Catharsis in Humiliation?

I have been researching the produced screenplays written by Erin Cressida Wilson because she is supposed to have had a hand in the screenplay of "Stoker" according to the NY Times. Wilson's movies all have similar themes, exploring the fringes of human sexuality - I was not wholly unfamiliar with her work, having seen "Fur: an Imaginary Portrait of Diane Arbus." and I think being the only one that liked it. However, her first movie, "Secretary" was supposed to have been a big hit in the indie world - and apparently I missed it when it debuted in 2002. All that being said, I watched it today and DO NOT get it.
       Here's what I don't get... the reveling in humiliation. Not wholly unfamiliar with the BDSM lifestyle although I don't really subscribe to it myself, I understand the psychology of relinquishing control and the need to be in control and the currency of trust in a loving relationship and to a degree I understand, though do no prefer, the concept of stretching the bodies limits and boundaries of pain and pleasure. However, I do NOT understand what catharsis a stable, emotionally healthy individual would get from real humiliation, either giving or receiving. As a matter of fact, I don't see what catharsis is achieved for an unhealthy individual.

Trust? um... where and why? And Trust is supposed to be the point of BDSM relationships... so again, WHAT? As a dominate person in such a relationship, if your job is to see to the welfare of the submissive, I am going to assume that means their mental and emotional well being as well - Where does humiliation play a part? What is achieved or gained? I wish someone would explain this to me.

Book Review - Naamah's Curse

Naamah's Curse by Jacqueline Carey

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Of all of the books in this series - This is the one I liked least.
Still well written, but a bit more predictable than all the others. Also, this one seemed to get a bit "preachy". I've always enjoyed Carey's incorporation of Elua's pantheon with the others, but this one was just too much.

The problem is that Moirin is not as interesting a character as Phedre. She seems a bit shallow and the idea of her "falling in love" with everyone she comes in contact, while a nice idea makes for less conflict - the heart of the first few books of the series. Its still a good read - but I am hoping that if we continue to hear about Moirin, as it looks like we may, that her character deepens or at least the conflict she is facing seems dire enough that I too struggle to find the answer with her.


SPOILER!!
With the discovery of the black diamond there was a hint that it was possible for Moirin to explore the darker side of desire. I would like to see more of that in the next book. Carey has a way of making things that I myself had not ever though appealing a bit more so and making me curious. When a book makes you think - that is when it is a worthy read.