BDSM & Kink-knowledgeable Therapy

BDSM (Bondage & Discipline, Domination & submission, Sadism & Masochism) and other kinks may be something you’re curious about, dabbling in, or an essential important part of your identity, relationship, social life, or daily routine. Whether you’ve been reading some erotica that sparked a new curiosity or you’ve been in the kink scene for years, if you’re seeking therapy you likely want to work with a therapist who is kink-knowledgeable and will not judge you or pathologies your kinks. This is a part of your life experience, and you deserve a supportive therapeutic space where you can be open about it. 

The field of psychology has thankfully (and rightfully) moved away from classifying BDSM and kink as disorders - and there is now research showing that BDSM and kink can have positive benefits for individuals and relationships. But there can still a great deal of stigma around alternative interests and lifestyles, and this may not be something you can talk about with your vanilla friends - which can feel isolating. BDSM and kink are also not practices that every therapist is familiar with or educated about. So it is important to seek out a professional who has experience working with clients in the kink community and understands that consensual BDSM and kink can be enjoyable, empowering, and can strengthen relationships.

Maybe you have a fetish that you’ve never shared with your partner, and you are seeking support figuring out how to have that conversation. Maybe you are exploring new sexual interests, but noticing some internal conflict, guilt, or shame because society or religion has told you that you shouldn’t do or take pleasure in these things. Maybe you’re new to all of this and you have worries or concerns about how to explore your kinks safely. Maybe you’re dating or looking for new partners, but unsure of how to find other people into the same things as you. Maybe you are healing from trauma, and trying to figure out how to navigate triggers during scenes and communicate with your partners about it. Or maybe you’re coming to therapy for something not at all related to BDSM or kink, but you just want a therapist who you can be open with about the fact that you’re in a D/s relationship!

Our work together will help you embrace and explore your interests and identity, and how they impact (no pun intended!) your daily life, relationships, and sense of self. We can process all the mixed feelings that may come up as you explore the scene and navigate relationships and power dynamics to help you understand yourself and your desires better. You can strengthen your confidence in yourself, your boundaries, and your ability to communicate and negotiate with partners so that you can fully enjoy this aspect of your life.

I am passionate about providing a therapeutic space for clients to be open about the role that BDSM and kink play in their lives (is that another pun?), without judgement. In case you can’t tell, I like to infuse some humor in talking about this subject because it doesn’t have to be so serious all the time! I know it is difficult enough dealing with the stigma, judgment, and misunderstanding of the larger society we live in - which is why it is all the more important for therapy to be a place where you don’t have to hide who you really are. I love helping people become more confident in their identities, and figure out how the strengths and communication skills they use in BDSM and kink can be applied to other parts of their lives to better cope with challenges and improve their well-being.

Ready to get started?

Contact me to schedule a free consultation

I offer in-person therapy for residents of Los Angeles in the South Bay including Torrance, Palos Verdes, Rolling Hills, Lomita, Redondo Beach, Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach, El Segundo, Hawthorne, Lawndale, and Gardena; and online therapy via telehealth throughout the state of California.