Kink and BDSM in Therapy with Jake Penrod

Click here to view the episode transcript.

Jake Penrod (he/him, they/them) is a Couple and Family Therapist at Live Oak who specializes in working with queer and kinky clients, as well as those in non-monogamous relationships. His work is deeply informed by both personal and professional immersion in these communities. In addition to their clinical work, Jake hosts the podcast I Hate James Dobson alongside our colleague Brooke, where they explore the harms of evangelical culture, particularly its messages around parenting, queerness, and morality.

In this episode, we sit down with Jake to explore how he came into his clinical identity with a strong sense of purpose and clarity, as well as the complexities of expertise, queerness, and therapeutic presence. Jake shares their journey of integrating personal history (especially his experiences with religious trauma and queer community) into his professional work. We discuss what all therapists can learn from kink and leather communities, including lessons on consent, aftercare, and expansive definitions of sex and intimacy. Jake also reflects on what it means to live in the tension between idealism and pragmatism, and how humility and curiosity shape his approach to both therapy and learning. Whether you’re a new therapist or a seasoned one, there’s something here for anyone wanting to think more critically and expansively about their role.

For more about Jake, visit Jacob Penrod • Live Oak Chicago. Don’t forget to check out Jake’s podcast “I Hate James Dobson”.

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Co-Hosted by Corina Teofilo Mattson and Mariana Reyes Daza. Show art by Jae Avilez. Music by Brandon Acosta.