TASHRA, a community-based 501(c)(3) non-profit founded in 2012, is dedicated to improving the physical and mental health of adults engaging in consensual and alternative sexual practices, such as kink and BDSM, through research, healthcare training, advocacy, and empowerment. At the heart of our work is a commitment to equipping clinicians with the tools and knowledge needed to serve the kink community with sensitivity and expertise.
Our training programs are designed to deepen clinical understanding of kink, covering topics such as the psychobiology of BDSM, countertransference, legal considerations, trauma healing, and anti-racist care. Central to these programs is the Core Clinical Competencies for Working with Kink-Involved Individuals, a framework for affirming, ethical, and culturally humble care. This framework emphasizes destigmatization, informed consent, and the recognition of kink as a diverse, consensual, and non-pathological aspect of human sexuality. By integrating these competencies into our training, we ensure a holistic educational experience that bridges knowledge gaps and empowers clinicians to provide informed, empathetic care. Access the Core Clinical Competencies here.
Our comprehensive suite of continuing education topics addresses a range of themes, from navigating the complexities of integrating kink-aware practices into clinical environments to empowering clinicians to establish kink-inclusive practices. Recognizing that some clinicians may themselves be part of the kink community, our programs also provide guidance on harmonizing their professional and personal lives.
In addition to formal training, TASHRA's peer consultation groups offer a vibrant platform for mental health providers to hone their clinical skills with a focus on kink-involved clientele. Since early 2021, over 30 adept clinicians have benefited from these invaluable sessions.
Each of our trainings is curated to fill specific knowledge gaps. Whether it’s understanding the intersection of law and BDSM, exploring the psychological aspects of kink practices, or fostering culturally competent care for diverse groups within the kink community, TASHRA provides a well-rounded educational experience. Our goal is to ensure that every clinician, regardless of their background or prior knowledge, has access to the resources they need to provide effective, empathetic, and informed care.
Clinicians interested in expanding their expertise further can also participate in our community-based research projects, contributing to the growing body of knowledge on kink and alternative sexual practices.