Kink-aware professional - meaning and definition
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Definition
A therapist, doctor or other professional who understands consensual kink and will not treat it as a problem in itself.
At a glance
- A kink-aware professional understands consensual kink and does not treat it as a problem in itself.
- They may be therapists, doctors or other professionals.
- Fear of judgement leads many people to hide kink from clinicians, which can get in the way of care.
- Advocacy organisations maintain directories of such practitioners.
- They still take concerns about safety, abuse or distress seriously.
In detail
Many people who practise kink hide it from health professionals for fear of being judged or pathologised, which can get in the way of care, for example when explaining an injury or seeking support after a bad experience. Kink-aware professionals can discuss these topics without stigma.
Advocacy organisations maintain directories of such practitioners. A kink-aware professional will still take concerns about safety, abuse or distress seriously, since those issues are separate from kink itself.
In a sentence
- I looked for a kink-aware professional so I didn't have to explain the basics in therapy.
- My GP turned out to be kink-aware, which made it easy to explain the injury honestly.
Where the word comes from
The phrase and its short form KAP are closely linked to a directory of kink-aware professionals started in the US in the 1990s, later maintained by the National Coalition for Sexual Freedom.
Common questions
How do I find a kink-aware therapist or doctor?
Advocacy organisations keep directories of kink-aware professionals. You can also ask a practitioner directly whether they are comfortable discussing consensual kink before booking.
Should I tell my doctor about kink?
If it is relevant to an injury, a symptom or your sexual health, sharing it helps a clinician give the right care. A kink-aware professional will focus on your health, not judge your interests.