Alex, a writer, woodworker, and licensed therapist with over a decade in the BDSM community, pulls back the curtain on the world of dominance and submission. He shares his unexpected journey from a “vanilla” life to building his own home dungeon, revealing how his professional background as a therapist fundamentally shaped his approach to kink.

He delves into the intricate ethics of power exchange, explaining the detailed psychological and physical assessments he conducts with new partners to build trust and establish boundaries before any play begins. He discusses the nuanced differences between humiliation and degradation, the distinction between a Dominant/submissive and a Master/slave dynamic, and the profound responsibility that comes with wielding power over another person.

With candour and insight, Alex reflects on the importance of vulnerability for a Dominant, the dangers of narcissism in the scene, and offers crucial advice for both newcomers and seasoned practitioners on how to navigate BDSM with safety, respect, and authenticity.