This comprehensive workshop for mental health practitioners is designed to address issues of difference, power, and discrimination to help foster a deeper understanding of kink and non-monogamous relationships.
Through case studies and role-playing exercises, practitioners will gain insight into systemic biases in counseling and the unique challenges faced by kinky and non-monogamous clients. Participants will learn effective strategies to help support individuals in alternative relationship styles and provide empathetic care, while gaining awareness into identifying and challenging their own personal biases.
This training will help support practitioners in becoming a more inclusive and supportive practitioners, and enhance their clinical skillset.
Participants in this training will:
- Identify and describe six essential concepts related to kink, including consent, BDSM, power dynamics, and safety
- Compare and contrast various frameworks of non-monogamous relationship styles and the diverse agreements between partners
- Assess biases in counseling and analyze how individuals and relationships encounter discrimination
- Evaluate the clinical challenges faced by kinky and non-monogamous clients
- Develop and implement effective strategies to support individuals in alternative relationship styles
Katelyn Bessette has been working as a therapist for over 13 years. She has extensive experience with addictions, trauma, complex mental health issues as well as sex and relationships. As a Certified Sex Therapist specializing in non-monogamy, she has a unique perspective and provides education desperately needed in the counseling world. Additionally, Katelyn was adjunct Faculty at Lewis & Clark Graduate School’s Professional Mental Health Master’s Program, and currently supervises LPC interns.
