Course Abstract
Abstract: Learning to listen and feel for transference and countertransference dynamics in kink affirmative therapy can provide depth in understanding the client’s clinical concerns without pathologizing a client’s natural desires. Transference is the expression of feelings and wishes a client unconsciously communicates in therapy. Countertransference is the therapist’s reaction (both conscious and unconscious) to the affective and emotional material the client is sharing. When affirmative therapists position Bondage and Discipline, Dominance and Submission, and Sadism and Masochism (BDSM) and kink practices as a valid expression of sexuality and a healthy context for relational structures, the way we listen changes. Normalizing erotic fantasies and behaviors gives space for the shame and anxiety that may lie underneath. Working with kinky clients to build more awareness around desire and sexuality supports improved communication, explicit negotiation of scenes, increased awareness of trauma triggers, and specific aftercare needs. Through discussion and case studies, this course will provide clinicians an opportunity to explore potential biases that impede on an affirmative approach and think more confidently and competently about the diverse range of human sexuality, fantasy, and desire.
Learning Objectives
After this course, participants will be able to: Describe 2 common transference reactions that kinky clients can have while exploring kinky fantasies and desires in kink affirmative therapy. Describe 2 common countertransference reactions that therapists can have while listening to a client’s erotic material in kink affirmative therapy. Describe 2 strategies for using transference and transference communications more affirmatively with kinky clients in therapy.
Meet Your Instructor
Melissa Dellens, MA, LMFT (she/they) works to help people reconnect with their ability to work, love, and play with more ease. She has offered professional development training courses and in service training in community settings for over 10 years. She was the COO and an instructor at The Affirmative Couch, which provides online continuing education on clinical work with LGBTQIA+, CNM, and kink communities. She has been adjunct faculty at Antioch University Los Angeles and Alliant International University Los Angeles. Melissa is a psychotherapist and clinical supervisor at Out Couch Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy, a group practice and training space where LGBTQIA+, CNM/ENM, and kink affirming pre-licensed therapists can learn to incorporate psychoanalytic theory into their work.
Additional Information I
Instruction Level This course is meant for a beginner to intermiediate audience. Who should Attend Psychologists, counselors, and marriage and family therapists and social workers. Format Live, virtual presentation with the opportunity for interaction with the presenter. This course will be available as a recorded homestudy approximately two weeks after the event. Zoom Link The Zoom Registration Link will be provided in your Thinkific account after registering for this event. Completion Requirements Live Event: To get CE credit for the live event, you need to be present for the entire course. You will be asked to sign in and out in the chat box in order to track attendance during breaks. We will email you your certificate of attendance within 48 hours of the course. This presentation will be recorded and available as a homestudy approximately two weeks after the live event. Your active participation will contribute and enhance the learning of participants that complete the recorded homestudy version. Home Study: You will need to take the post-test with at least a 75% score in order to receive your certificate for a home study course. Financial Support Out Couch Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy, PC pays course presenters for their teaching. There is no other financial support for this course. Conflict of Interest There is no reported conflict of interest or outside commercial support for this course. Contact Information For any inquiries related to subject matter, problem resolution, corrections, grievances, or anything else, please contact us using the customer service webform on our home page. Accommodations Out Couch Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy, PC will work to accommodate reasonable accommodations requests. Requests can be emailed with your specific accommodation request in the “brief description of your concern” section.. Requests will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
APA Approved Sponsor
Out Couch Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy, PC is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Out Couch Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy, PC maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
Enhance your approach to affirmative clinical work with sexuality and desire.
Learn to work with kink-affirmative clients from a place of clinical confidence. Increase your non-judgment stance and deepen your therapeutic impact. Join today.
$59.00