People often talk about what’s in their risk profile and this is something that many people, especially those of us that have been around a little bit, assume everyone already has. One issue is that it’s never defined as to what a risk profile is, how to make one, or why it’s necessarily important to have one.

Let’s start by what is a risk profile?

What is a risk profile?

A risk profile is essentially a summary of your comfort levels and boundaries when it comes to risk. It’s a way of understanding and articulating:

• What kind of risks you’re willing to take: This could include physical, emotional, social, or even financial risks.
• Your limits and boundaries: What activities or situations are completely off-limits for you, and what are you open to exploring under the right conditions?
• Your risk tolerance: How much risk are you comfortable with in different areas of your life?

Risk profiles are often seen in various areas such as:

• Financial investments: Assessing your risk tolerance to determine how much risk you’re willing to take with your investments.
• Health and safety: Identifying potential health risks and taking steps to mitigate them.
• Cybersecurity: Analyzing potential threats and vulnerabilities to your personal or organizational data.

However it’s important to also have one within BDSM. In the context of BDSM, a risk profile is a tool for safely practicing BDSM. It helps you:

• Understand your own boundaries and limits.
• Communicate effectively with partners.
• Negotiate consent for different activities.
• Reduce the likelihood of harm or discomfort.

By creating a risk profile, you’re taking a proactive approach to your safety and well-being, and ensuring that your kinky experiences are enjoyable and fulfilling.

Where can I find a template?

Most of the time when people talk about risk profile it almost sounds as if it’s the formal document that’s kept in a safe somewhere. However, for most people (myself included) a risk profile lives strictly in our heads.

The media in which a profile takes isn’t as important as whether one exists or not. If you prefer to have one written down and fancily formatted then do it! If you prefer to just have it in your head then that’s fine too! We will however go through the steps of writing one out later for those that want that little help.

How do I build a risk profile?

Building a risk profile is a key part of having safe kinky fun. It’s about understanding your own boundaries and comfort levels with different types of activities, as well as the possible risks involved.

1. Identify Your Interests

• List out the activities that interest you. This could include anything from bondage and impact play to role-playing and sensory deprivation. Be as specific as possible.
• Research each activity thoroughly. Learn about the risks, equipment needed, and common safety protocols.
• Ask questions. Don’t be scared to ask questions. When you’re in a dungeon, or at an event feel free to ask people what specific risks they take into account when performing a certain type of play.

2. Assess the Risks

• Consider different types of risk:
  • Physical: Potential for pain, injury, or health complications.
  • Emotional: Potential for triggering trauma, experiencing strong emotions, or feeling overwhelmed.
  • Social: Potential impact on relationships, reputation, or employment.
  • Legal: Potential for breaking laws or facing legal consequences.
• Evaluate the likelihood and impact of each risk. Some risks are more likely to occur than others, and some have more severe consequences.
• Consider your own physical and mental health. Certain pre-existing conditions or sensitivities might make some activities riskier for you.

3. Determine Your Boundaries

• Identify your hard limits. These are activities you absolutely do not want to participate in, under any circumstances, with anyone.
• Identify your soft limits. These are activities you might be open to under certain conditions, with specific safety measures in place, or with trusted partners.
• Consider your risk tolerance. How much risk are you comfortable with in different areas (physical, emotional, etc.)?
• Be honest with yourself. Don’t feel pressured to try anything you’re not truly comfortable with.

4. Create Your Profile

• Document your interests, boundaries, and risk tolerance. You can use a written document, a spreadsheet, or even a mind map.
• Be specific and detailed. Include information about specific activities, equipment, scenarios, and partners.
• Keep your profile updated. Your interests and boundaries may change over time, so revisit your profile regularly.

5. Communicate with Partners

• Share your risk profile with partners. This allows for open and honest communication about expectations and boundaries. If you don’t want to share an actual document use it as a tool when negotiating various activities.
• Discuss risk mitigation strategies. How will you ensure everyone’s safety and comfort during a scene? Perhaps there are certain risks you’re willing to take on as long as specific safety measures are in place first. What are they?
• Negotiate consent for each activity. Don’t assume that just because something is on your profile, it’s automatically okay. Remember that everyone has a different profile and feels differently about things.

