Kink Professionals Directory

The original kink-aware professionals referral database

USA, Canada, and international

The Kink and Polyamory Aware Professionals directory has been maintained by the National Coalition for Sexual Freedom since 2006. It is the most established starting point for finding a kink-aware therapist, attorney, or medical professional in the United States. Practitioners self-list, indicating their willingness to work with BDSM, leather, fetish, and non-monogamous clients without pathologising their lifestyle.

• Running since 2006, the most established kink-aware referral database
• Searchable by location, profession type, and specialty
• Includes mental health professionals, medical providers, and legal professionals

Certified sex therapist and educator database

USA, some international

The American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists maintains a searchable directory of AASECT-certified practitioners. Certification through AASECT is a recognised professional credential requiring specific training in human sexuality. Many certified practitioners have explicit experience with kink and BDSM clients, and AASECT as an organisation takes a non-pathologising stance toward consensual kink.

• AASECT certification is a rigorous, meaningful professional credential
• Searchable by location, credential type, and service modality
• Telehealth and in-person options listed

Large general directory with a Sex-Positive, Kink Allied specialty filter

USA, Canada, UK, and international

Psychology Today's therapist directory is one of the largest in the world and includes a dedicated filter category: "Sex-Positive, Kink Allied." Therapists who flag this specialty are explicitly indicating openness to and competence with kink-identified clients. The directory's scale means significant coverage in major cities and smaller markets where other directories may have few listings.

• Largest general therapist directory, widest geographic coverage
• "Sex-Positive, Kink Allied" specialty filter surfaces relevant practitioners
• Filter by insurance accepted, sliding scale, and telehealth

Inclusive therapist directory with a Kink / Sexual Outsiders filter

USA

TherapyDen is a therapist directory built with social-justice and inclusivity values at its centre, explicitly welcoming practitioners who work with LGBTQ+, polyamorous, and kink-identified clients. The "Kink / Sexual Outsiders" specialty category directly surfaces practitioners who have indicated competence and openness with these clients.

• Built with LGBTQ+ and sex-positive clients as a primary audience
• "Kink / Sexual Outsiders" as a searchable specialty category
• Many listings include sliding-scale or reduced-fee options

Social-justice-oriented directory with BDSM/Kink/Poly-Positive filter

USA

Inclusive Therapists is a mental health directory that explicitly lists "BDSM/Kink/Poly-Positive" and "Sex Positive" among its searchable filter categories. The directory emphasises cultural competency alongside clinical skill, with strong representation from therapists who share marginalised identities with their clients.

• "BDSM/Kink/Poly-Positive" and "Sex Positive" as explicit filter options
• Strong BIPOC and LGBTQ+ therapist representation
• Practitioners screened for genuine inclusivity commitment

Reduced-fee therapy network ($40-$70 per session)

USA and Canada

Open Path Collective is a nonprofit network offering in-person and telehealth therapy at significantly reduced rates for people who cannot afford standard market rates. The collective attracts progressive and inclusive practitioners, and many members have experience with non-normative relationships and kink-identified clients. Best option when cost is a primary barrier.

• Sessions at $40-$70 versus standard $150-$300+ market rates
• One-time membership fee provides ongoing directory access
• Best option when cost is a primary barrier to accessing therapy

Multi-disciplinary directory for kink and polyamory aware providers

Chicago metropolitan area and beyond

Kink and Polyamory Aware Chicago Therapists (KPACT) maintains a provider directory covering mental health professionals, medical providers, legal professionals, and other specialists who work with kink-identified and polyamorous clients. Free to search for clients; $25/year for providers to list. Founded in 2014.

• Multi-disciplinary: mental health, medical, legal, and financial professionals
• Practitioners are vetted members of the KPACT professional community
• Strong regional coverage with national telehealth providers listed

Professional certification body offering Kink Informed Certification (KIC)

USA (training body with international membership)

The Sexual Health Alliance offers the Kink Informed Certification Program, co-created with educator Midori, and AASECT-recognised for 125 continuing education credits. While SHA is primarily a training body rather than a client-facing directory, practitioners who hold SHA kink certification have completed verified, structured training. SHA's provider database lists certified graduates.

• Offers the first AASECT-recognised kink-informed certification program
• 125 AASECT CEs — one of the most structured training paths available
• Practitioners listed have completed verified structured training

Directory of practitioners certified in kink-conscious practice

USA

Modern Sex Therapy Institutes is an AASECT-approved continuing education provider whose graduates of the Kink Conscious Professional Certification program are listed in their public professional directory. Practitioners have completed a structured 26-hour program on working with kink community clients using a strengths-based approach.

