF’s Annual Incident Reporting......Page 144
Note......Page 146
Organizations......Page 147
Informational Websites......Page 148
Events (Educational)......Page 149
References......Page 151
About the Authors......Page 164
Index......Page 166
