In my newest blog on Psychology Today I explore the differences between rough sex and BDSM, and offer some tips about how to do both safely. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-polyamorists-next-door/202506/what-is-the-difference-between-rough-sex-and-bdsm
Author Archives: Dr. Elisabeth "Eli" Sheff, PhD, CASA, CSE
Two Events for OPEN’s Week of Visibility
Sheff Consulting is co-hosting two events for OPEN’s Week of Visibility coming in July 7 – 13 2025. On July 9 Sheff Consulting is collaborating with Melanie Moseley from Hive Love to sponsor a picnic in Overlook Park, Portland Oregon. We meet at 5 pm in the park for a potluck picnic, socializing, games, prizes,ContinueContinue reading “Two Events for OPEN’s Week of Visibility”
Exploring Polyamory: The Future of Family Dynamics
Recently Sigourney Norman at Afropunk interviewed me about polyamorous families and the future of family formations. Check it out here https://afropunk.com/2025/05/polyamory-modern-love-family-dynamics
Understanding the Legal Challenges of Non-Monogamous Relationships
My newest blog post on Psychology Today examines the three most common legal challenges facing consensually nonmonogamous relationships.
The Growing Risks of Online Age Play in Modern Law Enforcement
What are the differences between age play and sexual predation against children? Find out in my newest blog on Psychology Today!
Explore Diverse Relationships & Mental Health Courses
If you want to learn about diverse relationships and sexualities or empower your sense of gender or body image then consider taking some of the online courses from the Pincus Center. They teach everything from BDSM to fat empowerment and flirting skills.
Understanding Consensual Non-Consent in BDSM
My most recent blog on Psychology Today explores the #bdsm practice of #ConsensualNonConsent. Should out to Debby Herbenick and their awesome research on #CNC, as well as the fantastic information on #consent from the National Coalition for Sexual Freedom (NCSF) who advocate for #ExplicitandPriorPermission. Image: Two people who appear to be women in lingere facingContinueContinue reading “Understanding Consensual Non-Consent in BDSM”
Satisfied Expert Witness Client
I recently provided some expert witnessing services for a case relevant to BDSM, and the lawyer provided the review below. “I hired Dr. Sheff for a criminal jury trial where the jury was being asked to discern between BDSM and intimate partner violence. Dr. Sheff was communicative and accessible leading up to trial and herContinueContinue reading “Satisfied Expert Witness Client”
The Perfect Storm in Polyamorous Relationships
A pattern that can swamp polyamorous relationships emerged in the data of the Longitudinal Polyamorous Family Study, and Dr. Eli’s newest blog on Psychology Today explores the Perfect Storm pattern.
Mono/CNM Mixed Dynamic Support Group Starting February 6
Are you in a dynamic where one person wants an exclusive relationship and another person wants to have an open relationship? This mono/CNM mixed dynamic relationship has cropped up for more people than ever over the last 10 years, in part because consensual nonmonogamies have become much better known and more visible. For some peopleContinueContinue reading “Mono/CNM Mixed Dynamic Support Group Starting February 6”