Molly's BDSM Tips | What is Sensual Domination? 

Within the kink community, the concept of Dom/me and sub are well understood, but there's also a vast diversity of what those words mean to us. This week, our resident advice columnist explains sensual Domination to one FET member who's curious about what it all means. 
 

Dear Molly, 
I've heard the term sensual Domination and tried to find out more about it, but I'm struggling to understand what it actually means and how it differs from other forms of Domination. Does it mean no impact play at all, and if so, what type of kink play does it generally involve? I'm curious to learn more about sensual Domination as a whole. Thanks!
S. sub
 

Dear S. Sub,
You probably know that everyone who practices BDSM understands the term differently. There are so many kinks and fetishes that there are individuals who want to differentiate themselves from the general term and choose a new label, even if they continue to practice D/s. Sensual Domination is another term that is open to some degree of personal interpretation, so let's explore that more. 
 

What is sensual Domination?

Sensual Domination can be loosely defined as a type of Domination that focuses on pleasure and rewards as opposed to pain or punishment. A sensual Dominant and likewise a sensual submissive, tend to be into the power exchange and control aspect of a D/s relationship and less into pain play type of activities. 
 

What type of kink play does sensual Domination involve?

Like with so many things related to kink relationships, the answer to this can vary widely from person to person, but as a general rule sensual D/s tends to involve less impact play or pain play as previously mentioned, though, that's not a hard and fast rule.
 

Indeed, spanking and other impact play can still be a part of sensual Domination. Yet, they would usually be explored less intensely but more as an intimate bonding experience and exploration of sensations.

“Sensual Domination can be loosely defined as a type of Domination that focuses on pleasure and rewards as opposed to pain or punishment.”

Popular types of sensual Domination play within D/s relationships/scenarios include things like bondage and restraints, rope play and rope suspension, wax play and ice play, orgasm control, blindfolds and sensory deprivation, to name just a few. As you can see, the connection between all these kinks is that they tend to be more focused on the sensual side of kink play, hence, sensual Domination. 

MORE LIKE THIS:

• Sensation Play: 6 Non-Toy Ideas to Try
• New to Kink? Discover the Soft Side With Light BDSM
• Why a BDSM Mindfuck is the Perfect Gift

Sensual femdoms will often include high-protocol type arrangements such as kneeling, following rules and rituals, using titles, wearing collars and cuffs, clothed Dom/naked sub, and often elements of service, such as cooking and cleaning. However, it's essential to remember that all these elements can be part of any style or type of D/s relationship and are not exclusive to sensual D/s. 

Sensual Domination: define what it means for you

The key to sensual Dominance (as with all types of kink and fetish) is to define what a term or label means for you and your partner/s, and to find partners for whom your respective desires align. There's no right or wrong way to do sensual domination, apart from what works for you. 
 

“Sensual femdoms will often include high-protocol type arrangements such as kneeling, following rules and rituals, using titles, wearing collars and cuffs, clothed Dom/naked sub, and often elements of service.”

Calling yourself a sensual submissive or a sensual femdom gives people an idea of what you might be into. Still, it should always be the beginning of a conversation with someone, because everyone's style or brand of any kink or fetish will be different.

Sensual Dominance: explore your own definitions

Anyone who tells you that a sensual Dominant does not like spanking or a sensual submissive only wants bondage play is missing the chance to explore all the possible nuances of what those words might mean to any given individual.
 

The final FET: It's not all or nothing

You can be a sensual Dominant and sometimes like to spank or flog someone. Just as you can be a sadist Dominant and still enjoy bathing your sub or giving them a massage. We're all not one thing and what we desire and need can change depending on our mood, partner, timings etc. When it comes to sensual domination (and kink play in general), what's important is that we have those conversations with our partner/s so we can explore together in a way that's fun and healthy. 

Good luck!
Molly x

Want Molly to help you out with a kink-related issue? Contact Molly via her Fetish profile. Are you into sensual Domination and have some tips to share? Join our forum!

 
Image: shutterstock/dubasyk