Who am I?
Master Riven (he/him/Sir/Professor)
Meet Matthew Riven, a seasoned practitioner with a diverse skill set and a passion for guiding individuals toward personal growth and transformation. With over fifteen years of experience in Transactional Analysis and somatic therapies, Matthew brings a unique perspective to his work. He’s trained at the SouthEast Institute in Cary, NC, and the SagePoint Institute in Ann Arbor, MI. He’s received a Dom(me) Mastery Certification in Conscious K!nk & Domination Techniques from &More in Austin, TX—yes, it's a real thing! He is currently a teaching assistant in this year’s Dom(me) Mastery Training certification course. As a professionally-trained Dom, Matthew specializes in using k!nk within a somatic framework, helping clients explore their desires and boundaries in a safe and consensual manner.But don't let the k!nk aspect overshadow the breadth of Matthew's expertise. With an MBA and an MS in public health, Matthew offers a holistic approach to personal development, drawing from his educational background, extensive training, and real-life experiences. Whether you prefer to call him a Personal Growth Advisor, Transformational Partner, Mindset Mentor, or Healing Dom, Matthew's mission remains the same–to help you overcome obstacles, validate your desires, and fulfill your goals–to allow you to achieve the life you desire.Why isn't Matthew licensed? Simply put, he believes that growth knows no boundaries. Unlike licensed therapists who are restricted to working within a specific state or province, Matthew chooses to work with clients regardless of their geographical location. He refuses to let geography dictate who he can help and is committed to supporting clients wherever they may be on their journey toward personal fulfillment.
The STIR Institute
The STIR Institute is the creation of Matthew Riven. It is a center built upon the culmination of a number of routes of study. STIR is a mix of psychology, s_ex, desire, business, public health, and Conscious K!nk, and how bringing all this together can create such healing. The acronym “STIR” reflects all of this.
S- S_x
For our desires. Our pursuit of pleasure is the underlying force propelling much of human behavior, influencing our decisions, actions, and interactions with the world around us. Whether seeking physical sensation, emotional fulfillment, or intellectual stimulation, the desire for pleasure motivates us to explore, create, and connect in ways that enrich our lives and define our experiences. Let’s make life more pleasurable!
T- Trauma
Everyone has trauma. No one gets out of childhood unscathed, and as adults there are infinitely more ways for trauma to find us. Whether it’s big-T trauma or little-T trauma, every traumatic experience impacts us and how we work through life. Helping people heal their traumas to get to peace and understanding is our goal.
I- Intimacy
We crave intimacy and yet fear it deeply. We are scared of being vulnerable and don’t trust others to see us and hear us for who we are. Yet we all need intimacy- emotional, physical, and intellectual intimacy…with others and with ourselves! We work with you to build a deeper, more powerful intimacy for yourself and for others.
R- Relationships
Whether with ourselves or others, humans are an innately connected species. We are born requiring the assistance of others to stay alive. From this moment forward, relationships are key to our survival and our health. There is an epidemic of loneliness in the world, and we are here to help you create the relationships you crave in your world.
STEP INTO TRUE POWER AND BUILD THE LIFE YOU DESIRE
Welcome to STIR: Your Journey to Connection, Confidence, and Authentic Power
You’re here because you’re feeling that pull—the sense that something in your life isn’t quite working, that you’re stuck in patterns that keep looping back to the same spot.
Maybe you’re a high achiever who feels invisible behind all that success, a couple who wants more than just “getting along,” or a leader who can’t quite shake the feeling that something essential is missing from your work and life.
If you’re here, ready to explore why the same frustrations, arguments, or struggles keep showing up, then welcome—you’re in the right place.
What do you want to change about yourself?
BUILD THE LIFE YOU DESIRE
Claim Your Power In Both
Leadership And Followership
Welcome to the STIR Institute, where we invite you to a journey of self-discovery and transformation. Are you ready to delve deep into the core of your being and uncover what truly stirs within you?
Led by Master Riven, the STIR Institute provides a supportive and nurturing environment where you will unlock the depths of your desires and harness them to create the life of your wildest dreams.
If you're ready to embrace authenticity, empowerment, and growth–you've come to the right place!
