Kink 101 for Mental Health Professionals

This comprehensive, multi-day training is designed for mental health professionals working with clients who explore themes of dominance, submission, and surrender. Through practical, clothed, safe, and educational demonstrations, discussions, and scene creation, attendees will gain the knowledge and skills to guide clients in navigating complex relationship dynamics, setting boundaries, and engaging in safe and consensual power exchanges.

• Comprehensive education on power dynamics
• Exclusive access to expert knowledge
• Transformative personal and professional growth 
• Practical application in setting boundaries 
  

15 hours | 2-day in-person class | $750 
​22 hours | 3-day in-person class | $950
​Wichita, Kansas

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Why Take the Kink 101 Class?

Advance your therapeutic expertise through understanding how dominance, submission, and alternative types of intimacy impact all aspects of your clients' lives. 
This course equips you with the tools and understanding necessary to support clients who explore power dynamics in their relationships, whether as a form of intimate connection or a path toward personal empowerment. This educational class is grounded in philosophy that encourages self-acceptance and the respectful navigation of power. 

This course is ideal for mental health professionals who work with:

• Couples wanting to explore or "spice things up" 
• LGBTQ+ members
• Individuals overcoming shame around sexuality
• Couples engaging in power dynamics 
• Individuals who discuss kinks or fetishes 
• Clients working to heal from sexual trauma or abuse
• Individuals in a relationship with power imbalances or unhealthy power dynamics

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Course Highlights

• Foundational and educational training in power dynamics 
• Practical guidance on discussing alternative relationships, diverse intimacy styles, and overcoming sexual shame.
• Emphasis on emotional and physical safety, and information on how to create space with that. 
• Discover how principles of kink can be applied to clients to help transform their relationships. 
• Tools and techniques for helping clients navigate their personal dynamics. 

Choose the Kink 101 Class

Earning CE credits should be more than just a checkbox. The Kink 101 class is designed for therapists and mental health professionals seeking to expand their expertise in navigating clients through the realms of kink, dominance, submission, and power dynamics. Whether you're working with clients exploring alternative relationship structures, navigating the complexities of power imbalances, or are openly discussing kink, this course offers an in-depth exploration of submission as a path to healing and empowerment. Gain practical tools, theoretical insights, and coach-led experience to effectively integrate these concepts into your practice. Dive deep into the philosophy and application of submission

Day 1 

Module 1: Setting the Container for the Group
This module establishes a foundation of trust and respect within the group. Participants will learn about communication, confidentiality, consent, and conscious connection. The focus is on creating a safe and inclusive environment for exploration.

Module 2: How Kink is the Practice of Service Using Duality
Explore how kink symbolizes the balance of dualities, particularly in dominant and submissive roles. Learn to integrate these concepts into practice, deepening the understanding of service and self-expression.

Module 3: Vocabulary in Dominance and Submission
Gain an understanding of key terminology used in dominance and submission, including different dynamics like D/s and M/s, and specialized terms such as masochism, sadism, and polyamory. This segment helps establish a shared language for participants.

Module 4: Acceptance Who You Are: Balancing Roles
This module guides participants through self-acceptance, helping them understand and balance their roles as dominants or submissives. The focus is on mental preparation and finding harmony between these roles.

Module 5: Setting the Dominant and Submissive Scene [Demonstration]
Watch an educational and clothed demonstration of a scene playing out between a dominant and submissive. Actors will stop to provide practical insight into the dynamics, communication, and flow of these interactions.

Module 6: Creating and Negotiating a Scene
Learn how to create a safe and consensual space for scenes, including negotiating roles, boundaries, desires, and safe words. This module emphasizes safety, aftercare, and the importance of preparation.

Module 7: Scene Structure and Dynamics
Discover how to structure scenes with a beginning, middle, and end while ensuring the safety and well-being of all participants. This module also covers the importance of aftercare and reflection.

Module 8: Finding and Exploring Your Client’s Preferences
This module provides tools and worksheets for identifying your client’s turn-ons and boundaries. Learn creative and safe ways that you can encourage your clients to safely explore and push these edges (within the limits of consent). 

Day 2

Module 9: Practice Negotiation [Scene]
Participants will practice negotiating and performing a scene, applying the skills and concepts learned in previous modules. This hands-on experience allows for real-time learning and feedback.

Module 10: Surrendering and Authenticity
Understand the process of surrendering in a scene, recognizing the barriers that prevent authenticity. This module offers tips and techniques for helping clients embrace vulnerability and authenticity.

Module 11: Practice Negotiation [Scene]
Further hands-on practice with scene negotiation and execution, followed by a review session to refine techniques and address challenges.

Module 12: Boundary Setting, Safety, and Protocol
Learn to establish clear boundaries, safety protocols, and agreements within dominant and submissive dynamics. This module covers essential skills for maintaining healthy and respectful interactions.

Module 13: S.M.A.R.T. Protocol Development
Apply the S.M.A.R.T. framework to develop protocols, agreements, and consequences that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. This module helps participants create actionable plans for their scenes.

Day 3

Module 14: Defining Roles, Goals, and Effective Communication
Establish clear roles and goals within dominant and submissive relationships. Learn effective communication techniques, delegation of responsibilities, and methods for providing support, correction, and personal growth.

Module 15: Demonstration and Review of Role Negotiation
Watch a demonstration of how to negotiate roles and expectations in a scene, followed by a group review and evaluation session to discuss and refine these concepts.

Module 16: Demonstration and Resources - Tools and Toys
Explore the different tools and toys that can be used in dominant and submissive scenes. Learn where to purchase these items and discover books and other resources that can enhance your clients' experiences. 

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The Professionals Behind This Kansas-Certified Course

Marla Clouse, LSCSW
Clinical Social Worker & Therapist and Department Chair 

Marla Clouse, a seasoned therapist with over 20 years of experience, specializes in navigating the complexities of sexual well-being. Known for creating a safe and non-judgmental space, Marla guides clients on a journey to fulfill their sexual goals. She excels in addressing sexual problematic behaviors, reviving and enhancing sexual activity, and providing crucial support for partners. With a focus on the sexual narrative, Marla empowers individuals and couples to explore and elevate their sexual well-being, establishing herself as a trusted guide in this intimate realm.

Coach Shelley 
CEO My Life Coach LLC

Coach Shelley is a seasoned Erotic Blueprints coach with 14+ years of experience in intimate empowerment. Mentored by Jaiya Ma, she offers a unique perspective to sensual exploration. As a Tantra coach under Kenya Stone and Monique Darling, Shelley emphasizes the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit in relationships. In addition, she is a Certified Accelerated Evolution Coach™ and an Energy Practitioner, and more, having trained with 12+ teachers across the country.

Orpheus Black
Founder of "Ritual Binding Meditation" & Public Speaker

For more than 20 years, Guru Orpheus Black has delved into the connection between polyamory, BDSM, kink, fetish, and spirituality. Through his deep study of martial arts, meditation, and Zen practices, he has cultivated the expertise to foster a safe environment for learning and exploration. His teachings empower individuals to uncover the hidden aspects of their sacred sexuality while providing guidance, mentorship, and education. 
Dominant/submissive relationships offer a framework to study to understand dominant and submissive behaviors.