Ryan G. Witherspoon, Ph.D.

Clinical psychologist (CA PSY32022). Psychoanalytic clinician, researcher, author, & speaker. I research consensual non-monogamy & kink, and I train therapists.

[rachel krantz @RachelKrantz]

This week's Help Existing is with psychologist Dr. Ryan Witherspoon (@RGWitherspoon) about the psychology and practice of kink. If you read OPEN, now you'll hear why I quote him so often!

Love his takedown here of the phrase "topping from the bottom"

https://t.co/pQSsSUoCpH

[rachel krantz @RachelKrantz]

A new print version of my Help Existing interview with @RGWitherspoon about the psychology of kink!
https://t.co/93wCm7EKDY #kink #psychology #bdsm #domsub #ddlg via @medium

[Ryan G. Witherspoon, Ph.D. @RGWitherspoon]

Shoutout to a former instructor of mine, psychoanalyst Dr. Alan Karbelnig, who's created a wonderful subscription newsletter on depth #psychotherapy. Check it out!

I've always enjoyed Dr. Karbelnig's writing and continue to learn a great deal from him!

https://t.co/PBIgvt6M6j

[Dan Savage @fakedansavage]

It's a very short hop from being taught to hate yourself for your sexual desires to hating people who stir them or act on them with you.

https://t.co/I3G3o2ypKs

[Erin Tillman @DatingAdviceGrl]

Sex addiction? It was a ‘bad day’ for him? WTF is happening here? This is disgusting! Anything besides, “this man targeted and murdered innocent human beings, the majority who were Asian-Americans,” is irresponsible and dangerous. #StopAsianHate

[Ryan G. Witherspoon, Ph.D. @RGWitherspoon]

A historic and fear-reaching accomplishment! Congrats to @DrSchechinger and @ACMoors as well as their team and colleagues who helped make this happen!

[Jonathan Shedler @JonathanShedler]

1/ People understandably generalize from what they think is "helpful" in other relationships—and assume that's what psychotherapy must be. But psychotherapy is NOT that. Meaningful therapy is UNLIKE any other relationship you've experienced. It's something completely different.

[Jonathan Shedler @JonathanShedler]

How long does therapy take? Newest data. 👇

[Diana Adams (they/them) @DianaAdamsEsq]

#Polyamory Legal Advocacy Coalition is drafting laws to protect polyam & non-nuclear families! Do you have a story of discrimination or challenge as a partnership of 3 or 4 that your family might share w media w us? Email contact @chosenfamilylawcenter.org https://t.co/Uxu9dJlP8U

[Diana Adams (they/them) @DianaAdamsEsq]

We are seeking polyam people to speak to media about personal experiences to fight for change. Join us for a FREE workshop Fri Feb 26 from 12-1:30pm EST where you can learn more about our work, get media training, & get support in the decision on whether to do media.

[Diana Adams (they/them) @DianaAdamsEsq]

Founded by my org @ChosenFamilyLaw & @HarvardLGBTQ, PLAC is made up of long-time advocates for the rights of polyamorous communities who are supporting the passage of laws in various states to recognize polyamorous families.

[Ryan G. Witherspoon, Ph.D. @RGWitherspoon]

@askdrstephanie I too take pleasure in the little things these days....my kitties, a good night's sleep, rewarding sessions, and of course disgusting IQ-lowering heavy metal caveman riffs.

It's a peaceful life. ;)

[Richard A. Sprott @DrRichardSprott]

Kink Education Is an Ethical Obligation | Psychology Today https://t.co/HrWZoUAXJ7

[Ryan G. Witherspoon, Ph.D. @RGWitherspoon]

@askdrstephanie Glad you took care of yourself today!

I have a really intense clinical week too. Makes sense....

[Ryan G. Witherspoon, Ph.D. @RGWitherspoon]

Fantastic work by @DrSchechinger and @ACMoors as well as many others! This is huge progress in the field.

[Maggie Koerth @maggiekb1]

Let me put it this way: In less than a year, COVID has killed more than half the number of Americans AIDS has killed.

March 2020 - present: COVID killed 390,809
1981 - 2018: AIDS killed 700,000

[Gregory Mansfield @GHMansfield]

A reminder:

Disabled people are 25% of the
population.

1 in 4.

Let that sink in.

The shabby treatment of 25%
of the population is unconscionable.

[Dr. Emily Anhalt @dremilyanhalt]

Unprocessed disappointment calcifies into resentment. Take care of your future self and relationship by working through your frustrations as they happen. It’s like brushing your teeth to avoid emotional plaque 🪥

[CARAS Research @CARASresearch]

CARAS Webinar Announcement: The Experience of Compersion in Consensually Nonmonogamous Individuals. Presented by Marie Thouin. Sat., Jan 16, 2021. 12 noon (Pacific)/3 pm (Eastern) For more info, please see https://t.co/2xBrV5qklr

[Jonathan Shedler @JonathanShedler]

The fundamental truth of psychotherapy is this:

What gets broken in a relationship must be repaired in a relationship.

The relationship between patient & therapist is not incidental to therapy, it's the active ingredient. Those who minimize it have no understanding of therapy.