BDSM stands for Bondage and Discipline/Dominance and Sadism/Submission and Masochism (which is when you derive pleasure from inflicting or experiencing pain). “Kink” is a general term that refers to sexual desires that are considered by society to be outside the norm.
While these experiences may be considered taboo by some, that doesn’t mean they’re wrong.
In fact, people with fetishes, kink, and BDSM practices are far more common than you think.
Kink/BDSM is sometimes referred to as an “alternative” lifestyle and way of exploring sexuality.
For those of us who live “alternative” lifestyles that do not conform to mainstream society, there are a lot of big picture questions that we grapple with on the daily.
Like, how much do we accommodate society by sacrificing our own desires and trying to “fit in?”
And how far do we push the limits on what society constitutes as a valid way to live our lives?
It’s a constant battle that we must face and reckon with, especially when our alternative choices are sexual in nature and therefore, so intimately tied to our relationships with others and the way we see ourselves.
Over the past several years, we have found ourselves working with an increasing number of people who are a part of the BDSM and lifestyle community.
Working with these clients, we have learned a great deal about the community, and about how BDSM desires can contribute to feelings of shame and anxiety.
We’ve come to understand that the key to freedom is accepting every part of ourselves, even the taboo parts that we often want to keep hidden from the outside world.
And although the BDSM lifestyle is gaining awareness in mainstream culture, most people in the world remain pretty uninformed.
But that’s why we are here: to teach and build acceptance around a community that is deserving of respect, attention, and understanding.
One of the most common concerns we find when working with BDSM and kink issues is that people are uncertain how to discern a genuine desire from trauma or a consensual dom/sub relationship from an abusive relationship.
Discerning between these things is rarely black and white. It requires a great deal of skill and understanding, and we pride ourselves on knowing how to help you discern these important questions.
Often, the answers to these questions serve as the basis for greater clarity, healing, peace, and self-acceptance.
BDSM and kink specialized therapists are uniquely equipped to help navigate these delicate conversations from a place of deep acceptance and understanding of BDSM and kink desires as completely valid and normal.
Individual, Couples, & Relationship Therapy for BDSM & Kink
Yes, there are stereotypes that exist within the culture at large, but our therapists recognize that they couldn’t be further from the truth.
At my LA Therapy, you will be treated as an individual, without being confined by any labels or preconceived notions.
Our experienced BDSM therapists are here to discuss all matters related to fetish, sexuality and dominant/submissive-issues within relationships—nothing is taboo here in our practice!
Book a free call to get matched with one of our warm and experienced therapists.
Promenade
127 Broadway Suite 205
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Venice
130 Ocean Park Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA 90405
Brentwood
12100 Wilshire Blvd. 8th Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90025
City
1801 National Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90064