Continuing Education Webinar 6.17.23

Andrew Pari, LCSW, CCTP, Diplomate

Sexual expression of sexualized violence in survivors, referred to as Consensual Non-Consent (CNC), is a known phenomenon in the kink community, though often considered a highly suspect practice by many in the BDSM community. Almost nothing is known of this practice in the psychological treatment realm. he behavior appears to find its roots in the mechanism of repetition compulsion which, while applied to other forms of trauma, has little history of examination in sexualized violence.

Since the days of Freud, the psychological purpose of the repetition compulsion is documented as a healthy attempt to master unwanted feelings or an unhealthy expression of trauma. This exploration has not received academic focus, yet the application of exposure-type trauma treatment may lead to positive symptom reduction and a dramatic improvement in trauma healing for rape survivors.

The data gathered from the presenter’s qualitative analysis supports this direction and provides guidance to the presenter's creation of a radical new trauma treatment model that may provide significant symptom and psychological relief to sexualized violence victims.

This presentation combines clinical understanding to this expression together with tools to aid clients in increased awareness of this drive and identification of how safely to express it. Reducing trauma and dissociation amongst sexualized violence victims frees them to understand and enjoy their sexual desires and urges in a positive way. When we are freed from trauma, we better engage the world around us through a sex-positive and healing lens.

Sexual expression of sexualized violence in survivors, referred to as Consensual Non-Consent (CNC), is a known phenomenon in the kink community, though often considered a highly suspect practice by many in the BDSM community. Almost nothing is known of this practice in the psychological treatment realm.