Additional Tips

• Start small and gradually explore your boundaries. Don’t feel pressured to jump into the deep end right away.
• Find a mentor or experienced person to talk to. They can offer guidance and support as you explore your interests.
• Take workshops or classes. This can help you learn about best practices and risk mitigation strategies.
• Remember that your risk profile is a living document. It’s okay to change your mind or adjust your boundaries at any time.

Risk Profile Template

If it’s useful to you feel free to use the following as a template of sorts to help you start figuring out your risk profile.

Risk Profile Template

I. Personal Information:

• Name/Nickname:
• Date: (Remember to update this periodically!)

II. Interests & Activities:

• List of Interests: Be specific! (e.g., rope bondage, impact play with floggers, CNC, sensory deprivation, humiliation play, etc.)
  • For each interest, briefly describe:
    • Experience Level: (None, Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced)
    • Desired Level of Intensity: (Low, Medium, High)
    • Specific preferences within the activity: (e.g., types of restraints, preferred impact locations, specific scenarios, etc.)

III. Risk Assessment:

For each interest listed above, consider the following types of risk:

• Physical Risk:
  • Specific Risks: (e.g., bruising, rope burn, choking, etc.)
  • Likelihood: (Low, Medium, High)
  • Severity: (Minor, Moderate, Severe)
  • Mitigation Strategies: (e.g., safe words, medical knowledge, specific equipment, aftercare practices)
• Emotional Risk:
  • Specific Risks: (e.g., triggering past trauma, emotional overwhelm, feeling unsafe)
  • Likelihood: (Low, Medium, High)
  • Severity: (Minor, Moderate, Severe)
  • Mitigation Strategies: (e.g., clear communication, establishing boundaries, aftercare, support systems)
• Social/Relationship Risk:
  • Specific Risks: (e.g., impact on existing relationships, social stigma, possibility of misunderstanding)
  • Likelihood: (Low, Medium, High)
  • Severity: (Minor, Moderate, Severe)
  • Mitigation Strategies: (e.g., discretion, open communication with partners, choosing partners carefully)
• Legal Risk:
  • Specific Risks: (e.g., activities that could be considered illegal)
  • Likelihood: (Low, Medium, High)
  • Severity: (Minor, Moderate, Severe)
  • Mitigation Strategies: (e.g., thorough research of local laws, informed consent, avoiding illegal activities)

IV. Boundaries & Limits:

• Hard Limits: Activities that are absolutely unacceptable under any circumstances. Be explicit!
• Soft Limits: Activities that you might be open to exploring with negotiation, specific conditions, or trusted partners. Explain the conditions required.
• Negotiables: Aspects of play that you’re flexible about and open to discussing with partners.

V. Risk Tolerance:

• Overall Risk Tolerance: (Low, Medium, High)
• Specific Risk Tolerance: (e.g., high tolerance for physical risk but low tolerance for emotional risk)

VI. Aftercare Preferences:

• Physical Aftercare: (e.g., medical care, rest, specific types of touch)
• Emotional Aftercare: (e.g., cuddling, conversation, alone time)

VII. Communication & Consent:

• Preferred Communication Styles: (e.g., direct, verbal, non-verbal cues)
• Consent Practices: (e.g., use of safe words, ongoing check-ins, clear negotiation)

VIII. Additional Notes:

• Anything else relevant to your risk profile, such as:
  • Medical conditions or allergies
  • Past experiences (positive or negative)
  • Specific triggers or sensitivities
  • Preferred scene dynamics (e.g., top/bottom/switch)

Final Thoughts

As with all of my instructional writings, I don’t claim to be an expert at everything…or anything! If you believe some part of this is incorrect, or needs to be adjusted, or something just needs to be added to it. Then comment it below, or send me a message and I’ll be glad to make any necessary corrections.