• Lists graduates of a structured 26-hour kink-conscious practice program
• MSTI is an AASECT-approved CE provider
• Practitioners have completed a formal curriculum, not self-certified

International directory of certified sex coaches

International

The World Association of Sex Coaches maintains an international directory of certified sex coaches. Sex coaching is distinct from psychotherapy: coaches do not diagnose or treat clinical conditions but work with clients on sexual goals, communication, and exploration. Many WASC-listed coaches have specific experience with kink and BDSM clients.

• Sex coaches differ from therapists, focus is on goals and exploration
• Pre-screened and credentialled directory members
• International coverage with local and virtual coaching available

Community-based research organization for kink health

USA (national)

The Alternative Sexualities Health Research Alliance is a 501(c)(3) community-based research organisation focused on the health of kink-identified and BDSM-involved people. TASHRA runs studies, educational programs, and professional training, and hosts clinician education programs. A key bridge between the academic and BDSM community.

• Community-based research on BDSM health outcomes
• Runs clinician education programs for providers serving kink populations
• Partners with academic researchers including the Science of BDSM team

Research, education, and advocacy organization for sexual diversity

Los Angeles CA, USA

The Center for Positive Sexuality is a research, education, and advocacy organisation founded in Los Angeles. It publishes the Journal of Positive Sexuality and maintains an active roster of kink-community educators and researchers. Strong academic credibility combined with genuine community engagement makes it a key institutional resource.

• Publishes the Journal of Positive Sexuality, peer-reviewed academic journal
• Maintains directories of educators and researchers in kink-related fields
• Bridges academic research and community practice

Certification body for Board-Certified Kink Aware Therapists

Miami FL, USA

The International Institute of Clinical Sexology runs the Board-Certified Kink Aware Therapist certification, a 120-hour program for licensed therapists and other health professionals. US-based, located in Miami, Florida. Practitioners who hold this credential have completed a substantial structured training specifically focused on kink-aware clinical practice.

• Offers the Board-Certified Kink Aware Therapist (BCKAT) credential
• 120-hour training program for licensed health professionals
• One of the most rigorous kink-specific certification programs available

UK's largest independent therapy directory for gender and sexual diversity

UK (national)

Pink Therapy is the UK's largest independent therapy organisation for gender and sexual diversity. It maintains a therapist directory that includes kink-aware practitioners and offers training for therapists on working with LGBTQ+ and sexuality-diverse clients. The therapist finder is filterable by specialty including kink-aware practice.

• UK's largest independent LGBTQ+ and sexual diversity therapy network
• Therapist directory filterable by specialty
• Offers CPD training for therapists on kink-aware practice

First fully online accredited eLearning academy for kink-aware therapists

International (online)

Kink Knowledgeable is the first fully online accredited eLearning academy training psychotherapists toward kink-knowledgeable competency. Founded by Peter Chirinos and Caroline Shahbaz, authors of "Becoming a Kink Aware Therapist" (Routledge, 2016). Targets the highest tier of kink clinical competency. Internationally accessible.

• First fully online accredited kink-competency training for psychotherapists
• Founded by the authors of the field's primary academic textbook
• Internationally accessible, targeting the highest level of kink clinical skill

UK-based searchable therapist directory with kink-aware filter

UK (national)

The Counselling Directory is a large UK-based therapist directory with a kink-aware filter option. It includes practitioner articles on kink-aware practice. A useful starting point for UK practitioners, particularly outside major cities where specialist directories may have limited coverage.

• Large UK therapist directory with searchable kink-aware filter
• Useful for practitioners outside London and major cities
• Includes editorial articles on kink-aware therapy practice

Regional directory for the Twin Cities kink-aware professional community

Minneapolis/St. Paul MN, USA

Kink Aware Professionals of Minneapolis/St. Paul maintains a regional directory with detailed provider listings for the Twin Cities area. One of the more developed regional kink-aware professional networks in the US, with providers across mental health, medical, and legal fields.

• Dedicated regional directory for the Minneapolis/St. Paul metro area
• Detailed provider profiles with specialty and contact information
• Covers mental health, medical, and legal professionals

Clinical practice guidelines framework for working with kink populations

USA (national)

The Kink Guidelines Project outlines the tiered framework (kink-friendly, kink-aware, kink-knowledgeable) widely used across the field to describe practitioner competency levels. Lists the team behind clinical practice guidelines for providers working with kink populations. An essential reference for understanding how the field distinguishes levels of kink competency.