Unlocking Change Through Deeper Awareness and Honest Desire
At STIR, we don’t just address the surface issues; we’re here to get to the root. Through Transactional Analysis, Re-decision Work, and Somatic Practices, we dive deep into the underlying patterns that drive your choices, relationships, and self-perception. Here, we focus on understanding why these cycles repeat, so you can finally break them and create something more aligned with who you really are. This work is about unearthing and redefining what truly drives you—your desires, your values, your sense of self.
Imagine being able to align your choices with what you actually want, communicate without holding back, and bring that clarity and confidence into every part of your life. With this foundation, you’ll not only develop better ways of relating to others but gain a clearer sense of your own needs and strengths. Together, we’ll work toward creating a life that honors your truest self and reflects your deepest values.
Why STIR?
STIR is about you—your unique story, challenges, history, and desires. Our goal isn’t just to “fix” what’s not working; it’s to empower you to recognize and break the repetitive cycles that have kept you stuck for too long. Through our work, you’ll gain the insights and skills to make new, life-changing choices, stepping confidently into the life you want, rather than the life you’ve been repeating.
Our founder, Matthew Riven, brings a unique blend of Transactional Analysis, re-decisional techniques, and a deep, specialized, understanding of power dynamics to make transformation practical and sustainable. Through personalized coaching, you’ll uncover what’s been holding you back and learn to relate to others—and to yourself—with clarity and purpose. The result? Real breakthroughs in confidence, connection, and fulfillment.
Who We Work With
Individuals Seeking Growth
Connect to Your Authentic Self with Confidence and Clarity
If you feel stuck in cycles of frustration, self-doubt, or second-guessing yourself, I’ll help you uncover and shift the patterns that are keeping you stuck. Together, we’ll tap into your true desires, release unspoken anger or hurt, and develop the clarity to act in alignment with your genuine self.
Couples Looking to Reconnect
Build Deeper Connection and Open Communication
For couples, real communication is the heart of lasting connection. I guide partners to express their needs openly, break free from old, painful dynamics, and create a relationship rooted in mutual respect, honesty, and understanding.
Leaders Seeking Career Fulfillment
Lead with Confidence and Emotional Intelligence
Authentic leadership is a balance of strength and sensitivity. I help leaders cultivate emotional awareness to navigate complex professional relationships, communicate with purpose, and achieve true influence—without compromising their personal values.
STIR's Unique Approach
This isn’t about control; it’s about creating balance.
Through a transformative blend of Transactional Analysis, re-decisional techniques, and insights from power dynamics, I guide clients toward clarity, confidence, and authentic connection. The core of this work is understanding your emotional and behavioral patterns, so you can make empowered choices that truly reflect who you are.
With somatic techniques, we’ll explore how emotions show up in the body, developing a physical awareness that builds resilience and emotional intelligence. Whether in relationships or leadership roles, our work together will help you balance authority with vulnerability, breaking old cycles and creating a foundation of strength that empowers every area of your life.
STIR is for those who are ready to peel back the layers of conditioning, shed the weight of expectations, and step into the fullness of who they are meant to be.
How Matthew Helped Me
Yvonne H. (Used With Permission)
“Before meeting Matthew, I was living in the shadows of my doubt and perceived limitations - a shadow cast not by my own making but by the beliefs instilled in me since childhood. I was taught to be seen and not heard, to place others' needs before my own, and to silence my desires.
I was just existing, my true potential just a whisper in the background.
But everything changed when I started working with Matthew. Calling Matthew a master of empowerment would be an understatement. He didn't just guide me; he ignited a transformation within me that I didn't think was possible.
Matthew's unique approach to the art of pacing and leading, through the use of leadership/followership energies, has helped break down the walls I unconsciously built around myself. Working with Matthew, I learned that my voice is not just meant to be heard but to be listened to.
I discovered that asking for what I want is not just permissible; it's essential for my growth and happiness. Transforming these lessons into action, I've seen remarkable growth in both my personal and business life.
My business is not only growing; it's thriving with clarity and purpose. My communication with my team has evolved to a level I never thought possible. We're not just working together; we're growing together, thanks to the tools and strategies Matthew has equipped me with.
Matthew has taught me that true power comes from within, and with his guidance, I've been able to fully step into my power.
Today, I show up unapologetically in every aspect of my life. I am a testament to the transformative journey Matthew facilitates.
