Don’t Shame Me is a presentation focused on how clinicians and professionals can better support those who identify as ND, LGBTQIA+, and those who have alternative lifestyles, specifically in mental health and medical settings. There will also be a significant portion of the discussion around polyamory, kink, and BDSM and why those communities seem to have many ND folx and how we can reduce the stigma around these activities and see them as healthy alternatives. There will be a Q&A at the end of the session.
Learning Objectives:
- Demonstrate how to be more inclusive for ND folx in the clinical setting, including how to inquire about accommodations and what accommodations may be asked for in those environments.
- Discuss the structure of polyamory, kink and BDSM and their appeal to ND folx.
- Identify ways that they can support their clients within these communities to self-advocate and how to watch for potential abuse.
Rebecca Kerl (she/they)
Rebecca is a master’s level therapist in Las Vegas, Nevada. As an autistic, bisexual, genderfluid person, Rebecca wanted to work within their community, so their client base is Neurodivergent (ND) with a significant intersection of those who also identify in the LGBTQIA+ community. Rebecca also works with those who are in non-traditional relationships and alternative lifestyles. Rebecca is a classically trained musician, who plays 11 different instruments including the piano in a local blues band that performs around the west coast. In addition to all things music, she also enjoys playing poker, card games, and board games, skiing and snowboarding, bowling badly in a weekly league, and spending time with family and friends.