Does trauma cause BDSM desires? Is kink just a reenactment of old wounds? Or can it be something more, a form of healing, reclamation, or simply joy? I break down the difference between influence and origin, explore what it means when kink feels familiar, and offer a path forward grounded in choice, consent, and self-understanding. This is not about shame. It’s about clarity. Whether you're a survivor, a practitioner, or simply curious, this episode invites you to explore where your desires come from and what they mean to you now.

📚References (APA Style)

• Li, S. (2024). The psychology of kink: A cross-sectional survey investigating the association between adult attachment style and BDSM-related identity choice in China. Archives of Sexual Behavior. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-024-02829-1
• Schuerwegen, A., Morrens, M., Wuyts, E., Huys, W., Goethals, K., & De Zeeuw-Jans, I. (2022). The psychology of kink: A survey study investigating stigma and psychological mechanisms in BDSM. European Psychiatry, 64(S1), S620. https://doi.org/10.1192/j.eurpsy.2022.1566
• Speciale, M., & Khambatta, D. (2020). Kinky & queer: Exploring the experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals who practice BDSM. Journal of LGBT Issues in Counseling, 14(4), 341–361. https://doi.org/10.1080/15538605.2020.1827476
• Sprott, R. A., Vivid, J., & Lev, E. M. (2020). The structure of kink identity: Four key themes within a world of complexity. Journal of Positive Sexuality, 6(1), 1–8. https://journalofpositivesexuality.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Structure-of-kink-identity_key-themes-within-a-world-of-complexity-Vivid-Lev-Sprott.pdf

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