Classes

Many people find release in pain and can effectively use it as a coping mechanism to manage anxiety, stress, chronic pain, and other challenges. This class focuses on discussing the differences between masochism and detrimental self-injurious behavior, including the physical, emotional, and psychological effects of each. We will talk about interacting and providing support (whether it be intimate relationships, kinky play, or in a mental health setting) with people who need pain in their lives.

Many people struggle with anxiety— from nagging, anxious thoughts to full-blown panic attacks, and sometimes it feels like it can pop up out of nowhere. This class delves into how to navigate kink (whether it be events, play, or a power exchange dynamic) with anxiety. We will discuss how it might show up or be triggered within certain situations, as well as strategies for handling those scenarios, ways PE dynamics can help create structure to manage anxiety, and grounding tricks you can use anywhere.

More people than ever are bringing kink and BDSM into their lives. It is integral for modern healthcare and mental health professionals to be able to provide understanding and affirming care. This class discusses BDSM and kink through a mental health lens, focusing on de- stigmatizing the people who participate, giving providers an understanding of how encounters are negotiated, and how to recognize the difference between consensual BDSM and abuse.

Many BDSM scenes are heightened with the addition of a psychological component. However, venturing into that territory is not without risks. This class will focus on scenes with major psychological elements (mindfucks, interrogation, fear play, pushing limits and playing with triggers), negotiating and preparing, crafting the scenes, debriefing, and how to react if something goes wrong. Taught by an experienced edge player with a background in human behavior, this is an advanced class for RACK players who want to incorporate more psychological play into their scenes.

We all know the importance of vetting, but are we really doing it effectively? What other tools and resources do you have to keep yourself safe? This workshop focuses on how to vet a potential partner, questions to ask, how to evaluate the answers, and some of the tools at your disposal. We will also discuss keeping yourself safe during your initial meeting and play, as well as red flags that can be hidden further down the line.

Navigating negotiations can be difficult, especially if one (or both) people are new to it. The negotiation part of any scene or relationship is incredibly important, but is often passed over quickly because, let's face it, it's just not as fun as the other stuff! However, being able to effectively negotiate and frame a scene or Power Exchange dynamic can keep both people safe and help prevent confusion and frustration in the future. We will discuss the importance and impact of an effective negotiation, different types of negotiation, and tools for navigating a negotiation when there is a significant experience or power differential.