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Investigating bias in psychotherapy with BDSM clients
Keely Kolmes1, Wendy Stock, Charles Moser
1Counseling and Psychological Services, Vaden Health Center, Stanford University, 866 Campus Drive, Stanford, CA 94305-8580, USA.
Journal of Homosexuality
|June 29, 2006
Summary
Consensual BDSM participants fear biased mental health care. An anonymous survey revealed themes of biased and sensitive care, informing future practitioner guidelines for this sexual minority group.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Sexual Health
Background:
- Consensual BDSM participants report concerns about receiving biased care from mental health professionals.
- Understanding these concerns is crucial for providing equitable healthcare.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the experiences of BDSM-identified individuals with mental health professionals.
- To explore themes of biased or culturally sensitive care within this population.
- To gather insights for developing guidelines for mental health practitioners.
Main Methods:
- An anonymous, internet-based survey was administered.
- Participants included BDSM-identified individuals (N=175) and mental health professionals (N=17).
- The survey collected socio-demographic data and narrative accounts of care experiences.
Main Results:
- Qualitative data revealed common themes regarding biased and culturally sensitive care.
- A significant disparity in response numbers between BDSM participants and mental health providers was observed.
- Descriptive characteristics of the diverse sample were analyzed.
Conclusions:
- Findings highlight the need for increased cultural competence among mental health professionals working with BDSM clients.
- Identified themes can inform the development of best practice guidelines.
- Addressing these concerns can lead to more responsible and effective therapeutic interventions for sexual minorities.
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