• Defines the tiered kink-competency framework used across the profession
• Lists the clinical team behind published practice guidelines
• Reference document for understanding kink-aware practitioner credentials

UK-based COSRT-accredited institute with recommended therapist list

Letchworth, UK

The Contemporary Institute of Clinical Sexology (CICS) is a COSRT-accredited UK training institute that maintains a publicly recommended therapist list including kink-knowledgeable practitioners. CICS-recommended therapists have completed training aligned with the institute's clinical sexology standards. A key UK resource for finding vetted kink-aware practitioners.

• COSRT-accredited UK training and accreditation body
• Maintains a recommended therapist list with kink-knowledgeable practitioners
• Training aligned with clinical sexology professional standards

AASECT award-winning LCSW specializing in kink, BDSM, and ENM

Plano TX, USA

LCSW and LCDC with 16+ years in behavioral health. Specializes in kink/BDSM, ethical non-monogamy, polyamory, desire discrepancy, and infidelity. AASECT 2018 Professional Excellence Award. Faculty at Kink Knowledgeable. CEO of PolyDallas Millennium LLC. Published in Playboy, Vice, Cosmopolitan, and Women's Health. Accepts BlueCross/BlueShield and Cigna. Telehealth available. Also at sextherapistruby.com.

Co-author of the field's primary academic textbook on kink-aware therapy

Arlington VA, USA (DC metro + worldwide online)

President and CEO of Capital Counseling Services LLC. Co-author of "Becoming a Kink Aware Therapist" (Routledge, 2016), the first academic text on clinical best practice with BDSM clients. Co-founder of KinkKnowledgeable.com. 22+ years in behavioral health. Expert consultations on alternative sexualities available worldwide via distance counseling.

Co-author of the field's primary clinical textbook on BDSM therapy

Australia (active internationally via conferences)

Clinical psychologist and co-author of "Becoming a Kink Aware Therapist" (Routledge). Co-developed the Shahbaz-Chirinos Healthy BDSM Checklist. CEO of Kink Knowledgeable. Speaks widely at US and Australian conferences on BDSM relationships and kinkophobia in psychotherapy.

Veteran kink-affirmative clinician and founder of Institute for Personal Growth

New Jersey, USA

Founder and president of the Institute for Personal Growth (IPG) in New Jersey. Veteran kink-affirmative clinician widely cited in the field. Wrote the foreword to "Becoming a Kink Aware Therapist". One of the earliest practitioners to develop kink-affirmative clinical approaches.

AASECT-certified sex therapist and professor at Widener University

Philadelphia PA, USA

Assistant professor at the Center for Human Sexuality Studies, Widener University. AASECT-certified sex therapist and approved supervisor. Clinical practice in Philadelphia. Authored training frameworks for kink-aware clinical practice and co-developed curricula for training kink-knowledgeable therapists.

LGBTQ+ and kink-affirming LMFT in Los Angeles

Los Angeles CA, USA

Kink-friendly LMFT with a long-standing presence in the KAP community. Specializes in LGBTQ+, kink, and non-traditional relationships. Based in Los Angeles.

Certified sex therapist with a long history in LGBTQ+ and kink communities

National (online), USA

Certified sex therapist with extensive history working with LGBT and kink/BDSM communities. Listed on the Kink Guidelines team. Focuses on safe and consensual practice education. Available nationally via telehealth.

Certified sex therapist at LynLake Centers for WellBeing, Minneapolis

Minneapolis MN, USA

Certified sex therapist at LynLake Centers for WellBeing (formerly Lyn-Lake Psychotherapy and Wellness). Kink-aware practice in Minneapolis. Located at 1516 W Lake St Suite 220, Minneapolis MN 55408.

Kink-aware relationship therapist at Convex Therapy, St. Paul

St. Paul MN, USA

Relationship therapist and psychotherapist at Convex Therapy (formerly Convex Training and Consultation LLC). Kink-aware practice in St. Paul, Minnesota. Located at 2303 Wycliff St, St. Paul MN 55114.

Kink-aware certified sex therapist at Open Insight Therapy, St. Paul

St. Paul MN, USA

Kink-aware sex therapist at Open Insight Therapy LLC. LICSW and AASECT-certified sex therapist. Located at 2375 University Ave W Suite 160, St. Paul MN 55114.

Certified sex therapist at Convex Therapy, Minnesota

Minnesota (telehealth and in-person), USA

Certified sex therapist at Convex Therapy, Consultation, and Training. Kink-aware. Available via telehealth and in-person in Minnesota.

