About Beyond Taboo

Talis

Talis (they/them), founder of BEYOND TABOO, is a “neuro-spicy” (Autism/ADHD) disabled veteran . With a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and over a decade of experience in alternative sexuality, and the kink community, with an emphasis on healing trauma through responsible practice of BDSM. Talis brings a wealth of knowledge, commitment to continuous learning, and passion to their work while operating under the KECC Collective Code of Conduct for Educators.

Currently offering consulting and mentorship services, Talis is currently a Sex Coach/Clinical Sexologist In Training under Dr. Patti Britton’s method as well as a future PhD in Clinical Sexology. They hold a certification in the PLISSIT-R Model for evaluating sexual concerns from the Buehler Institute and a certificate in Trauma Informed Care.

Talis is always seeking continuous learning and utilizes a holistic approach to being an educator. They are currently a research volunteer for TASHRA under Dr. Richard Sprott, a pioneer of the scientific world in destigmatizing kink and educating about its psychological benefits.

Talis is also mentoring under internationally recognized clinical sexologist and shaman, Francesca Gentille, They have begun a journey into learning the leather lifestyle by joining the Virginia Leather Women United whose aim is to revive and preserve women’s leather traditions.

Talis' passions revolve around advocating for neurodiversity acceptance and education, supporting fellow disabled veterans, and contributing to the kink community, locally and nationally, through education and connections. They are also dedicated to mentoring newcomers into the kink lifestyle by providing them with a rigorous, structured process aimed at integrating them into the community as knowledgeable and safe leaders and change-makers. 

Our Expertise

We offer specialized knowledge and support in the following areas:

Sexuality and Relationships

  • Intimacy and sex

  • Gender identity and sexual orientation

  • Fetishes

Kink/BDSM

  • Kink/BDSM with a therapeutic approach: We integrate therapeutic principles into our kink/BDSM services to help you explore your desires in a safe and empowering way. Clients can be taught how to utilize consensual power dynamics to address prior consent violation-caused traumas, they can learn breathing techniques in order to process physical pain and achieve emotional catharsis, and so much more. The ways of integrating holistic therapeutic methods with BDSM methodology to achieve healing are endless.

  • Mental health and kink: We provide guidance and support for individuals navigating the intersection of mental health and kink. Emphasis is placed on responsible use of kink as an adjunct to, but not a replacement for professional therapy. We help couples in dynamics with strategies for balancing power exchange and protocols with one’s mental health level fluctuations. Most importantly, we can help clients overcome feelings of guilt, shame, and confusion that can sometimes arise when understanding one’s interest in the kink lifestyle.

  • Introduction to the BDSM lifestyle and community: We offer education and resources for those who are new to kink/BDSM or looking to connect with the community.

Trauma-Informed Care

  • Education and advocacy for survivors of sexual trauma: We provide education about trauma-informed care and advocate for the needs of survivors. Our approach emphasizes a safe, supportive environment for learning and exploration while avoiding re-traumatization and recognizing when higher level intervention is needed. Advocacy focuses on educating about consent, working to effect changes in the ways we address and process adverse experiences like sexual assault, and emphasizing that one’s gender or sexual orientation has no bearing on the legitimacy of their trauma.