For anyone who feels stuck, silenced, or unseen, working with Matthew is not just a step towards change; it's a leap into a life you deserve—a life where you are empowered, heard, and profoundly seen. Let Matthew be the catalyst for your transformation. Trust me, it's a decision you'll thank yourself for, over and over again.”
Our Journey Together
Real change doesn’t happen overnight, but here’s how it will look:
1. Identify & Break Patterns
We’ll examine the beliefs and behaviors that keep you stuck and start exploring healthier, more empowering ways forward.
2. Explore Power Dynamics
You’ll gain insight into when to lead and when to allow yourself to be receptive, bringing a healthier balance to relationships, work, and your inner self.
3. Develop Emotional Mastery
Using somatic tools and emotional intelligence practices, we’ll work on processing and expressing your emotions authentically so they’re a source of strength, not stress.
4. Strengthen Communication
Build clarity and confidence in your interactions, setting the stage for honest, impactful expression in every part of your life.
What You Can Expect
Whether you’re here to break free from patterns, build deeper connections, or step confidently into your leadership, STIR offers a safe space for exploration and transformation. You’ll gain practical tools and insights to help you honor your boundaries, communicate with clarity, and embrace your unique potential.
At STIR, I’ll teach you to understand yourself more fully, to communicate with conviction, and to embody the balance of strength and vulnerability. My clients often say they leave feeling empowered, understood, and ready to lead themselves and others from a place of authenticity.
Let’s Start the Journey Together
Together, we’ll unlock clarity, confidence, and connection so you can build a life and relationships that truly align with who you are.
Whether you’re looking to improve your relationships, transform your career, or reconnect with yourself, the STIR approach will guide you to explore your desires and make empowered choices. This is your invitation to step into a life of authenticity, resilience, and purpose.
No blogs found
I've seen a therapist. Even a s_x therapist. Why is this different. Psychologist and psychiatrists, great with traumas and family-of-origin work, typically don't get deep into vanilla s_xual issues, let alone non-vanilla. S_x therapists are great with these issues, but may not have deep experience with other issues.
-The Work-
What this looks like
Somatic Release:
Somatic therapy explores the connection between the mind and body, helping individuals process emotions and trauma through bodily sensations and experiences.
Dom Work:
K!nk-enhanced therapy integrates elements of BD$M and k!nk dynamics to explore desires, boundaries, and personal growth within a consensual and empowering framework. This fosters deeper intimacy, communication, and self-discovery.
Relationship Work:
Relationship therapy focuses on improving communication, resolving conflicts, and fostering deeper connection and intimacy between partners.
Trauma Healing:
Healing trauma involves acknowledging past experiences, understanding that old triggers may no longer happen, and learning to navigate life with a renewed sense of safety and empowerment,
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Client success
Boundaries
“The safe space you created and reinforce for me… through fantasy play, you asking what I need, and pushing my comfort zone just enough without causing boundaries allowed me to step into my power and be okay whatever the result of my text to him would be.”
-Client
STIR Services
Personal Sessions
Personal Sessions $250/hour, $450/2 Hours
In our consultations, we’ll build a container of trust. A place where you can feel safe to bring out the parts of yourself that scare you or disappoint you. A safe place to talk about what you feel you are lacking and what you want. A safe place for you to sit with your emotions. Like any therapy session, we’ll set out and discover what you want to change, build a plan, and help you execute on that plan.
We are happy to meet with you in-office or virtually. If you’re more comfortable meeting in a coffee shop, restaurant, or even out for a walk, we can do that.
Initial Chat: We are happy to chat with you on the phone for 15-30 minutes or so to see if we are a good fit for you, at no cost, but all in-office/zoom/local sessions are billed at the full rate.
If we determine that another advisor or therapist is warranted, we have a number of options we can refer you to, seeking the best match for your needs.
Couples Sessions
Couple Sessions $300/hour, $550/2 hours
Couple Sessions follow everything from Personal Sessions, except they include multiple.
The STIR Institute welcomes all sexes, genders, and orientations. We welcome all types of couples (or other non-monogamous arrangements). We are experienced working with monogamous relationships, open relationships, polyamory, and couples working to discover what they want.