Licensed psychologist specializing in sexual health, kink-aware

St. Paul MN, USA

Licensed psychologist with a specialization in sexual health. Kink-aware practice at Sex from the Center. Located at 2375 University Ave W Suite 160, St. Paul MN 55114.

Kink-aware LPCC in the Minneapolis/Edina area

Edina MN, USA

Licensed professional clinical counselor. Kink-aware. Located in the Edina/Minneapolis area. Contact via phone or the KAP directory for current practice details.

Kink-aware LAMFT practicing in Minneapolis and Edina

Minneapolis / Edina MN, USA

Kink-aware therapist practicing at Cedar Hill Therapy and Northside Center for Emotional Wellness. Available via phone for initial contact.

Somatic therapist, bodyworker, and sex and relationship coach, kink-aware

Minneapolis MN, USA

Somatic therapist, bodyworker, self-defense instructor, victim-survivor advocate, and sex and relationship coach at Kaleidoscope Healing Arts. Kink-aware. Located at 2637 27th Ave S Suite 101, Minneapolis MN 55406.

Certified sex coach specializing in kink and polyamory, Chicago

Chicago IL, USA

Certified sex coach; kink and polyamory affirming. Listed in the KPACT provider directory. Based in Chicago.

Kink and polyamory affirming LMFT in California

California, USA

Licensed marriage and family therapist specializing in kink and polyamory. California-based. Contact via the KAP directory for current practice details.

Kink-affirming sex and relationship coach at Down to There

California (Cupertino/San Jose area), USA

Sex and relationship coach at Down to There. Kink-affirming telehealth practice based in the Cupertino/San Jose, California area. Note: Pam Costa is a certified coach, not a licensed therapist or physician.

AASECT-certified sex therapist and frequently cited media expert

National (online), USA

LMFT and AASECT-certified sex therapist. Kink-positive. Frequently cited expert in mainstream media on sexual health and relationship topics. Available nationally.

Psychologist, sex therapist, kink/BDSM educator, and podcast host

UK and USA (dual practice)

Psychologist, certified sex therapist, and kink/BDSM educator. Podcast host and international speaker. Dual UK/US practice. Active voice in kink-aware clinical and community education.

Pioneer of kink-affirmative psychotherapy and co-creator of the KAP list

Los Angeles CA, USA

Pioneer of kink-affirmative psychotherapy. Developed the first kink-sensitive therapist referral list in the early 1980s alongside Race Bannon, which later became the KAP directory. Private practice in Los Angeles. Contact via the KAP directory or local BDSM community.

Australian-born sex therapist and educator now based in New York City

New York NY, USA

Australian-born sex therapist and educator now based in New York City. Runs the Atlas of Erotic Experience. Kink and ENM affirming. Author and international speaker on sex, desire, and erotic identity.

Kink and ENM affirming sex educator and intimacy coach

National (telehealth), USA

Sex educator and intimacy coach. Kink and ENM affirming. US-based telehealth. Contact via the KAP directory for current details.

Leading sex therapist and researcher, co-editor of Sadomasochism: Powerful Pleasures

Ottawa, Canada

AASECT-certified sexuality educator, consultant, diplomate, and supervisor of sex therapy. Co-edited "Sadomasochism: Powerful Pleasures" with Charles Moser. AASECT Professional Standard of Excellence Award 2015. Based at the University of Ottawa. Clinical work focuses on eroticism and transformation.

UKCP-registered existential psychotherapist specializing in sex and sexuality

South England (online worldwide)

UKCP-registered existential psychotherapist. Specializes in sex and sexuality in LGBTQ+ and kink-affirmative ways. Offers online therapy worldwide. Has presented at multiple international academic conferences on BDSM. Contact via KAP England directory.

Specialist in kink, BDSM, fetish, and ethical non-monogamies, 30+ years experience

London, UK

Founding co-director of SexProfs. BACP Fellow with 30+ years experience. Specialist in GSRD, LGBTQIA+, Alt, Swinging, Poly, Ethical Non-Monogamies, Sex Work, Fetish, Kink, and BDSM. Contact via KAP Greater London directory.

BACP-accredited counsellor with published work on kink-aware therapy

London, UK

BACP-accredited counsellor and psychotherapist. Published "A Kink in the Process" in Therapy Today (2010). Delivers training for therapists on working with BDSM clients. Certificate in Sexual Minority Therapy from Pink Therapy. Identifies as bi and kink. Contact via KAP Greater London directory or email.

