279: Kink, BDSM, and Mental Health with AJ Cheyfitz

In this episode of Better Sex, host Jessa Zimmerman interviews AJ Cheyfitz about kink and BDSM, discussing misconceptions, mental health, and trauma-related aspects. They explore how individuals can safely engage in kink, the importance of negotiation, identifying red flags, and how to find kink-aware therapists. The conversation emphasizes destigmatizing kink and ensuring a supportive environment for those exploring or involved in BDSM.

00:00 Introduction to Better Sex Podcast

00:59 Exploring Kink and BDSM with AJ Schitz

01:56 Mental Health and Kink: Navigating Stigma

06:55 Understanding Kink: Myths and Realities

09:16 Defining Kink and BDSM

16:19 Trauma and Kink: Intersections and Safety

29:11 Finding Kink-Aware Practitioners

33:29 Conclusion and Resources

Want Jessa's desire discrepancy resources? Go to https://www.desirediscrepancy.com

Bio:

Amy Julia (AJ) Cheyfitz (she/her) is an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist and a BDSM Educator who has been teaching about kink for well over a decade. In her DC area sex therapy practice (Fox & Owl Psychotherapy) she focuses on kink/BDSM practitioners, ethically non-monogamous and LGBTQ+ clients, as well as supporting clients exploring fat liberation and their relationship with their own bodies.

One of AJ’s passions is working to de-stigmatize kink, and she regularly teaches and consults for non-kink professionals, particularly in the mental health and medical fields. Within the kink community she has taught all over the country and for international groups, and focuses on mental health, power exchange relationship dynamics, and self-exploration and advocacy. AJ has been on numerous podcasts discussing kink and mental health, as well as being quoted in many articles about BDSM, sex, and relationships, including in the New York Times. If you want to hear AJ talk about something besides sex, ask about her mischievous cat, Rosalind.

Want to learn more about my sponsored charity? Charity: Water is committed to providing clean water to every human on the planet, 100% of your contribution will be used directly for water projects around the globe. You can learn more at https://www.bettersexpodcast.com/water.

More info and resources:

Secret Podcast for the Higher Desire Partner: https://www.intimacywithease.com/hdppodcast

Secret Podcast for the Lower Desire Partner: https://www.intimacywithease.com/ldppodcast

How Big a Problem is Your Sex Life? Quiz – https://www.sexlifequiz.com

The Course – https://www.intimacywithease.com

The Book – https://www.sexwithoutstress.com

Podcast Website – https://www.intimacywithease.com

Access the Free webinar: Intimacy Made Easy: 3 Secrets to Bridging Libido Differences: https://intimacywithease.com/masterclass