This basic course gives mental health professionals the knowledge and skills to offer ethical, affirming and effective help to clients who practice kink or live alternative sexual lifestyles. A client’s sexual identity and practices can overlap with their mental health needs, so the course builds understanding of the many ways sexuality shows up in therapy.
Content includes an overview of the kink community for practitioners, tips for supporting clients’ sexual health and the current concerns facing the community. Participants finish able to meet disclosures about alternative practices with sensitivity and cultural humility, strengthening trust and the therapeutic alliance. The training builds clinicians’ capacity to support clients’ sexual well-being while honoring different expressions of intimacy and identity.
Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to
- Support clients who are members of the kink community more effectively.
- Develop a thorough understanding and awareness of the kink community.
- Learn practical tools for treating clients in the kink community.
- Identify issues and stigma that members of the Kink community are facing.
Syllabus:
Introduction
Objective #1: Support clients who are members of the kink community more effectively.
- Common Myths and stigmas that prevent proper care
- Effective therapy techniques for rapport building
- Resources for further knowledge
Objective #2: Develop a thorough understanding and awareness of the kink community.
- Define and learn more about the Kink community
- Learn ways to develop a curious and open stance
Objective #3: Learn practical tools for treating clients in the kink community.
- Proper sexological assessment
- Curious and open stance in therapy
- Advocacy with other medical professionals and in the community
Objective #4: Identify issues and stigma that members of the Kink community are facing.
- Current research on the Kink community
- How awareness and curiosity can help the community
- Advocating for the Kink community
Summary/Q&A
Social workers completing this course receive 2 General Skill Building asynchronous continuing education credits.
For other board approvals, this course qualifies for 2 General Skill Building continuing education training.
Instructor: Meagan Jones, PhD LCMHCS ACS CCTP
Recording Date: August 1, 2025
CEUS On-Demand, LLC, provider #2274, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 08/7/2026 - 08/6/2027. Social workers completing this course receive 2hrs General continuing education credits.
CEUs On-Demand, LLC has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7091. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. CEUs On-Demand, LLC is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
System Requirements: Firefox, Chrome, Brave, Safari, Edge on any modern operating system (Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, iOS). A desktop browser is recommended. We do not provide support resources for issues encountered using a mobile device.
Request for Special Accommodations: Learners can request special accommodations by contacting the administrative team at admin@ceus-ondemand.com