Modern Intimacy: Exploring Diverse Relationship Dynamics and Digital Connections in Therapy

This presentation addresses the clinical competencies required to work affirmatively with clients practicing Consensual Non-Monogamy (CNM) and BDSM/Kink. Participants will examine the impact of provider bias and "the education burden" on the therapeutic alliance. The session explores the digital landscape of LGBTQ+ and kink communities, providing harm reduction strategies for location-based apps and online vetting. Additionally, the training covers the "Polysecure" attachment model versus mononormative attachment theory and provides a clinical framework for differentiating between consensual paraphilic interests and DSM-5 Paraphilic Disorders.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this course, participants will:

1. Analyze the four zones of provider bias and demonstrate the "Stop, Name, Correct, Move On" technique to repair clinical ruptures related to sexuality, relationship structures, gender identity or kink disclosure;
2. Classify the distinct functions of geosocial and community-based applications (e.g., Feeld vs. FetLife) to apply specific harm reduction strategies, such as the "Munch Strategy" and location hygiene, for client safety in digital spaces;
3. Differentiate between the clinical presentation of "Poly-Under-Duress" (coercion/trauma response) and "New Relationship Energy Insecurity" (attachment activation) to determine whether a client requires trauma-informed safety planning or attachment reassurance; and
4. Distinguish between healthy “Sub-Space” physiology and traumatic dissociation during clinical assessment by comparing markers of ventral vagal engagement vs dorsal vagal collapse in clients practicing BDSM/kink.