ABSTRACT
This chapter provides information, ideas and some speculation on psychodynamic theory about doing therapy with individuals and partnerships involved in sado-masochistic (S/M) lifestyles. Scene space is a protected space, in which the players agree to generate whatever safety is needed to take the risks and open up the vulnerabilities that are so important to successful S/M play. S/M role play can become a profound psychological journey into Jungian Shadow territory, as people inhabit roles of victim and villain, child and nurturer, slave and cruel owner. Many S/M adventurers regard their journeys as spiritual practice. Bondage, Discipline, Sadism and Masochism (BDSM) classes offer a good environment in which to meet other players and make friends, free of the pressures of cruising. The therapist working with BDSM clients will need to acquire some knowledge of the communities in which their clients live and build families, and a respect for this evolving culture.
