Introduction
There's a difference between getting a spanking for the sake of having fun and getting a spanking that makes us connect to inner, real feelings. These kind of spankings make us feel accountable and aware. Discipline is acknowledging that something in your life is not going right and you need correction.

Many spankos report a feeling of real relief when they ask for and get a spanking that pushes their limits and they feel. They go into a deeper place and experience a cathartic release. Tensions lift and they feel like they've worked through something that's been bothering them for years.

Spanking is not necessarily about receiving pain for the sake of pain. There's actual relief when a spanking is given for the purposes of resolving inner conflict or turmoil. We are in pain when we feel, depressed trapped and hopeless. We can talk about it but we don't really experience the deep emotional feelings that lay buried within. The pain is pervasive and festers. Sometimes we don't notice it. Other times, it stops us from functioning like being stuck in a derailed train with doors that won't open.

So how is it that a spanking can have the power to heal? Does one pain negate the other pain? Is it the physical pain that can creates a path to the emotional pain? the answers is as complex as each individual. What is true is that for some, spanking really does provide a powerful emotional release. Spankings sometimes have the ability to quickly get us to a place of true emotional awareness. Spankings give us permission to finally experience and let go of long forgotten hurts.

Many of us were taught to keep our feelings to ourselves. We might have had parents who told us to be quiet or "they'd give us something to cry about". Anger and pain were considered unacceptable. None of us were told to go to our room when we felt happy. Yet we were told to leave when we were feeling out of sorts. There was nobody present to acknowledge and accept our real state of mind. Thus, we learned to suppress and ignore our real emotions.

Sometimes a long, lengthy spanking can help us get to a place where we finally feel like we can release deeply held pent up emotions. Consider this from someone who recently had a spanking catharsis:

"I have felt badly about some of my decisions and the way I have been living my life. I have not been living up to my potential and I've been feeling badly about myself in general. I am a spanking fetishist and though I mostly enjoy spanking as a sexual release I decided to see a professional disciplinarian to help set me straight. When we met, she simply asked me about my issues and we discussed the conflicts I was experiencing. She then matter of factly informed me that a spanking was in order to help straighten me out and set me on the correct path. I was instructed to lay over her lap and was told that the spanking would not stop until I (not you) feel confident that we've reached our goals.

The spanking was swift and fast. No warm up. No implements except for a short but intense volley with a small wooden hairbrush at the end. The spanking stung but it wasn't intolerable. What I really remember is that the spanking went on and on. Every time I thought it reached its crescendo and would be over, it began again. This went on several times. I kept thinking it was over but it kept going on.

I vividly recall the moment when my spanking catharsis occurred. I felt I could take no more but I was held firmly in place. I squirmed a lot and even tried to 'swim' off her knee. Nothing changed so I had to really sink down and realize that this was out of my control. I was in the hands of someone bigger and stronger than me. That feeling translated into power. Her words then finally had true impact on me. I knew what she was saying was right. I knew that I had been procrastinating and I really had to make a change.

I finally 'got it' and then I connected to some of the past pains of my life. At that moment I broke down and sobbed real tears. They didn't last long but the experience is powerful and something that I'll never forget. I'm not sure I want to have this experience again but at the time it was incredibly helpful and ground breaking. I believe that this kind of spanking is difficult to achieve. I was feeling incredibly needy at the time and I luckily was spanked by someone who could tune in to my feelings."

How Does Physical Pain Relieve Mental Anguish?
Spankings help to focus. It drives us away from persistent emotional nagging and gets us into the here and now. When we are in a great deal of emotional stress it's difficult to hear words. Spankings get our attention and drive us intot he present moment.

Subconscious Mind
Cathartic spankings connects us to the part of our brains which store our sense memories. It's very much the same as putting someone into a state of trance. The person experiencing this intense spanking goes into a trance like state and is able to draw out buried memories. These long suppressed experiences come to the forefront and can now be dealt with in the moment. The subconscious mind is receptive to suggestions. It is in this place where we can re-work and rethink some of our existing ideas and make positive change in our lives.

Is Spanking The New Therapy?
While a spanking is in no way a substitute to actual real therapy with a licensed therapist, cathartic spankings can be empowering and offer a much needed release. When it happens, it's very cleansing and creates a powerful bond between spanker and spankee. Past feelings of guilt come to the forefront. Feelings of depression are lifted. Some people report a sense of eurphoria or even epiphany. They really feel like they received a jump-start in making change or resolving a pain of the past.

The spanking is a way to bring things into present moment so that they can be dealt with in the here and now. The release offers momentary relief but ongoing work is necessary to really make the process long lasting. There are no 'quick fixes' to undo a lifetime of past hurt and pain. The spanking catharsis offers a short cut to the buried feeling. Now that the emotion is identified real therapeutic work can begin. Deep wounds need to be cleaned out before scar tissue forms. This is not a substitute for the long-term benefits of traditional psychotherapy. Instead, spanking can offer an arena for getting in touch with suppressed emotions.

A Word of Caution
Having a spanking catharsis is something that happens spontaneously. It can't be relied upon. All the pieces need to be in place and you have to really be in the exact state of mind in order to let go. Also, you must definitely be with someone who psychologically has the ability to get you there as well as the capability of taking you out. Do not attempt this with someone you don't know well. Powerful experiences can also be powerfully dangerous. Attempt this only with a person whom you are intimate with or intimately trust. Look for a person who is empathetic and compassionate. A person may be a good spanking player but not possess the psychological make up necessary to take you on this kind of journey. Choose your spanking partners wisely and even more wisely if you want to try and have this cathartic experience.

Is This Kind of Spanking Catharis Really A Goal?
I think this kind of deep spanking experience works for some but should not necessarily be the goal. It's not the be-all and end-all of adult spanking. It's merely one facet of the adult spanking experience.

Many of us prefer spanking to be a more sensual experience. It's our sexuality and our turn on. We prefer to have our deep emotional experiences at other times and in other places. We prefer not to mix spanking with deeper emotions. Spanking is something we enjoy. It's fun, recreational and definitely hot. We like the sensations and we like the fantasy aspect. Whatever you like, is OK. There are no rules or regulations. Spanking is something expansive. It works and can be enjoyed on many levels.

Playful, intense, sexy spankings. Whatever you enjoy is what's good for you. Mood dictates the kind of spanking experience we want. Moods can't be predicted. That's why flexibility is important. Sometimes the most well planned sessions turn out to be something else if a person arrives in a different mindset. Always check out present mood and be cognizant of your spanking partner. It goes without saying that spanking is a two-person interaction. Both people's moods, goals and expectations must be explored extensively before any spanking scene takes place.

Spanking is a complex interaction. We are lucky to be involved in something that offers us so much pleasure, interaction and enlightenment.

For more information, comments, feedback or questions, please email me.
Jacqueline
MISJACQ@aol.com

Jacqueline Omerta is a professional counselor with an expertise in sexuality and fetish behavior. She has a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology and over 20 years experience with sexual fantasy and fetish. She is the president and co-founding member of Pacific Force, Inc. She writes and directs all scenarios and story lines for Pacific Force movies. She oversees the production of all movies in order to insure authenticity and accurate portrayal of the spanking fetish and lifestyle. She is available for consultation through the contact information below.