Empowerment Through Therapeutic BDSM

Join the Therapeutic BDSM Collaborative Network

Become part of a pioneering community dedicated to healing, personal growth, and empowerment through ethical and trauma-informed BDSM practices.

Transformative Healing Awaits

About the TBCN

The Therapeutic BDSM Collaborative Network (TBCN) is committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and ethical space for healing and personal growth through BDSM. Our mission is to ensure that all members—clinicians, kink professionals, and educators—are highly trained and adhere to the highest standards of ethical practice. By fostering a community grounded in consent and therapeutic intention, we aim to empower individuals and support their journey towards healing.

Welcome to the Therapeutic BDSM Collaborative Network Application Page

We are excited that you’re interested in joining the Therapeutic BDSM Collaborative Network (TBCN). Our mission is to create a safe, inclusive, and ethical space for healing, personal growth, and empowerment through BDSM. To maintain the highest standards, all members of the network—clinicians, kink professionals, and educators—must demonstrate mastery in their area of expertise and complete specific training requirements before full acceptance into the network. Are you interested in a dual role? Both clincians and pros are also able to hold the role of Educator provided they meet the qualifications. If your desire is to do both please make sure to fill out the appropriate applications. *NOTE* Statement for Clinicians who also identify as Kink Professionals HERE!

Training Requirements

Before being fully integrated into the TBCN, clinicians and kink professionals must complete specialized training programs designed to ensure the ethical and therapeutic application of BDSM in trauma-informed healing environments. Below, you will find the training requirements specific to each role.

Training Requirements

Clinician Training: Self-Reconciliation Therapy (SRT)

Kink Knowlegable Clinicians joining the network must complete certification in Self-Reconciliation Therapy (SRT).

This training includes specialized modules on Therapeutic BDSM, equipping clinicians to navigate trauma triggers, provide aftercare, and support clients in collaborative sessions with pro practitioners.

Certified Faciliatator Training: Applied Therapeutic BDSM

Certified Faciliators are responsible for facilitating BDSM scenes within therapeutic contexts. Therefore, all kink professionals must complete certification in Applied Therapeutic BDSM to ensure that their practices are trauma-sensitive, consent-driven, and aligned with the client’s therapeutic goals.

This training equips facilitators to create safe, healing environments in collaboration with clinicians.

Educators: Professional Development

Unlike clinicians and facilitators, educators are not required to undergo special training in therapeutic BDSM unless they choose to pursue Self-Reconciliation Therapy certification. Which upon completion they will receive the designation of Certifed Educator.

Individuals who do not complete the certification training may apply to be vetted for inclusion on the TBCN™ approved educator list. Approved educators may deliver professional development programming alongside certified educators within the network’s standards and guidelines.

Our Trainings

Self-Reconciliation Therapy

SRT training includes:

  • Understanding the psychological and somatic aspects of trauma
  • Training in BDSM as a tool for trauma integration
  • Learning how to facilitate scenes in collaboration with vetted pro practitioners
  • Expertise in self-regulation and boundary-setting
  • A focus on deep emotional healing and rescripting trauma narratives through therapeutic BDSM practices
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Applied Therapeutic BDSM

Applied Therapeutic BDSM training includes:

  • Understanding the therapeutic applications of BDSM practices
  • Learning how to facilitate consensual, pre-negotiated scenes that align with clinical goals
  • Gaining a deep understanding of trauma, triggers, and client regulation
  • Developing skills in boundary-setting, aftercare, and emotional integration for clients
  • Working collaboratively with clinicians to ensure the safety and efficacy of BDSM practices in therapy

Subject Mastery

Mastery in the Subject You Teach: Whatever subject matter you plan to educate on, you must demonstrate mastery. We expect educators to bring expertise in their respective fields—whether it’s BDSM history, kink and trauma, cultural competency, or other relevant areas.

  • Optional SRT Certification: While not mandatory, educators have the option to pursue Self-Reconciliation Therapy Certification if they wish to deepen their therapeutic understanding or expand their teaching scope.

 

Mastery & Continuing Education

Regardless of the role you’re applying for, demonstrating mastery in your field is essential. Clinicians and kink professionals will need to showcase their expertise through training and practice, while educators must maintain their mastery through ongoing professional development and continuing education in their specific disciplines.

Why Training Matters

At the Therapeutic BDSM Collaborative Network, we are dedicated to ensuring that every interaction within our community is grounded in ethics, consent, and therapeutic intention. Our training programs not only provide the foundational knowledge you need but also ensure that you are fully equipped to provide safe and effective care to those seeking healing and personal growth through BDSM.

Upcoming Training Dates

Clinician Training - HYBRID

Access to training begins August 29th  11am -2pm CST

Live Discussions are scheduled on the following dates 

  • September 12th and 26th
  • October 10th
  • November 7th and 21st
  • December 12th 
Facilitator Training - HYBRID

Access to training begins August 29th 12:30pm – 3:30pm CST

Live Discussions are scheduled on the following dates 

  • September 12th and 26th
  • October 10th
  • November 7th and 21st
  • December 12th 

The Investment in Your Professional Development: Training for the Therapeutic BDSM Collaborative Network

The Therapeutic BDSM Collaborative Network (TBCN) is a professional community of clinicians, kink professionals, and educators committed to integrating the transformative potential of therapeutic BDSM with trauma-informed care. Entering this work requires depth, skill, and a commitment to ethical practice. TBCN provides the training, supervision, and structure needed to do this work with clarity and competence.

Training Investment

The training investment for all TBCN participants is $1,497. This includes:

• a comprehensive training manual
• live supervision
• access to the full TBCN curriculum
• structured guidance in the clinical and applied aspects of therapeutic BDSM

The live component is eligible for 18 NBCC Continuing Education Credits for clinicians.

Eligibility Requirements

Clinicians

Clinicians entering TBCN must already be kink-knowledgeable and able to demonstrate experience working with BDSM-identified clients. Those who do not yet have this foundation will need additional preparation before applying, ensuring clinical readiness and ethical competency within therapeutic BDSM. Power & Praxis may serve as a pathway.

Kink Professionals

Practitioners must demonstrate substantial experience in kink and power-exchange work. For those newer to the field, the CPKP program may serve as a pathway to eligibility. This training prepares practitioners to collaborate with clinicians in rescripting trauma and facilitating embodied transformation with precision and care.

Educators

Educators may enter TBCN in one of two ways:

  1. Approved Vetted Educator (No Certification Required)
    Educators with established expertise in kink, power dynamics, adult learning, or trauma-informed practice may choose not to pursue certification. These applicants are vetted through the educator application process. Once approved, they are added to the list of vetted educators eligible to provide continuing education based on their demonstrated skill set.

  2. Certified Educator (Optional Certification)
    Educators who wish to hold full TBCN certification complete the 1,497 training investment and receive the same manual, supervision, and program access as all other participants.

This dual-pathway approach honors educators’ existing expertise while maintaining clear standards for certification.

Equity Rate

To support access for underrepresented and systemically marginalized practitioners, an equity rate of 997 is available.

Applications must be submitted at least two weeks before the training start date.

There is a 25 application fee, with a 5 fee for each additional application.

Join the Therapeutic BDSM Collaborative Network Today

Embark on a transformative journey with the Therapeutic BDSM Collaborative Network. Our community is dedicated to fostering healing, personal growth, and empowerment through ethical and therapeutic BDSM practices. Apply now to become a part of a network that prioritizes safety, consent, and professional excellence. Begin your path to making a meaningful impact in the lives of those seeking healing and empowerment.