Kink-aware hypnotherapy and life coaching in London

London, UK

Inclusive and kink-aware hypnotherapy and life coaching in London. Contact via KAP Greater London directory or by phone.

Kink-aware counsellor with 22+ years experience, Plymouth and online

Plymouth Devon, UK (Skype internationally)

22+ years experience. Offers kink and alternative sexuality aware therapy in-person in Plymouth and via Skype for UK residents and English speakers worldwide.

Person-centred kink-aware counsellor and advocate for kink-aware intake processes

UK

Person-centred counsellor and active advocate for practical kink-aware intake processes in therapy. Published on the Counselling Directory on finding kink-aware support. Contact via the Counselling Directory.

Queer, agender psychosexual therapist specializing in kink and non-monogamy

UK

Psychosexual and relationship therapist. Queer, agender, and polyamorous. Specializes in LGBT+, non-monogamy, neurodivergence, and kink. CICS-recommended. Contact via CICS recommended therapists page.

Psychosexual therapist with NHS and private practice experience, London

London, UK

Previously with NHS South West London Sexual Health clinic (psychosexual therapy). Private practice in London. CICS-recommended. Contact via CICS recommended therapists page.

Client-led sex and relationship educator and therapist, kink/fetish affirming

UK

Client-led, affirming, and inclusive sex and relationship educator and therapist. Works with kink/fetish/preferences, LGBTQIA+, and relationship diversity. CICS-recommended. Contact via CICS recommended therapists page.

Kink-knowledgeable therapist with lived experience in kink communities

UK

Kink-knowledgeable therapist with background in the kink/fetish community and as an ex-sex worker. Works with Master/slave dynamics, ENM, swinging, polyamory. Narcissism-aware therapist. CICS-recommended.

COSRT-registered sex and relationship therapist working with diverse configurations

UK

Registered with COSRT, Pink Therapy, and National Council for Integrated Therapists. Works with diverse psychosexual issues across relationship configurations. CICS-recommended.

LGBTQ+ affirmative and kink-friendly psychotherapist working with individuals and couples

UK

Trained in pluralistic approach drawing on psychodynamic, CBT, mindfulness, attachment, and trauma-informed practices. LGBTQ+ affirmative and kink-friendly. Works with individuals and couples. CICS-recommended.

BDSM-knowledgeable relationship therapist at a kink-affirming Australian collective

Australia

BDSM-knowledgeable relationship therapist at the Progressive Therapeutic Collective, a sex-positive and kink-affirming practice in Australia. Accredited in kink and BDSM dynamics.

Australian sex therapist and educator with a sex-positive, kink-affirming approach

Australia

Sex therapist and educator. Runs the LoveLife Clinic. Sex-positive approach includes kink and alternative relationships. Based in Australia.

Kink and ENM affirming psychotherapist and sex therapist in Australia

Australia

Psychotherapist and sex therapist. Kink and ENM affirming. Based in Australia. Contact via the KAP directory for current details.

Kink-affirming sexologist and sex therapist in Canada

Canada

Sexologist and sex therapist. Kink-affirming private practice in Canada. Contact via the KAP directory for current practice details.

Psychotherapist specializing in sexual diversity including kink, Germany

Germany

Psychotherapist specializing in sexual diversity including kink. Active in the European kink conference circuit. Contact via local German kink-aware professional networks or the KAP directory.

Sex therapist and BDSM educator active in European kink education

Germany

Sex therapist and BDSM educator. Active in the European kink conference circuit. Contact via local German kink-aware professional networks or the KAP directory.

LGBTQIA+, CNM/ENM, kink/BDSM, and perinatal health specialist, NYC

New York NY, USA

Specializes in LGBTQIA+ issues, CNM/ENM, kink/BDSM, reproductive health, and perinatal health. Affirming space for identities often overlooked in mainstream therapy. Contact via Psychology Today.

Kink-allied LCSW in New York City

New York NY, USA

Kink-allied therapist in NYC. Listed on Psychology Today as sex-positive and kink-allied. Contact via Psychology Today.

Somatic, body-based psychotherapist supporting BDSM/kink/ENM clients, NYC

New York NY, USA

Holistic psychotherapist drawing on lifestyle experience and clinical training to support BDSM/kink/ENM clients. Focuses on somatic and body-based approaches. Contact via Psychology Today.

Kink-affirming therapist for LGBTQIA+ and alternative lifestyle clients, NYC

New York NY, USA

Kink-affirming therapist in NYC. Works with LGBTQIA+, kink, and alternative lifestyle clients. Contact via Psychology Today.

