Distinguishing between BDSM and IPV (Intimate Partner Violence)
Your client has confided in you about having a sex life that includes controlling behaviors and violent, even degrading language and acts. How do you tell whether they’re a victim of intimate partner violence, or engaging in consensual (if extreme) kink? And– can it be both? Sociologist and certified sex educator Dr. Eli offers this continuing education workshop to give clinicians a detailed overview of the characteristics of kink and how it’s normal, common, and consensual– and contrasts it with the hallmarks of intimate partner violence. This workshop is for clinicians at all stages of their careers who want a clearer understanding of consensual, risk-aware BDSM practices and relationships to better address their clients’ needs and overcome their own internalized biases and stigmas, as well as to feel confident in identifying and addressing IPV whether or not it’s occurring within a kink dynamic. You’ll learn: -What BDSM and kink are, and why they’re not inherently harmful - How to distinguish them from IPV - How professional diagnoses of kink/paraphilias have changed with the times - How to determine whether IPV is co-occurring with kink (yes, it CAN be both!) Dr. Eli Sheff is the foremost academic expert on polyamorous families with children, and has more than 25 years’ experience researching consensual nonmonogamies. Dr. Eli has a PhD in sociology and is a Certified Sexuality Educator who has written four books and 30+ academic articles on CNM and BDSM/kinky sex. She serves as a relationship coach, educator, and expert witness. She has appeared on hundreds of podcasts, television shows, and media interviews with outlets from NPR, National Geographic, and the New York Times, to Cosmopolitan and Savage Love. Dr. Eli blogs for Psychology Today and always wants to make friends with dogs. Class recording from 3/20/24. Please reach out to contact@tamarapincus.com if you need sliding scale.
The Pincus Center
Distinguishing between BDSM and IPV (Intimate Partner Violence)
Your client has confided in you about having a sex life that includes controlling behaviors and violent, even degrading language and acts. How do you tell whether they’re a victim of intimate partner violence, or engaging in consensual (if extreme) kink? And– can it be both? Sociologist and certified sex educator Dr. Eli offers this continuing education workshop to give clinicians a detailed overview of the characteristics of kink and how it’s normal, common, and consensual– and contrasts it with the hallmarks of intimate partner violence. This workshop is for clinicians at all stages of their careers who want a clearer understanding of consensual, risk-aware BDSM practices and relationships to better address their clients’ needs and overcome their own internalized biases and stigmas, as well as to feel confident in identifying and addressing IPV whether or not it’s occurring within a kink dynamic. You’ll learn: -What BDSM and kink are, and why they’re not inherently harmful - How to distinguish them from IPV - How professional diagnoses of kink/paraphilias have changed with the times - How to determine whether IPV is co-occurring with kink (yes, it CAN be both!) Dr. Eli Sheff is the foremost academic expert on polyamorous families with children, and has more than 25 years’ experience researching consensual nonmonogamies. Dr. Eli has a PhD in sociology and is a Certified Sexuality Educator who has written four books and 30+ academic articles on CNM and BDSM/kinky sex. She serves as a relationship coach, educator, and expert witness. She has appeared on hundreds of podcasts, television shows, and media interviews with outlets from NPR, National Geographic, and the New York Times, to Cosmopolitan and Savage Love. Dr. Eli blogs for Psychology Today and always wants to make friends with dogs. Class recording from 3/20/24. Please reach out to contact@tamarapincus.com if you need sliding scale.