Kink refers to a broad range of alternative pleasurable practices. Kink involves exploring and incorporating various forms of ceremonial, enhanced, erotic, or sexual activities that often involve power dynamics, role-playing, fetishism, or specific interests that may fall outside societal so-called “norms.” Our team of therapists doesn’t have any preconceived notions of what “normal” means- we care that our clients are healthy and thriving. Project Yes PLLC is an explicitly sex-positive therapy practice that has been providing kink-friendly therapy near Durham and throughout North Carolina since its inception.
When clients come to us for therapy support they may be seeking:
- A kink-affirming therapist who can handle discussions about the kinky parts of their lives
- A therapy setting where they can explore the desire to engage in kink practices without it being viewed as problematic or “sex addiction”
- Explicit support on navigating or coping with aspects of kink practices
- Resources about how to connect with the kink community or learn more
- To develop plans for coping with the intense physiological and emotional impacts of kink
- Support with clarifying one’s comfort
- Learn appropriate assertiveness skills to negotiate their needs with others
- Practice self-acceptance
- Process feelings about a partner’s fantasies
- Address mental health concerns that may impact their relationship to kink, such as depression, anxiety, trauma, and relationship concerns link these words to other pages?
Consent is Key and an Ongoing Aspect of Kink Relationships
In kink, individuals engage in explicitly consensual activities that are negotiated and agreed upon by all parties involved. This emphasis on consent and communication is fundamental to the kink community. Consent is an ongoing process and includes reviewing that each party has a mutual understanding of what is okay, processing how an experience went and revising, and use of both verbal signals (e.g., safety word) and nonverbal gestures that can easily stop a behavior or scene.
Different Roles and Interactions
Kink practitioners may take on different roles, use different props or tools, and interact with themselves or others in specific ways. For example, a person may take on the role of being dominant (someone who exercises control) or submissive (someone who is giving up control). They engage in activities that may include bondage, discipline, sadomasochism, or other activities that may be interesting, erotic, or sexual.
Kink Can be Separate From Sexual Experiences
Contrary to mainstream notions, it is not the case for everyone that kink is inherently sexual or arousing. In fact, for some individuals, kink is an entirely different practice than what is sexually gratifying, and is separate from sexual experiences.
People explore kink for various reasons, including but not limited to:
- the desire to shift their relationship with control
- experience emotional connection
- heighten or diminish sensory input
- Increase sexual arousal
- Curiosity or pursuit of novelty
- To experience themselves in a re-defined way
Kink is not Inherently Pathological, Deviant, or Immoral
It’s important to note that kink is not inherently pathological, deviant, or immoral. Just because others are unfamiliar with practices or not all practices are for everyone doesn’t make them wrong or bad. As long as the practice of kink involves consenting adults who have the capacity to make informed decisions, there is nothing wrong with engaging in kink practices. In fact, many individuals, feel more complete from allowing themselves to incorporate kink in their lives.
As part of kink-friendly therapy, we are open to discussing any and all of your kinks and fantasies.
Our past therapy clients have explored:
- Fantasy enactment and role-playing
- Bondage and Discipline (B&D)
- Dominance and Submission (D/s)
- Other shifts in power dynamics/total power exchange
- Sadism and Masochism (S&M)
- Professional cuddling (not provided by therapists in our practice)
- Fetishes
- Sensory Deprivation and Sensory Overload
- Sensation play (including electric stimulation, tickling, wax, use of props, and food)
- Suspension
- Shibari
- Latex play
- Age play
- Pet play
- Medical play
- Impact play
Our Commitment to Providing Educated and Informed Care
This is not an exhaustive list of kinks. If there is a kink that is important to you that our team is less familiar with, we will pursue self-education and training to be able to be of support to you. If you are newer to exploring kinks, we invite you to read our blog post explaining some of the kinks mentioned on this page. I am writing this now!
Begin Exploring Your True Self with a Sex-Positive Therapist in Durham, NC
From the comfort of your home anywhere in North Carolina, our sex-positive therapists are ready to meet with you! Check out our team bios and reach out if you are ready to get started with one of our kink-friendly therapists.
- Fill out our convenient online contact form here.
- Learn more about Our Team here.
- Begin your journey to improved mental health and well-being.
Other Services Offered by Project Yes
In addition to Sex-Positive and Kink-Friendly Therapy, we offer Psychotherapy Services for Relationship Therapy, Anxiety, Insomnia, Integrative Health, OCD, and Trauma and PTSD as well as Yoga and Meditation Options. Additionally, we offer Psychedelic Psychotherapy, Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy, and more. We look forward to guiding you on your journey toward optimal physical and mental well-being.