Kink-allied, trauma-informed LMSW in New York City

New York NY, USA

Kink-allied and trauma-informed therapist in NYC. Focuses on alternative lifestyles and relationship diversity. Contact via Psychology Today.

Trauma therapist for queer, trans, kinky, neurodiverse, and sex worker communities, NYC

New York NY, USA

Trauma therapist working with queer and trans communities, poly/ENM, kink/BDSM, neurodiverse and disabled communities, and sex workers. Offers EMDR, DBT, IFS, grief counseling, and somatic approaches. Contact via Psychology Today.

Sex-positive and kink-allied LMSW in New York City

New York NY, USA

Sex-positive and kink-allied therapist in NYC. Contact via Psychology Today.

Kink, ENM, eating disorder, and neurodivergence specialist, NYC telehealth

New York NY (telehealth), USA

Specializes in kink/BDSM, ENM, eating disorders, and neurodivergence. LGBTQ+, kink, and sex-work affirming. Trauma-informed ACT/REBT/CBT approach. Telehealth to NYC clients. Contact via Psychology Today.

Kink/BDSM, polyamory, LGBTQIA+, and neurodivergent specialist, Connecticut

Connecticut, USA

Specializes in kink/BDSM, polyamory, LGBTQIA+, and neurodivergent communities. Experience across diverse populations. Contact via Psychology Today.

Kink-allied LPC in Connecticut

Connecticut, USA

Kink-allied licensed professional counselor in Connecticut. Contact via Psychology Today.

Kink-allied LMSW in Connecticut

Connecticut, USA

Kink-allied licensed master social worker in Connecticut. Contact via Psychology Today.

Kink/BDSM, poly/ENM, and neurodivergent specialist, Connecticut

Connecticut, USA

Specializes in kink/BDSM, poly/ENM, and neurodivergent communities in Connecticut. Contact via Psychology Today.

Kink-allied, LGBTQ+ affirming, sex-positive LMFT in Connecticut

Connecticut, USA

Kink-allied LMFT. Focuses on balance and fulfillment; LGBTQ+ affirming and sex-positive. Contact via Psychology Today.

Kink-allied, HAES-oriented LPC and art therapist in Connecticut

Connecticut, USA

Kink-allied; LGBTQ+ affirming; HAES-oriented; focuses on nervous system regulation and self-compassion. Contact via Psychology Today.

Kink-knowledgeable certified sex therapist in Connecticut

Connecticut, USA

Kink-knowledgeable certified sex therapist in Connecticut. Contact via Psychology Today.

Kink-allied LMSW specializing in sex therapy, IFS, and EMDR, Connecticut

Connecticut, USA

Specializes in sex therapy, IFS, and EMDR. Kink-allied. Contact via Psychology Today.

Head of the Science of BDSM Research Team at Northern Illinois University

DeKalb IL, USA

Professor of social and evolutionary psychology at Northern Illinois University. Head of the Science of BDSM Research Team. Research on consent, altered states, power dynamics, and BDSM health outcomes. Published in scholarly journals and cited in The Economist and New Scientist. Department of Psychology, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb IL 60115.

Researcher on the lives and experiences of kink, BDSM, and fetish communities

Emporia KS, USA

Assistant Professor of Psychology at Emporia State University. Research on lives and experiences of people into kink, BDSM, and sexual fetishism. Published in Vice, Psychology Today, Insider, and Savage Lovecast. Contact via Emporia State University or Center for Positive Sexuality.

Foremost academic expert on polyamorous families, ongoing 20+ year study

National, USA

Foremost academic expert on polyamorous families with children. Author of "The Polyamorists Next Door" (2014) and "Stories from the Polycule" (2015). Ongoing 20+ year longitudinal study of poly families. Site updated as recently as 2026.

Scholar in leisure, sexual identity, gender expression, and digital equity

Raleigh NC, USA

Karla Henderson Distinguished Professor at North Carolina State University. Scholar in leisure, sexual identity, gender expression, and digital equity. Qualitative research methodologist. Contact via North Carolina State University or Center for Positive Sexuality.

Researcher publishing on biopsychosocial science of kink

National, USA

Researcher and author publishing on biopsychosocial science of kink. Co-publishes with Richard Sprott. Contributing researcher to the Journal of Positive Sexuality. Contact via Center for Positive Sexuality.

TASHRA researcher co-publishing on biopsychosocial kink science

National, USA

Researcher associated with TASHRA. Co-publishes on biopsychosocial kink science with D.J. Williams. Active in community-based BDSM health research. Contact via TASHRA.

