Introduction to BDSM for Therapists: Working Effectively with Kinky Clients by Ryan G. Witherspoon, Ph.D. and Ruthie Gloyd, M.A. This presentation will provide a clinically-oriented introduction to kink/BDSM sexualities, relationships, and subcultures as well as discuss common clinical issues and considerations. Working from a sex-positive lens and a cultural competence framework, the presenters will highlight the intersectional nature of kink identities and cultures with other aspects of identity, such as gender identity, sexual orientation, and relationship identity/structure, as well as discuss the nature of frequent stigmatization and pathologization of kink and its impacts on kinky people. Common kink-related clinical concerns will be discussed, as well as differentiating kink from abuse and the potential interplays of kink and trauma. Suggestions and resources for further learning will be provided.