BDSM and sex therapy training

 
Together with Fiona Bourdon, we created this training to help professionals working in the field of sexuality and relationships expand their knowledge of BDSM, move beyond limiting representations of these practices, and acquire concrete tools for their work.

This training is inclusive and mindful of systemic issues related to gender, sexual orientations, and relationship dynamics. It offers a dynamic approach combining theory, cognitive & somatic reflection, group discussions, and practical communication tools.

Why train in BDSM?

• An increasing number of people have fantasies or engage in BDSM practices but feel ashamed to talk about it with professionals.
• It is the responsibility of professionals to open the discussion and create a climate of trust.
• Professionals must be able to assess the safety framework of these practices and minimize the risk of violence.
• Beyond the practices, BDSM provides tools for consent-based communication, boundary-setting, and creativity applicable to all types of sexualities.

Training Overview
BDSM is becoming more mainstream, both in the media and in individual fantasies. According to a 2015 Canadian study, 53% of men and 64.6% of women fantasize about dominance, while a 2017 Belgian study found that 46.8% of respondents had already engaged in BDSM-related activities. With this growing interest, the risk of harmful practices and violence also increases. It is up to professionals to identify these risks and guide individuals toward safe and respectful practices.

Additionally, a 2023 study revealed that 73% of BDSM practitioners do not bring up the topic during consultations with health professionals due to a lack of trust or fear of judgment.

Who is this training for?
This training is designed for all professionals working in the field of sexuality and relationships, including:

• Therapists, sex therapists, sexologists, and sexuality coaches
• Psychologists, psychiatrists, midwives, educators
• Nurses, gynecologists, and healthcare students
• And all others working in this field

Learning Objectives

• Gain theoretical foundations of BDSM: history, pain and pleasure physiology, legal aspects, sociology, and paraphilias.
• Deconstruct biases and stereotypes associated with BDSM to move beyond its pathologization.
• Understand why people engage in BDSM to create a climate of trust and reduce patient isolation.
• Analyze personal and professional biases regarding BDSM and one’s own fantasies.
• Learn BDSM communication methods and power dynamics (list of practices, consent, boundary-setting, safewords, etc.).
• Integrate BDSM communication tools into professional practice.
• Develop strategies to support BDSM practitioners in ensuring safety, consent, and communication.
• Address the shame surrounding BDSM fantasies, offer therapeutic support, and foster resilience (kink-positive and kink-affirmative approaches).
• Detect and prevent physical, psychological, and sexual violence disguised as BDSM practices.
• Support patients in reclaiming their bodies after trauma.

Trainers

VANESSA LANGER (SHE/THEY)
A certified sex therapist with a clinical sexology degree from the University of Geneva, a somatic practitioner (Psycho-sexual Somatic Therapy), anthropologist, and yoga instructor. Vanessa’s thesis explored “Embodiment in erotic workshops as a trigger for changing sexual representations and scripts.” They have also created a radio documentary on BDSM. Since 2018, Vanessa has worked as a therapist in Lausanne, offering a sex-positive and inclusive approach. Their work integrates sensory awareness, trauma discharge, and exploration of personal beliefs, psychological patterns, and emotions. They provide individual therapy and group workshops.

FIONA BOURDON (THEY/THEM)
A certified sexologist with a Clinical Sexology DIU from the Faculty of Medicine in Toulouse. Their research project, “BDSM in 2023: Insights into Practices,” was ranked among the top five in France (AIUS/JF3S). Fiona’s therapeutic approach is integrative, inclusive, feminist, and kink-positive. They practice at the Sexopraxis Center in Lausanne and Geneva and are certified in psychotraumatology by the Institut Romand de PsychoTraumatologie. Fiona specializes in post-traumatic sexology. Before becoming a sexologist, they worked as a forensic nurse at CHUV Lausanne, assisting victims of violence, and in crisis psychiatry. Fiona is also a performer, using the stage to explore gender, eroticism, and mental health topics.

Website: Fiona Bourdon