APA Division 44 Taskforce on Kink and BDSM, TASHRA researcher and educator

National, USA

APA Division 44 Taskforce on Kink and BDSM. TASHRA research and community education team. Center for Positive Sexuality educator. Research explores intersections of pleasure, power, and relational dynamics with healing in kink spaces. Contact via Center for Positive Sexuality.

Founder of Sunbird Counseling, researcher on discrimination in kinky POC communities

National, USA

Founder of Sunbird Counseling and Consulting LLC. Dissertation on discrimination experiences of kinky people of color within the BDSM community. Graduate of Widener University's dual MSW/human sexuality and human sexuality PhD programs. Contact via Center for Positive Sexuality.

Author of Kinky in the Digital Age, researcher on kink and internet community

Brighton, UK

Senior Lecturer in Psychology at University of Brighton. Specializes in research on kink/BDSM, internet and community engagement, and identity formation. Author of "Kinky in the Digital Age". Contact via University of Brighton or Center for Positive Sexuality.

Physician and sexologist, longtime advocate for kink destigmatization in psychiatry

San Francisco CA, USA

San Francisco-based physician and sexologist. Co-edited "Sadomasochism: Powerful Pleasures" with Dr. Peggy Kleinplatz. Long-time medical professional advocating for kink/BDSM destigmatization in psychiatric classification. Contact via the Institute for Advanced Study of Human Sexuality.

Science of BDSM Research Team, researcher on altered states and positive pain

Bemidji MN, USA

Assistant Professor of Psychology at Bemidji State University. Core member of the Science of BDSM Research Team at Northern Illinois University. Research on positive painful experiences, altered states of consciousness, extreme rituals, and sadism.

Science of BDSM Research Team, researcher on altered states and BDSM physiology

Cedar Rapids IA, USA

Professor of Psychology at Coe College. Core member of the Science of BDSM Research Team. Research on altered states and BDSM physiology. Department of Psychology, Coe College, Cedar Rapids IA 52402.

Science of BDSM Research Team, researcher on consent and kink

Bemidji MN, USA

Professor of Psychology at Bemidji State University. Core member of the Science of BDSM Research Team. Research on consent and kink. Department of Psychology, Bemidji State University, Bemidji MN 56601.

Widener University professor, co-authored kink-aware clinical training frameworks

Chester PA, USA

Associate professor in the English Department at Widener University. Co-authored kink-aware clinical training frameworks. Published on sexuality and BDSM in academic journals. Contact via Widener University.

Widener University PhD, dissertation on erotic agency and BDSM

Chester PA, USA

Graduate of Widener University's PhD program in Human Sexuality Studies. Dissertation on erotic agency and BDSM. Co-authored kink-aware training program with Sabitha Pillai-Friedman. Contact via Widener University Center for Human Sexuality Studies.

Family physician advocating for physician education on sexual diversity including kink

Canada

Family physician and advocate for physician education on sexual diversity including kink and BDSM. Medical educator working to improve how medical professionals approach kink-identified patients.

Showtime host, AASECT Award-winning podcast co-host, XBIZ 2021 Sexpert of the Year

National, USA

Host and executive producer of "SEX with Sunny Megatron" (Showtime). Co-host of the AASECT Award-winning American Sex Podcast and Open Deeply Podcast. Certified Relationship Coach. American College of Sexologists International Certified Sex Educator. XBIZ 2021 Sexpert of the Year. Widely available for speaking engagements and media.

Internationally recognized kink educator, co-creator of the KIC certification

USA / International

Internationally recognized kink educator. Co-creator of the Kink Informed Certification (KIC) program with the Sexual Health Alliance. Expert in rope bondage, power exchange, and BDSM education. Teaches internationally. One of the field's most respected voices in kink education.

Award-winning author and educator; Sacred Kink, Shibari You Can Use

National, USA

Internationally known erotic authenticity educator, gender explorer, and award-winning author. Books include "Playing Well With Others" (with Mollena Williams), "Sacred Kink", and "Shibari You Can Use". Certified relationship coach. Active speaker and workshop presenter internationally.

Co-author of Playing Well With Others, prominent kink educator and speaker

National, USA

Co-author of "Playing Well With Others" with Lee Harrington. Prominent kink educator and advocate. International speaker and workshop presenter. Also active at kinkdoula.com.

Kink community historian and co-creator of the original KAP therapist list

San Francisco CA, USA

Kink community historian, educator, and author. Instrumental in founding the original Kink Aware Professionals list alongside Guy Baldwin. Based in San Francisco. Long-standing voice in leather and BDSM community history.

