Sex Therapy &
Healing Through Kink/BDSM
If pleasure is what you want, do not suppress the desire.
Seek it intelligently.
- Huston Smith
Kink is defined as non-traditional sex. When we think of traditional sex, what usually comes to mind is heterosexual and monogamous. Kink opens up a world of sexuality in a way that is freeing, invigorating, and can absolutely be healing. Forms of kink might include bondage, role play, sensory deprivation, pain, and power play; amongst a long list of others!
Kink is often used as a tool for healing trauma in combination with mental health therapy. Using kink allows people to assert power and dominance, or fall into consensual roles of submission while reclaiming sexual confidence. People who have experienced sexual assault can benefit from healing through kink, however, anyone with any sort of trauma or unresolved emotional turmoil can benefit from using kink and BDSM to heal. There is nothing more empowering than telling someone exactly what you want, how you want it, & how you want to give and receive pleasure and having it honored the exact way you communicated it!
Exploring the world of kink requires healthy, consensual communication in relationships of all kind. Kink and BDSM is one of various methods used to reclaim power after a trauma or assault (whether sexual or non-sexual). Healing through kink is not suitable for everyone, and that’s okay! Sex therapy involves a very delicate process to explore what works and what doesn’t for each individual.
Healthy communication, safety, and respect are vital aspects of kink, but they are extremely important when kink is being used as an strategy to heal trauma. Working with a therapist to understand boundaries, needs, desires, and triggers are also important when diving into the world of healing through kink.
Reasons to Seek Sex Therapy
Wanting to use kink/BDSM to heal from trauma
Interested in exploring the world of kink/BDSM
Interested in using kink/BDSM but partner is not interested
Issues with sexuality or gender identity
Actively engaged in Ethnically Non-Monogamous (ENM) lifestyle
Wanting to explore ENM or introducing it to your partner
Exploring sexuality and gender identity
Exploring asexuality
Sexual shame or kink shame
Pain with sex
Lack of sexual satisfaction in relationship
Too low/high Libido
Erectile dysfunction