It can be challenging enough making the decision to get counseling. Finding someone who understands and accepts BDSM, kink, polyamory, LGBTQ, and alternative spiritualities shouldn't have to be a factor.Having sexual fetishes and engaging in a relationship with power exchange are healthy expressions of one's sexuality. Yet, during an intake session with a therapist, one often ends up spending the entire session explaining what being gender fluid or polyamorus means instead of focusing on what the problem is. It can be very frustrating and intimidating. People with alternative lifestyles fear being "outted" to family or employers. How does one know that their new therapist understands the difference between the Master/slave dynamic and domestic violence? How can they as parents feel reassured that their therapist isn't going to automatically consider their kink or religion grounds for a child abuse report? Whether you are seeking help for issues relating to alternative style choices or you're just seeking a therapist that provides a non-judgemental and educated perspective, a lifestyle aware counselor can provide you with compassionate, knowledgeable, and supportive services.
Pat Machate is a LCSW-C who lives in West Virginia and has worked as a clinical therapist with families and children for the past 15 years. She began her work with intimate partner violence in Howard County, Maryland where she was the Children's Program Coordinator for the previously named Domestic Violence Center of Howard County. During that time she acted as a consultant on Domestic Violence for the Child Advocacy Center. Previously she was a Crisis Hotline and hospital Victim Accompaniment volunteer at the then called Sexual Trauma, Abuse, Rape & Recovery Center. In her clinical career, she has specialized in populations including gay and trans youth, special education, juvenile justice, disabilities, trauma and addictions.
Pat has been active in the BDSM and Leather Community for over two decades spanning the DC Metro area to Hawaii. She received the NLA-I’s Steve Maidhof Award for International/National Dedication in 2016. She was featured in WOOF: A Barkumentary as well as interviewed on Kinky Cast.
Pat Chaired the National Leather Association-International's Domestic Violence Project for 3 years. She also has a virtual private practice where she specializes in therapy and coaching members of alternative communities including polyamory, BDSM, and LGBTQ.