Rope bondage educator and host of the Ropecast podcast

National, USA

Rope bondage educator and host of the Ropecast podcast. Widely known in US and international kink education circles. Teaches at major kink conferences. Active community voice on rope bondage practice and culture.

Rope educator and supplier; teaches at DomCon, NEEHU, and major kink events

National, USA

Rope and bondage educator and supplier. Teaches at major kink events including DomCon and NEEHU. Based in Seattle. Running since 2004. One of the most well-known bondage rope educators and suppliers in the US.

BDSM educator and consent workshop facilitator at leather conferences nationwide

National, USA

BDSM educator and consent workshop facilitator. Frequent presenter at leather/BDSM conferences across the US. Contact via local leather or kink conference networks.

Sexuality educator and energy play facilitator on the US kink conference circuit

National, USA

Sexuality educator and energy play and kink facilitator. Teaches workshops across the US kink conference circuit. Contact via kink conference networks.

Certified sex educator and journalist, frequent expert commentator on kink topics

National, USA

Certified sex educator and journalist. US-based. Frequent expert commentator on kink topics in mainstream media. AASECT-certified.

Center for Positive Sexuality educator, active in BDSM community since 1996

Los Angeles CA, USA

Educator with the Center for Positive Sexuality. Studying, teaching, and participating in the BDSM community since 1996. Based in Los Angeles. Contact via Center for Positive Sexuality.

One of the oldest and most respected professional dominatrix directories

Worldwide

The Max Fisch Domina Guide is one of the longest-running and most respected directories for professional dominatrices worldwide. Established practitioners with their own websites and serious professional reputations list here. The site includes a community forum where clients share reviews and practitioners discuss their work.

• One of the oldest established pro-domme directories on the web
• Lists practitioners with verified personal websites
• Community forum provides review history for many listed practitioners

International professional dominatrix and mistress directory, operating since 2002

Worldwide (femdom-focused)

Pandemos has operated as a professional mistress and dominatrix worldwide directory since 2002. Focuses on professional practitioners, particularly those with established personal websites and dungeon spaces. Includes touring information for practitioners who visit multiple cities.

• Operating since 2002, one of the more established femdom directories
• International listings with touring dates for travelling practitioners
• Includes live webcam and blog links for listed practitioners

Kink community platform; search for professional dominant profiles

Worldwide

FetLife is the largest kink social network in the world. While not exclusively a professional directory, many professional dominants maintain profiles and list their services there. Community-embedded professionals have a visible reputation history. Searching your city plus "professional dominant" or "pro-domme" surfaces local practitioners.

• Community-embedded professionals have a visible reputation history
• Search by city and role for local professional dominant listings
• Free account required to browse profiles and contact practitioners

UK professional mistress directory operating since 1995

United Kingdom

DommeAddiction has operated as a free directory of professional mistresses and dominatrices across the UK since 1995, making it one of the oldest continuously operating directories in the field. Also lists BDSM dungeons, events, and photographers across the UK.

• Operating since 1995, among the oldest surviving BDSM directories
• Free directory covering professional mistresses across the UK
• Also lists dungeons, BDSM events, and fetish photographers

BDSM community platform with professional dominant listings

Worldwide (strong US, UK, Australia, Canada presence)

Collarspace is one of the larger BDSM-focused social networks, serving users primarily in the US, UK, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. Professional dominants active in the BDSM community frequently maintain profiles there. Use alongside a dedicated directory rather than as a sole source.

• One of the larger BDSM community platforms alongside FetLife
• Strong coverage in the US, UK, Australia, and Canada
• Use alongside a dedicated directory rather than as a sole source

Community reference and verification registry

International

The Dom Sub Registry functions as a reference system for BDSM practitioners, including professional dominants. Members can leave references for practitioners they have worked with, creating a community verification layer. Most useful as a supplementary check when researching a specific professional, not a primary discovery tool.

• Community reference system for verifying practitioners you are already considering
• References are left by community members and are identifiable
• Best used as a supplementary verification step, not a primary search tool

Social platform widely used by professional dominants for public presence

Worldwide

X (formerly Twitter) is one of the primary platforms where professional dominants maintain a public presence, market their availability, and post touring schedules. Many established professionals use X as their main booking-inquiry channel. Searching a practitioner's name on X is a useful way to assess their current activity and community engagement.

• Many established professionals use X as their primary public channel
• Useful for checking current touring schedules and availability
• Verify consistency between X presence and any other directory listings