Introduction to Kink and Poly-Informed Therapy: Just the Basics | 1 Credit Hour | February 23rd | 12:00-1:00PM

Introduction to Kink and Poly-Informed Therapy: Just the Basics 📅 Date: Thursday, February 23 🕓 Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM EST 📍 Location: Virtual 🎤 Facilitator: Stacy Blankenship, LCSW This interactive training is designed to support mental health professionals in developing foundational competence when working with clients who engage in kink/BDSM and/or consensual non-monogamous (polyamorous) relationships. Participants will explore common misconceptions, examine the impact of shame and stigma within therapeutic relationships, and learn practical strategies for creating affirming, ethical, and client-centered care environments. Emphasis is placed on consent, communication, cultural humility, and reducing provider bias to strengthen the therapeutic alliance. Training Objectives 1. Address Shame and Stigma in Therapeutic Relationships Participants will examine how societal stigma, misinformation, and professional bias related to kink and polyamory can negatively impact treatment outcomes. The training will help clinicians recognize implicit and explicit biases, understand how stigma can be internalized by clients, and explore ways to prevent therapy from replicating harm or marginalization. 2. Explain Basic Kink, BDSM, & Polyamory Definitions and Terminology Participants will gain a foundational understanding of commonly used terms and relationship structures within kink/BDSM and polyamorous communities. This includes distinctions between consensual kink and abuse, ethical non-monogamy versus infidelity, and key concepts such as consent, negotiation, boundaries, aftercare, hierarchy, and relationship agreements. 3. Identify Ways to Create a Safe, Kink- & Poly-Affirming Therapy Space Participants will learn at least one concrete strategy to foster psychological safety and trust for kink and poly clients, including the use of inclusive language, affirming intake practices, respectful curiosity, and more! 🎓 1 Credit Hour | ACEP Number: 7925 | ACE 💻 Online format