In his Smart Sex, Smart Love podcast, host and certified sex therapist Joe Kort, PhD, talked with Richard Sprott, PhD, about kinky sex and self-exploration. Dr. Sprott is directing a research project that looks at social saturation, the postmodern self, and identity development. He has conducted extensive research on alternative sexualities and non-traditional relationships with a special emphasis on kink/BDSM sexuality, and polyamory or consensual non-monogamy. Dr. Sprott finds that the field of kink has really exploded over the past few years as more and more people are exploring it as a way to express their sexuality. Kink is considered the umbrella under which you will find power, internal sensations, sensation play, role play, and exploring your own erotic landscape. Kink often is thought of as the extreme sport of sex. People do something and push it a little further than they normally would; they are looking for a different kind of intense sensation. In the realm of sexuality, kink and personal growth can be connected, Dr. Sprott has found through his research. Those in kink subcultures are trying to explore their sexuality, which ultimately can lead to their own personal growth. They are learning more about themselves and their relationships, and they are learning to trust another person. As this trust deepens, so too does the understanding of the person they are. Kink is a very intimate act that requires a lot of trust and a lot of communication. It’s about finding the place where you can surrender to someone else. Some therapists with little or no sex therapy training believe kink is a result of childhood or abuse or trauma, however, research shows no connections between kink and childhood experiences. This is a common myth with no supportive evidence. In fact, he has found “vanilla” sex and kinky sex have a lot of similarities because the people involved want the same experience – arousal and pleasure. Kink and fetish can be a way to explore our gender expression, our gender identity.