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We are excited to host

Guan-Xuan

(they/we/it/ta)

Profile Details



Who will be moderating:

Age (Play) Theory

Class Description

BDSM is a space in which community and connection are vital to create safe spaces to be creative and imaginative. For many, BDSM is a leisure activity based in consensual playful interactions. As a subsect of BDSM, age-play is about negotiated play between consenting adults, where an adult ‘plays’ as a child and the other adult ‘plays’ as their caregiver. The pathology of BDSM has decreased over the years due to mainstream media, whereas age-play has continued to be viewed as pedophilic. In this workshop, we will delve and explore the interactions of consent, what it means to play, play theory, and how the weaving of play theory with age-play will discern the differences between age-play and pathology.

Who will be moderating:

Critical Clinicians Means Cautious Clients: Predictors of BDSM Participants Seeking Mental Health Services

Class Description

Despite the declassification of kink as a mental illness, per the DSM-5, studies show that many BDSM participants remain hesitant to seek mental health services. There are unique predictors that indicate whether a kinky client will seek mental health services. Often, these come down to you: the clinician.

 

In this class, we will review several publishings and discuss the limitations being placed on clients who practice BDSM. Utilizing Thrive’s unique environment which brings together professionals from around the world, we will also discuss different cultures around BDSM, mental health services, and the laws that may impact clinicians and their clients from a variety of locations.

Who will be moderating:

Herbalism for Neurodivergent Support within BDSM

Class Description

The course aims to explore the intersection of herbalism and neurodiversity, offering insights into how herbs can complement existing strategies for supporting neurodivergent conditions. This professional track combines theoretical knowledge with practical application, empowering participants to ethically and effectively incorporate herbalism into supporting individuals within the neurodivergent community.

Who will be moderating:

The Art of Suffering

Class Description

Your client tells you that they suffer for their partner or kink. What is suffering? Why would our clients do it, and should we as professionals be worried? In this class, we will discuss what it means to suffer, the different ways people suffer in play and dynamics, how to assess safety, and what to keep in mind during therapy.

Who will be moderating:

Unmasked: Identifying Autistic Traits in Kinky Clients

Class Description

It’s estimated there are over 5.4 million autistic adults in the U.S. -- and autism often goes undiagnosed and misdiagnosed. Studies show that autistic folks are more likely to have kinky fantasies, be interest-driven in sex, and be queer (both in regards to sexuality and gender.) If you're working with kinky clients, you're likely working with autistic clients!

 

In an information-packed presentation geared toward mental health professionals, we will explore autism through a neurodiversity affirming lens to help you better identify your autistic clients. My goal is for you to leave this presentation feeling ready and able to help clients explore autism through a memorable 5 step framework. (If you’re not a professional but are looking at self-identifying as autistic, you’re welcome too!)

 

** This training is not a substitute for therapy or clinical assessment. **

Who will be moderating:

When We Want The Imbalance: Working With Consensual Power Dynamics

Class Description

Historically, pathologization of BDSM has created a barrier for accessing mental health treatment, and while there is more acceptance and understanding of kink overall, many people who expand their dynamics outside the bedroom still face a lot of misunderstanding and stigma in therapeutic spaces. Power Exchange and Authority Transfer dynamics can take many forms for the people involved, from being present during kinky play to informing and applying to all aspects of someone's life and relationship. To mental health professionals, the way these consensual relationships are structured can appear similar to the power imbalances many of us learned were red flags. This class unpacks and discusses working with clients involved in consensual power dynamics, including thinking about how we are creating a welcoming environment, challenging our own assumptions, and navigating how that dynamic may interact with the therapeutic work.