Punishment is not defined as the tool used for punishment; rather, it is the intent of the tool that defines it.

The exact same act could be administered and could achieve the reward status or the punishment status. If the sub knows the act is meant as a reward, he or she should enjoy it. If the sub knows this is a result of bad judgement, misbehaviour or a mistake and the intent is to punish, it will not be enjoyable.

The worst punishment this one ever went through, did not include things this one doesn't enjoy - rather, it was far more punishing for one's Master to take something she usually loves, and form a punishment with it. It was as if he was removing that pleasure completely and making it a painful experience.

Other times, He would simply ignore this one, which hurt far more. Other times still, this one was made to stand facing a corner and not move or speak for an hour. For this one, it was practically torture.

For the Dom/mes - never underestimate the self-punishment a slave goes through when they know they have wronged You. Chances are, their self-punishment and guilt will be far more painful than any punishment You can administer.

The important thing to remember is to shape the punishment in such a way that the pain and tears are left behind and only the lesson and desire to learn from the mistake is carried forward. This important point is followed by the deal-and-move method. Deal with the error, then move on. Too often, relationships (whether D/s or not) are broken when the same errors are brought up - a constant punishment for both parties involved. Deal with it, then move on and express Y/your care and concern for the O/other.