Amanda Jepson (she/her) is a total sex nerd, both personally and professionally. She is one of the co-founders of Respark Foundation, a Clinical Therapist at the University of Colorado-Colorado Springs Veterans Health and Trauma Clinic at the Lyda Hill Institute for Human Resilience, and an adjunct lecturer for the University of Colorado-Denver. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Approved Clinical Supervisor, AASECT-Certified Sex Therapist, and a Board-Certified Sexologist. Amanda has been a therapist for over a decade; she specializes in working with active duty and veteran military service members and first responders on issues such as combat trauma, physical or sexual abuse, sexual assault, and vicarious trauma. Additionally, her specialized training means she is skilled in helping clients navigate issues and interests related to sex, sexuality, consensual nonmonogamy, and kink from an intersectional and inclusive lens. She is passionate about empowering her clients as they reclaim their whole selves, providing consultation to both seasoned and new providers, and being a sex-positive provocateur hoping to instigate thoughtful dialogue and dispel shame related to all things kinky and sexy.

From the Shadows: Empowerment and Healing Through Kink

Despite assumptions, research shows that kink is not inherently linked to trauma and doesn't develop as a trauma response. But, kinky survivors do exist. For some, kink can be used as a meaningful way to embrace fears, explore trauma, and reclaim power. Outside of therapy, trauma survivors may utilize a specific type of kink called shadow play to explore and reclaim aspects of their trauma, fantasies, and fears in a way that builds confidence, addresses shame, and leaves them feeling empowered. It is important to know about shadow play, how to help clients build awareness of their own needs, and build cultural competence in kink. In the therapy setting, clinicians can assist in identifying the hidden parts of the self or the fears and fantasies that trigger shame. Unpacking desire and fantasy can be a major focus as is learning communication strategies, identifying boundaries, and knowing how to maintain limits.

Presenter Bio:

Amanda Jepson, LPC, CST, ACS (she/her) is a total sex nerd, both personally and professionally. She is one of the co-founders of Respark Foundation, a Clinical Therapist at the University of Colorado-Colorado Springs Veterans Health and Trauma Clinic at the Lyda Hill Institute for Human Resilience, and an adjunct lecturer for the University of Colorado-Denver. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Approved Clinical Supervisor, AASECT-Certified Sex Therapist, and a Board-Certified Sexologist. Amanda has been a therapist for over a decade; she specializes in working with active duty and veteran military service members and first responders on issues such as combat trauma, physical or sexual abuse, sexual assault, and vicarious trauma. Additionally, her specialized training means she is skilled in helping clients navigate issues and interests related to sex, sexuality, consensual nonmonogamy, and kink from an intersectional and inclusive lens. She is passionate about empowering her clients as they reclaim their whole selves, providing consultation to both seasoned and new providers, and being a sex-positive provocateur hoping to instigate thoughtful dialogue and dispel shame related to all things kinky and sexy.

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