Yep yep. (Though in Anita's case, brain damage would probably be an improvement.)

Even in scenes that are completely psychological, not having a safeword (and/or signal) is a very bad idea. I've had to use one before in that situation -- doms cannot read minds. And it turned out to be one of my best memories. Safewords are glorious things and I am very much not okay with romanticizing leaving them out. Not only is it dangerous, both physically and emotionally, but people are cheating themselves of something wonderful when they dismiss them.