This foundational course is designed to equip mental health professionals with the essential knowledge and skills to provide affirming, ethical, and effective support to clients who engage in kink and alternative sexual lifestyles. Recognizing that clients’ sexual identities and practices may intersect with their mental health needs, this course fosters a deeper understanding of the diverse expressions of sexuality within the context of therapeutic work.
We will explore a basic overview of the kink community for practitioners, tips and techniques for supporting clients’ sexual health, and bring attention to current issues that those in the kink community are facing. By the end of this course, participants will be equipped to approach clients’ disclosures of alternative sexual practices with sensitivity and cultural humility, fostering trust and therapeutic alliance. This training will enhance clinicians’ ability to support clients’ sexual health and well-being, while respecting diverse 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