“We are bound together by the most powerful of all ties, our fervent love for freedom and independence,
which knows no homeland but the human heart.”
– Gerald R. Ford
There's a certain look that you get when someone realizes that you're kinky. A glance from the corner of the eye, one of curiosity mixed with just a small amount of disdain. A thousand unasked questions hang in the air, and you can almost see them holding themselves back. In those moments, you feel amused, annoyed, and definitely different. These moments can be almost fun...
except when it's coming from your therapist. Kink Aware Practice occurs when a mental health provider takes on the work of learning more about BDSM, kink, and fetishes. It's a form of culturally competent care that all kink-identifying clients are entitled to receive. Bound Together Counseling takes this to the next level and offers Kink Affirming Care.
Kink Affirming Care moves beyond "I know what that is" and into "I know that is a valuable strength." It recognizes that for many, kink and/or power exchange are seen as elements of ones sexual orientation and identity and respects them as such. Kink Affirming Care understands that power exchange dynamics are sources of strength when treatment planning and goal setting and that kink/fetish play can be a healthy and loving part of ones sexuality and relationships. It uses the language of the BDSM communities to contextualize mental health concerns and to support our kinky clients personal and relational goals and growth. |
Stefani wrote the book on
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