The depth psychology of C.G. Jung and James Hillman provide unique perspectives on the meaning and psychological value of BDSM activities and relationships. BDSM practitioners can benefit from Jung and Hillman’s psychological language, which honours the value of transgression as a necessity for psychological growth. Clinicians can gain fresh insights regarding the deeper psychological meaning of participating in the world of BDSM and leather by applying Jungian concepts such as the Shadow, the Syzygy, and the psychoid. The presentation will discuss collective archetypal sources of historical trauma, which have provided inspiration to some of the more disquieting aspects of BDSM, and we will consider how the deep psychology of BDSM creates a space in the modern world to ethically engage these primal psychoid forces. 

Douglas Thomas, PhD, LCSW, has a Jungian-based psychotherapy practice in Pasadena, California, specializing in LGBTQ+ issues, alternative sexualities, and dream therapy. He teaches as adjunct faculty at Pacifica Graduate Institute in Carpinteria, California, and he has presented papers at international Jungian conferences. His essays have appeared in the International Journal of Jungian Studies and the Jungian Journal of Scholarly Studies. His latest book, The Deep Psychology of BDSM and Kink: Jungian and Archetypal Perspectives on the Soul’s Transgressive Necessities, was published by Routledge in 2023 and is available as an audiobook. For more information, visit Dr. Thomas’ website at drdouglasthomas.com