* There is an abundance of 101-leve Kink Aware materials in the market, but this book uniquely takes this content to the next level and recognizes the ways in which specific power exchange dynamics can be beneficial in addressing various mental health concerns through either client self-care or clinician treatment planning. * Kink awareness and practice is a hot topic and more practitioners are looking for information on it. * Embraces both an anthropological lens as well as a sex positive approach to mental health. * Useful for both professionals and as recommended reading to students.

Winner of the 2021 AASECT Book Award! Winner of the SSTAR Professional Book Award 2021! Winner of the SASH Media Award 2022! The Leather Couch provides a comprehensive overview of the BDSM and kink community and guides clinicians on how to meet the unique relational and mental health needs of its members. The text offers a 101-style introduction to BDSM before delving into topics ranging from intersectionality within the kink community, to conducting a kink-affirming risk assessment and how to discern between domestic violence and consensual power-exchange. The author explores differential diagnoses and clinical concerns that are relevant to health care providers, including social workers and therapists as well as primary care physicians and sex educators. Interwoven throughout with real-world case studies, each chapter presents practical suggestions, tools, and handouts the reader can use to inform their practice and serve clients in ways that meet the needs of each individual, couple, or partnership. Written in a conversational, accessible style for clinicians and members of the BDSM community alike, The Leather Couch is the go-to resource for any mental health professional or educator looking to transform their practice from kink aware to kink affirming.

* There is an abundance of 101-leve Kink Aware materials in the market, but this book uniquely takes this content to the next level and recognizes the ways in which specific power exchange dynamics can be beneficial in addressing various mental health concerns through either client self-care or clinician treatment planning. * Kink awareness and practice is a hot topic and more practitioners are looking for information on it. * Embraces both an anthropological lens as well as a sex positive approach to mental health. * Useful for both professionals and as recommended reading to students.

Winner of the 2021 AASECT Book Award! Winner of the SSTAR Professional Book Award 2021! Winner of the SASH Media Award 2022! The Leather Couch provides a comprehensive overview of the BDSM and kink community and guides clinicians on how to meet the unique relational and mental health needs of its members. The text offers a 101-style introduction to BDSM before delving into topics ranging from intersectionality within the kink community, to conducting a kink-affirming risk assessment and how to discern between domestic violence and consensual power-exchange. The author explores differential diagnoses and clinical concerns that are relevant to health care providers, including social workers and therapists as well as primary care physicians and sex educators. Interwoven throughout with real-world case studies, each chapter presents practical suggestions, tools, and handouts the reader can use to inform their practice and serve clients in ways that meet the needs of each individual, couple, or partnership. Written in a conversational, accessible style for clinicians and members of the BDSM community alike, The Leather Couch is the go-to resource for any mental health professional or educator looking to transform their practice from kink aware to kink affirming.