BDSM Therapy

BDSM Therapy

"Going into the unknown is how you expand what is known," ~ Julien Smith

Whips and chains, oh my…

The misconceptions about kink in general, BDSM specifically, can fuel fear, shame, and stigma. What people don't understand they often judge harshly. When asked, most people envision whips, chains, leather, and pain. Although those may be included, they are not all that is BDSM.

People who are secretly curious but fearful will focus on the scary or negative aspects of it in order to convince themselves they are better off avoiding the fear and not exploring.

Sometimes people will stigmatize it because they themselves envy the person willing to explore and take part. The stigma allows some individuals to hide their own insecurities or personal disappointments by not venturing.

Whatever the reason, if we don't openly talk about it, it will remain stigmatized.

So what is BDSM...

BDSM above all requires ongoing consent.

BDSM is an acronym for activities or practices that can involve:

Bondage: physically restraining a partner, such as with handcuffs, cords, or some type of tie limiting their mobility
Dominance/Discipline: exerting power or control over a partner during a scene or agreed-upon amount of time
Submission: being dominated, or willingly submitting to the power or control of the dominant partner
Sadism/Masochism: deriving gratification from inflicting or receiving physical or psychological pain

BDSM should ALWAYS be consensual, sane, and safe. It usually involves partners taking on roles that demonstrate a power differential. BDSM can include sex but is not required.