October 14, 2026
Kink
Sydney-based Somatic Sexologist and Sex & Intimacy Counsellor Alice Child gives her ultimate guide to sexual role play.
Intimacy is the adults playground.
This guide contains general advice only. If you need more tailored support, please book in a session.

Intimacy is the adults playground.

‍

Erotic exploration (including roleplay) allows us to tap into many different parts of our personality, and express ourselves in ways that we might never otherwise be able to in day to day life.

‍

It can be incredibly empowering, connective, hot, fun, and even healing.

‍

Roleplaying is also a really fun way to delve into your imagination, try new things, get creative, and act out your deepest fantasies.

‍

It also allows us to happily and consensually explore kinks, power dynamics, and taboos with safety & trust.

Tip 1: Chat about it

It’s nearly always a good idea to get on the same page and get consent before springing a new roleplay scenario or character on your partner! (Unless they have explicitly consented to being surprised beforehand and it’s something they’re into!)

‍

Some ideas for how to bring it up:

  • Send them this post with your thoughts/ideas
  • Share a fantasy each and why it’s hot for you
  • Watch a hot scene in a movie/porn scene and talk about what it would be like to act out afterwards
  • Texting/writing down a fantasy & sending it to your partner
  • Reading a spicy story/smut together

Tip 2: Lean into your authentic energy

If this is your first time playing with roleplay, lean into something that already feels authentic to you and how you like to express yourself sexually.

‍

For example:

  • If you love giving massages - pretend you’re a massage therapist giving an erotic massage
  • If you love taking the lead - try a power play dynamic (E.g. you’re a doctor, they’re the patient)
  • If you love surrendering control - let them take the lead (E.g. pretend its your first time having sex & they are showing you what to do)
  • If you love being playful - try a role where you can laugh/be silly (E.g. naughty schoolgirl/boy)

Tip 3: Get inspired

Unleash your imagination, get inspired and let your creative juices flow!

‍

Watch porn, erotic films, sexy TV shows.

‍

Read smut, erotic fiction, fan fiction and non-fiction sex education guides.

‍

Listen to podcasts, audio erotica, audio porn, etc.

‍

Write down your fantasies, erotic stories, and desires. Be as detailed as you can. What’s hot for you? Why?!

‍

Talk about all the above! Get curious about what’s hot for each of you and what ‘roles’ you’d each enjoy.

‍

This will give you an idea of what sort of things turn you on and provide great inspiration for the moment.

Tip 4: Keep it simple

Yes sometimes roleplay can be elaborate – with characters, names, outfits and even scripts. And sometimes planning the scene is a huge part

of the fun!

‍

But it doesn’t need to be!

‍

If this is new to you, start really simple. And remember:

  • Silence is ok! - It can build anticipation & tension (you don’t need to fill every gap with dialogue!)
  • You don’t need words - Lean into a roleplay where being quiet or not speaking is PART of the fun (E.g. ‘we have to be quiet or somebody will hear us’ or leaning into your more primal/animalistic side)
  • Blindfolds can reduce awkwardness - if you’re trying to step into a Dom/sub dynamic, perhaps try a blindfold! It might help you both relax and lean into it.

Tip 5: Have a Safe word

As always when trying something new, it’s a great idea to have a pre-agreed safe word so you can keep checking in with each other and ensure you are both having a great time.

‍

This is particularly important for any rpleplay where you are playing with power.

‍

I always like the traffic light system:

Green - This is fun/hot – keep going!

Orange - I’m getting to the edge of my comfort zone (consider having a chat about what you’re both needing to ‘feel more green’ about)

Red - Stop

Tip 6: Get in the zone

Once you’ve got an idea you’re both really excited by, here are some ideas to help you get into (and stay in!) the right frame of mind:

  • Rituals - think about the person/character/scene you are about to embody. What would help you get into that headspace? It might be things like power to feel more confident, a shower to help wash away the stress of the day, etc.
  • Clothes - Is there an outfit, lingerie, or scent that will help you stay in role and feel amazing?
  • Names - Could you give yourselves names to help you stay in character? A well placed ‘Sir’ can go a very long way to keep you both in the moment!
  • Set the scene - Make the environment as pleasurable as possible and in line with the energy you want – think music, candles, sex toys, etc., and make sure condoms and lube are easy to reach!

Tip 7: Accept the clunky

People who are embarrassed by the idea of roleplay are usually worried about saying/doing the wrong thing, getting self conscious, or doing something that their partner doesn’t find hot.

‍

And look, we can’t get it right every time! You’re trying a new thing (which always feels scary!) and what turns them on will sometimes be different to what you think!

‍

Learn to laugh in these moments – we are all learning right?! And you never know – they might actually love it! We don't know until we try.

‍

It's also why it's important to chat after sex, and let your partner know if they said anything that you didn't like or that was a turn off for you.

Fun things to try

First time - Imagine it’s the first time you are having sex or on your first date again. Feel that excited, nervous energy and explore & discover your erotic bodies with fresh eyes.

Predator/Prey - tap into your primal, animalistic sides and enjoy the thrill of the chase in a game of predator/prey. Chase, play fight, growl, bite, and enjoy getting wild.

Massage therapist - Imagine you are getting a delicious professional massage that gets more and more erotic. Enjoy the naughtiness, taboo and slow build of arousal.

Power Dynamic - If you’re turned on by power dynamics, try role-playing different authority and subordinate relationships (E.g. doctor and patient).

Our practitioners at Bedrock are committed to helping couples and individuals have more joyful, confident, and connected lives. Book in a session today to start your journey.

RELATED BLOGS