Therapeutic BDSM: Taboo or Transformative?
Therapeutic BDSM: Taboo or Transformative?
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Issue Date
2025-06
Authors
Davis, Alexina
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
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Abstract
BDSM (bondage and discipline, dominance and submission, sadism and masochism) is a range of sexual and nonsexual preferences and behaviours involving physical or psychological control, pain, or unequal power dynamics (Goerlich, 2021; Shahbaz & Chirinos, 2017). Many people report that engaging in these activities has been beneficial for their emotional, spiritual, and physical wellbeing. Since being declassified as a disorder in 2013, research regarding potential therapeutic benefits has increased, although it is still lacking. While BDSM aesthetics have been embraced in music, movies and fashion, there continue to be harmful stereotypes about people who engage in the lifestyle. These misconceptions include assumptions that BDSM encourages violence and abuse, promiscuity, and unhealthy relationship dynamics (Chancer, 2000; Stear, 2009). This stigmatization has both moral and legal ramifications, as many BDSM practitioners have shared that their kink practices have been used against them in custody proceedings (National Coalition for Sexual Freedom, 2013, as cited by Cascalheira, 2023). As awareness and research grows, the necessity to provide kink-affirming therapy also increases. Being aware of common BDSM practices and dynamics can decrease stigmatization within the clinical space and further support clients. There are many parallels between traditional trauma therapies and the BDSM practice of trauma play, so knowing how they overlap can create possibilities for meaningful therapeutic work. This paper will discuss the potential therapeutic benefits of BDSM, the overlaps of trauma therapy and trauma play with a focus on exploring the models of therapeutic facilitated trauma play (Bonus, 2024) and surrogate partner therapy (Masters & Johnson, 1970), along with the discussion of legal and ethical considerations in combing the two models to create clinically supported BDSM as a potential modality.
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Keywords
BDSM , kink-affirming therapy , trauma , trauma play , mental health
License
Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 United States , openAccess