What are inclusive practice principles for clients who practice Kink & BDSM?


How do you know if kinks are helpful or harmful?


How are they different from paraphiliac disorders?


Can they be healing?


How do I ask about them?


This training will answer all of this and more. Learn how to understand and assess kinks and BDSM practice within broader clinical formulations.


CPD hours: 5

Assessment guidelines


Downloadable assessment guidelines to assist you in session.

Developed by industry leaders.

Practical step-by-step instructions


Dr Ashton shares her insights from practice in the field so you leave with in-depth knowledge.

Join a community of peers


Attend group supervision at the end of your training. Meet like-minded practitioners and learn from each other.

Hi, I'm your trainer - Dr Sarah Ashton!


Sarah (she/her) is the Director and Founder of the first psychology practice dedicated to sexual health treatment – SHIPS and is the Founder and Lead Training Author of Sexual Health and Intimacy Psychological Training. Sarah is a registered psychologist (AHPRA), board approved supervisor (AHPRA), member of the Society of Australian Sexologists and has worked with clients in the sexual health field for over 15 years. She is the Coordinator for the Sexual and Mental Health Primary Health Network, and a Sessional Lecturer at RMIT University. She is a published researcher in The Journal of Sex Research, Porn Studies, Feminism & Psychology, and has written articles for The Conversation and Red Magazine. Sarah has been a guest speaker on Joy FM and ABC radio. Sarah brings a warm, down-to-earth, compassionate approach to therapy and leading her practice. She loves what she does and wants to share this important area of knowledge with emerging and established practitioners.

Training Curriculum


  Introduction (Total listening time: 10.11)
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  Paraphiliac disorders vs kinks (Total listening time: 8.22)
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  Understanding kink & BDSM (Total listening time: 21.33)
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  Clinical Practice Guidelines (Total listening time: 12:21)
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  Assessment (Total listening time: 4.29)
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  Understanding psychological function (Total listening time: 19.52)
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  Assessing risk and benefit (Total listening time: 19.17)
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  Safe and supportive practice (Total listening time: 14.04)
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  Conclusion (Total listening time: 6.08)
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Suitable for:

  • Psychologists
  • Social workers
  • Counsellors
  • Nurses
  • Psychiatrists
  • Sex therapists
  • GPs
  • Students undertaking education in all of the above



Level of experience required:

  • Undertaking or completed qualifications in psychology or above disciplines
  • No experience with sexual therapy necessary



What is included:

  • Access to online training modules - unlimited time
  • Access to a 1 hour Zoom group supervision led by Dr Sarah Ashton, following completion of the course
  • Certificate of completion



Length: 

  • 3-4 hours, plus 1 hour group supervision
  • CPD hours: 5



Duration of Access: 

Unlimited. Once you sign up, you can take as long as you like to complete the course.



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