Group Sessions
Our group therapy sessions provide a supportive and nurturing environment for individuals and couples (or throples, etc) facing similar challenges and seeking personal growth. Group sessions offer a unique opportunity to connect with others, share experiences, and work towards your goal in a supportive, guided environment.
Participants engage in open discussions, guided activities, and therapeutic exercises tailored to address the various needs of the group members. Our group therapy sessions offer a safe space to explore, learn, and grow alongside others on similar journeys. We’ve often found that treatment happens more quickly in a structured group environment.
Join us and discover the power of community support in your healing and growth process.
Group Sessions are themed and coming soon to the calendar
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Frequently Ask Questions
“I’ve never heard of this before, so I’m curious… what is a Healing Dom?”
Drawing from Transactional Analysis, somatic therapies, and professional domination techniques, Matthew Riven offers a distinctive approach to supporting individuals in their journey of self-discovery, growth, and healing from past traumas. Leveraging Transactional Analysis theory, he delves into clients' thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, while incorporating somatic techniques to connect mind and body.
With his expertise as a professional Dom, Matthew provides a safe and supportive environment for exploring power dynamics and boundaries, facilitating personal growth while prioritizing the client's well-being.
How do Sessions Work?
I utilize a combination of talk therapy and somatic techniques and Dom/sub dynamics to guide clients in understanding their emotions, behaviors, and desires more deeply. Through talk and exercises clients can confront limiting beliefs, develop coping strategies, and explore new perspectives. My goal is to support clients in embracing their authenticity, exploring their boundaries, and creating healthier patterns of thought and behavior. I'm committed to providing a safe and nurturing environment where clients can explore their deepest emotions and experiences, fostering personal growth and transformation.
I’m worried about the Dom part?
Rest assured, our approach prioritizes your comfort, safety, and personal growth. The vast majority of our work is talking and somatic exercises. My Dom training provides me with an understanding of issues of control, submission, leadership, and resistance that enhances our talk/somatic sessions. If, and it is an ‘if’, we mutually decide to use any k!nk-aware technique, nothing will happen without your consent. All activities are consensual and pre-negotiated with clear boundaries and ongoing communication. Shouldn't all activities in your life be that way? I’ve always found it amusing how k!nk techniques show us how our regular lives should be!
“What are Master Riven’s credentials, if I may be so bold to ask?”
With over 15 years of experience in Transactional Analysis, extensive training in somatic work, and specialized professional domination training, Matthew offers a unique blend of expertise in his practice. His journey began as a client, it inspired him to dive deeper into TA theory, hands-on training, and somatic techniques to facilitate healing and growth.
With a background encompassing 25 years of experience in business, an MBA, and an MS in Public Health, Matthew provides a holistic approach to this work that extends beyond the bedroom and into all aspects of his clients' lives.
Who can Benefit from this Form of Therapy?
Whether you're navigating emotional challenges, seeking personal growth, or exploring your relationships, my integrated approach offers a safe and supportive space for exploration and transformation. If you are looking to address issues in both your personal and professional arenas, you can find valuable insights and tools to expand your life.
Is this form of Therapy Confidential?
Trust, and therefore confidentiality, is critical to our sessions. All information shared during our sessions is kept strictly confidential and will not be disclosed to anyone without your explicit consent. Your privacy and trust are of the utmost importance, and we are committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for our work. If you have any concerns or questions about confidentiality, please don't hesitate to discuss them with me.
How do I know if This is Right for Me?
Ultimately, trust your instincts and consider scheduling an initial consultation to discuss your goals, concerns, and whether this approach aligns with your needs and preferences.
What is the Expected Outcome of the Therapy?
The expected outcome of this therapy framework includes increased self-awareness, emotional resilience, and personal empowerment. Through exploration of emotions, thoughts, and behaviors within a safe and supportive environment, clients can gain deeper insights into themselves and their relationships. Additionally, the integration of somatic therapy and BDSM dynamics may facilitate healing from past traumas, enhanced intimacy, and improved communication skills. Overall, the goal is to empower clients to navigate life's challenges with greater confidence, authenticity, and fulfillment.
How can I prepare for my first session?
To prepare for your first session, take some time to reflect on your goals, concerns, and what you hope to gain from therapy. Consider jotting down any thoughts or questions you'd like to discuss with me. Ensure you're in a comfortable and private space for the session, free from distractions, where you feel safe to open up and explore.
