Sex and Psychology Podcast Episode 466: What People Get Wrong About Kink
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Jan 13, 2026 Gigi Engle, a certified sex and relationships psychotherapist and author of Kink Curious, joins the discussion to redefine kink. She reveals that kink encompasses a broad range of behaviors and is often misunderstood. Exploring the origins of kinks, Gigi explains their links to childhood experiences and the joy of adult play. They dive into power dynamics and why many people eroticize control. The conversation also addresses common myths about kink, encouraging acceptance and normalizing curiosity.
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Many Psychological Pathways To Kink
- Researchers identify multiple psychological pathways to kink, including early emergence, partner introduction, trauma processing, and later-life adaptation.
- Kink can be therapeutic, functional, playful, or purely recreational depending on the person.
Kink As Adult Play
- Kink offers adult play and a chance to access a carefree, exploratory inner state safely.
- Framing kink as play reduces shame and makes it more accessible.
Why Power Exchange Is Erotic
- Power exchange is erotic because it creates intense trust and controlled roles that many lack in daily life.
- Dominance or submission can fulfill unmet needs for safety, leadership, or surrender.
