Clinical Considerations in Treating BDSM Practitioners: A Review

J Sex Marital Ther. 2018;44(7):701-712. doi: 10.1080/0092623X.2018.1451792. Epub 2018 May 3.

Abstract

BDSM is an overlapping acronym referring to the practices of bondage and discipline, dominance and submission, and sadism and masochism. This article reviews the psychological literature on BDSM practitioners and discusses issues concerning BDSM that are relevant to clinicians and sexual health-care providers. The literature concerning the psychological health of BDSM practitioners and clinical issues in treating BDSM practitioners was exhaustively reviewed. BDSM practitioners differ minimally from the general population in terms of psychopathology. Six clinical considerations emerged: ignoring versus considering BDSM; countertransference; nondisclosure; cultural competence; closer relationship dynamics; BDSM, abuse, and pathology.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Attitude of Health Personnel*
  • Clinical Competence
  • Dominance-Subordination
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Masochism / psychology
  • Masochism / therapy*
  • Physician-Patient Relations*
  • Sadism / psychology
  • Sadism / therapy*