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.

No! This isn’t Hollywood's unhealthy portrayal of k!nk and I'm not Christian Gray. 

The typical presentation of k!nk is more akin to abuse and trauma, and is usually presented as the RESULT of trauma.  Nothing could be farther from the truth.  Research shows that the interest in k!nk typically develops naturally while in childhood or develops naturally as an adult; not as a result of trauma.https://www.theswaddle.com/what-is-kink-the-psychology-behind-sexual-behavior

Conscious k!nk is about consent, negotiation, boundaries, and trust. Shouldn't everything we do in life have those things? Conscious K!nk uses leading and following to help understand power dynamics and allows participants to feel safe in either role and any situation.  It is about finding strength when submitting and empathy while dominating.  This is about using pleasure and desire to create change and health.

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.

It's common to feel shame around our desires, whether they're s_xual or related to other aspects of our lives. The best way to overcome shame is to be in a healthy, nurturing environment where you can be seen and heard. At STIR Institute, we create a safe space for you to explore your desires and ask for what you want without fear of judgment or shame.

Through gentle encouragement and empathetic listening, Matthew helps individuals overcome their inhibitions and gradually build confidence in articulating their desires. By guiding clients through this process with sensitivity and respect, he empowers them to embrace their authenticity and take ownership of their desires, leading to greater self-awareness and fulfillment.

Rest assured, Matthew Riven's approach prioritizes the comfort, safety, and personal growth of his clients. The majority of his work revolves around talking and somatic exercises. Matthew's Dom training provides him with an understanding of the issues around control, submission, leadership, and resistance, which enhances his talk/somatic sessions. 

If, and only if, mutually decided, k!nk-aware techniques may be used, always with the client's explicit consent. All activities are consensual and pre-negotiated, with clear boundaries and ongoing communication. Matthew believes that these principles of consent and communication should apply to all aspects of life, and he finds it intriguing how k!nk techniques often reflect this ideal.

Vanilla desires are still desires.  Vanilla pleasures are still pleasurable.  Every cake recipe calls for vanilla; it’s foundational and without it the cake just isn’t palatable.  

As a seasoned professional with expertise in Transactional Analysis, somatic work, and professional Dom training, Matthew understands the delicate dynamics of desire, whether vanilla or not, and how they translate to desires and needs in the bedroom and the rest of our lives. Rest assured that Matthew Riven can provide valuable guidance and support. 

Through supportive sessions, Matthew can assist you in exploring your individual needs and desires, as well as helping you navigate any potential challenges that may arise. 

He can help facilitate open and honest communication between you and your partner, (whether a lover or your business partner) creating a safe space where both of you can express your desires and concerns without judgment, thus leading to stronger bonds and a more fulfilling relationship. [read more about Couple Sessions]

You don't need a someone. This work is designed for individuals to become the best version of themselves, regardless of their relationship status. For those who are single, it's an opportunity to focus on personal growth and gain clarity on what they're seeking in a partner. 

If you do have a partner, Matthew Riven is happy to work with you individually or together, fostering an environment where both individuals can thrive and grow. The goal is to help each person reach their fullest potential, both individually and in their relationships.

If you're k!nky, there's nothing wrong with you. Studies have shown that practitioners of BD$M tend to be less neurotic, more open to new experiences, more conscientious, and when combined with affection have deeper intimacy between partners.

(https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/jsm.12192, https://www.dropbox.com/s/28vud0iod10f4rc/Sagarin%20Cutler%20Cutler%20Lawler-Sagarin%20Matuszewich%20(2009).pdf)

At STIR Institute, we celebrate your desires and don't seek to "cure" your k!nk. We've learned how to use your desires to help you make the changes you want to see in your life. And if you're not k!nky, that's okay too. We celebrate you for who you are, whether you're highly s_xual or not at all. Simply knowing more about your desires helps us interact with you and understand you better!

If anything we’ll use your k!nks to help facilitate the changes you want to make. This isn’t Hollywood’s definition of k!nk (which is typically not a healthy portrayal).  Trauma doesn’t lead to k!nky desires. We don’t aim to heal you away from k!nk, we’re here to use your k!nk for you.  

Note: If your k!nks are hurting you, psychologically or physically, and you do want to change that, we can help you. 

In Matthew Riven's practice, trust and confidentiality are paramount. All information disclosed during sessions is treated with the utmost discretion and will not be shared with anyone without explicit consent. Matthew is dedicated to creating a safe and secure environment where clients feel comfortable expressing themselves openly. If there are any concerns or questions regarding confidentiality, clients are encouraged to address them with Matthew for clarification and reassurance.

The expected outcome of this framework includes increased self-awareness, emotional resilience, and personal empowerment. Through the 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 work and Dom 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.

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.

To prepare for your first session, take some time to reflect on your goals, concerns, and what you hope to gain. Consider jotting down any thoughts or questions you'd like to discuss. It's important to choose a comfortable and private space for the session, free from distractions, where they feel safe to open up and explore their thoughts and feelings.

Absolutely.  Training sessions are available.  Whether you are a sub or dom, partnered, single, ENM - Master Riven can help train you in Conscious K!nk including communication, consent, intention, embodiment, as well as the–shall we say– hands-on approaches.