Kink Therapy in Texas
ABOUT OUR KINK THERAPY IN TEXAS
WHAT IS KINK?
“Kink” is a term (defined by the CDC) that describes forms of sexuality related to fetishes, power play, and sensation play. Another term that falls within “Kink” is BDSM. BDSM stands for bondage, discipline & submission, sadism & masochism. Kink and BDSM is unique in the sense that it does not have to involve sex or penetration, or sometimes even person to person touch at all. It can, however, involve those things. Kink and BDSM communities hold a high value on consent and communication. Creating a negotiation with your partner(s) beforehand is important and gives permission to all parties to express what they do and don’t like, what safewords might be used when something becomes too much, and details about what is and is not okay with each person involved.
WHAT IS KINK THERAPY?
Respark’s Kink Therapy is an inclusionary and celebratory space to express your wildest, kinkiest fantasies. Repark couples and sex therapists are highly trained in kink, BDSM, and kinky relationships. many have additional certifications and advanced training on the research and typical concerns. In your sessions, we will address creating negotiations with your partner(s) beforehand, discuss ways to effectively and safely act out your desires, and resolve any problems that may arise in the process.
Kink, as defined by the CDC, describes forms of sexuality such as fetishes, power play, and sensation play. BDSM can also fall under the kink umbrella term. Practicing kink is unique to other sexual scenarios as it does not have to involve sex or penetration – some kinks rely on no person-to-person touching! Kink flourishes when it is practiced safely and with consent. This is why our therapists may assist in kink contracts with your partner(s), the importance of safewords, and how to determine what is okay for each person involved.
HOW DO I KNOW IF I NEED KINK THERAPY?
At Respark, we are here to assist in everyone’s sexual journey. Should you be interested in the scene yet unsure of where to begin or if you’re already a kink veteran, we want to help. During your Respark therapy sessions, we can discuss your relationship to kink, but also everything else! Our therapists are experts in the sexuality field and can help guide you to better understand your needs, your desires, and yourself.
CAN YOU ENGAGE IN KINK THERAPY ONLINE?
Just as you can meet with a licensed therapist for traditional, online therapy, you too can meet with a Respark kink therapist online. There is a common misconception about kink-aware (or sexuality-related overall) therapists practice or demonstrate kink among other sexual behaviors with their clients. This is false–your online kink therapy sessions will exclude all forms of nudity or sexual practices from their office (whether digital or not). During your kink online therapy sessions, you and your Respark therapist may discuss your sexual and/or kink history, along with any feelings that may arise during your exploration of kink.
Just want a therapist that is kink knowledgeable, kink aware, kink friendly and/or kink affirming?
Many of our clients are kinky and just need a therapist that won’t judge or maybe a therapist that just “gets it.” Respark Therapists are more than “kink friendly,” they have some of the most advanced, up to date training specifically in kink relationships.
Respark therapists are highly experienced in working within kinky clients. Many of our therapists in Austin, Texas have been working with kink relationships for over a decade. Additionally, many Respark Therapists have continued education with the world’s experts in the field of BDSM and kink through the Sexual Health Alliance.
Respark also provides our therapists with up to date literature and studies on kinky relationships and provides supervision with our founder and director Heather Mcpherson who has over a decade of experience working with kink and BDSM. Heather has presented at national conferences on BDSM and kink relationships including but not limited to GWNN, SoAk and TNG in Texas. Heather at Respark Therapy and our sister organization, Sexual Health Alliance has also sponsored previous conferences for kinky people including Thunder in the Mountains in Denver Colorado, SoAk in South Austin, Texas and more.
when someone you love is kinky
Understanding the basics of the Kink and BDSM world can be empowering for both partners. By engaging in the relational work together, both/all partners can together navigate and create their own boundaries and contracts that feel authentic to their relationship. Oftentimes, being “out” as a kinky person or couple can be dangerous to the outside world. It is important to discuss together how to face the stigma from the outside world and agree together on a relationship that works for all involved. Therapy that focuses on kink can help you work through some of these important discussions while strengthening the relationship.
Dossie Easton and Catherine A. Liszt wrote a book called When Someone You Love is Kinky, to explain the experience between couples where one partner is kinky and the other(s) is/are not. We sometimes refer to this book in kink therapy.
COMMON REASONS TO GO TO KINK THERAPY:
- Navigating boundaries
- Communication Issues
- One partner is kinky and the other is not
- Navigating a complex scene or relationship
- Trauma from past experiences
- Consent violations
- Jealousy or anger
- Deciding whether or not to open up a kink relationship
- Understanding options and choices in kink relationships
- Broken agreements in kinky relationships
- Negotiating contracts in kinky relationships
- NRE or New Relationship Energy
- Stigma from family or society
do i need to be practicing kink to attend kink therapy?
Definitely not! If you’re interested in kink and you want to talk through your desires and questions, speaking with a therapist who specializes in kink, BDSM, and relationship diversity can help guide you on a new path. All Respark therapists are highly-trained, inclusive, and affirming and are ready to act as your primary talk therapist for individual therapy, regardless of being in an open relationship or not.
HOW TO BECOME A KINK THERAPIST ONLINE
Sexual Health Alliance’s Year-Long Kink Informed Certification Program is an exclusive certificate program in kink, BDSM, and alternative sexuality taught by SHA and international expert, Midori, along with more premier leaders in the sexuality field. This program utilizes a Strength-Based Approach to working with these populations.
This program is for you if you are a kink-aware therapist, kink-positive therapist, educator, coach, or consultant who works with individuals engaging in kink, BDSM, and various sexualities. This program is for you if you strive to serve your clients’ needs through non-judgemental sex positivity while celebrating their diversity in sexual expression. This program is for you if you not only want to grow your sexuality business but also expand your reach to more people and spread sex positivity and kink awareness.
Even with the best of intentions, many professionals lack access to additional training that would allow for their practice to be truly kink-aware or kink positive. Lack of current education can potentially lead to causing harm to the client by unknowingly introducing sex-negative stereotypes or misinformation into session. With this training, you will be able to better provide for clients’ needs around sexuality around those that engage in kink, BDSM, and alternative sexuality.
Sexual Health Alliance along with Midori, have created KIC, the Kink Informed Certification Program that educates therapists, coaches, educators, as well as other sexuality experts about kink, BDSM, and alternative sexuality which provides you with all the tools needed to truly become a kink-aware or kink-positive therapist or professional.
"Sex is as important as eating or drinking, and we ought to allow the one appetite to be satisfied with as little restraint or false modesty as the other."
–Marquis de Sade
HOW IS RESPARK DIFFERENT?
We see 500+ clients every month through our Online Therapy Program. After a decade of practice, we look forward to serving you through online counseling or via phone therapy anywhere in Texas.
Respark is a talk therapy practice that is inclusive and affirming of all orientations, lifestyles, beliefs, and relationship styles. Respark’s team has a combined 70+ years of experience and consists of highly-specialized therapists who are committed to serving your individual and relationship needs. While most couples therapists do not receive any education in sexuality, the therapists on our team continuously seek advanced, expert training opportunities in sexuality and relationship issues so we can provide the most up-to-date and effective therapy to our clients.
We aim to provide high-quality couples therapy and the best sex therapy, individual counseling, and coaching throughout all of Texas with multiple offices in Austin, Texas. Our counselors and coaches are available online for anyone nationwide.
Repark couples and sex therapists are highly trained in kink, BDSM and kinky relationships. Many have additional certifications and advanced training on the research and typical concerns.
At Respark, we specialize in moving through sexual issues by creating passion in your relationship and working towards relighting the fire of love in your life. Your sexuality can be a sensitive and frustrating topic, let our professionals help guide you through it.