Reviews
Before attending a workshop/event at SHC I thought Shibari was strictly a sexual, and specifically a sadistic fetish/kink practice that was only practiced between two people. I also thought it was done from the perspective of the person being tied having no say on how they were tied, what with, or for how long. I truly thought it was something that was done TO someone.
But I absolutely wondered about other ways it COULD be used in addition the one way I thought.
After experiencing a lifetime of traumatic events as a child, teen, and young adult years, I developed (or eventually discovered) a number of mental health/neurological conditions (OCD, C-PTSD, daily panic & anxiety attacks, depression, Autism, and ADHD). Which, as you can imagine (lolz), lead to multiple failed relationships throughout my life, while being a single parent and struggling to survive capitalism, combined with being in the constant state of confusion navigating social scenarios every day as an undiagnosed neurodivergent individual, then add on COVID lockdown, and I was basically living in my bedroom 24/7 and terrified of all human interaction by March 2020.
Flash forward to February 2023 when I was looking around on Fetlife, and did a search for “healing” did I find the Shibari Healing Collective’s event listings and was intrigued… did people near me really do this AND teach others? I was so excited at the possibility! Then I saw their website I knew I had to get over my fears of leaving the house so I could check this out for myself.
From the moment I walked into [what was] the Knotty House, I felt a sense of peace but was completely confused as to how that could be… then I heard Fay and Pocketz speak, watched them welcome others to the same space, watched them facilitate and teach, and quickly thought “oh…now it’s making more sense, this is amazing…I had no idea this was a thing😅” and it was SO refreshing (and terrifying lmao)!
They’re so open about their experiences with rope and various ways to explore with rope, but always maintain the importance of intention, safety, (self-)awareness, and communication.
Thanks to my constant dissociative tendencies, when they first asked me “how do you want to feel,” I was damn near at a loss for words. It was at that moment, I realized just how truly disconnected from my body I’ve been and equally aware of how imperative it was for that to be remedied, stat!
I took that awareness and dove deep. Spent A LOT of time going to workshops, events, and scheduling sessions at SHC every month, but at home? I became absolutely obsessed with practicing and implementing all I was learning on communication, boundaries, intentions, and understanding the energy exchange that occurs between oneself and the rope, all while applying the increasingly difficult technical elements of rope work and allowing whatever comes through a space to exist.
Its been about 9 months now since I stepped foot in the Knotty House and Shibari has completely changed my relationship with myself but honestly, everywhere has been impacted positively… I can speak to and interact with people again! My awareness of my body and it’s boundaries is the best it’s ever been, I have confidence again to be intentional about what kind of person I want to be now and implementing boundaries instead of constantly people pleasing, and have developed a new set of ideas about myself and what I’m capable of! I will forever be grateful for the experience of discovering Shibari and its true spectrum with Pocketz and Fay - thank you both for seeing and helping me find my way back to myself! 🫶
— Amanda “Magic”, Las Vegas
“Fay & Pocketz helped me understand how shibari can be incredibly energetically healing, safe, fun, exciting, relaxing and more… I felt so held not only in the ropes, but in the way that they both tied me and made me feel like I was totally in control, while simultaneously surrendering to theirs/the ropes. Muganawa is the style they used to tie me. & I am very lucky, in the way that I have had the pleasure of experiencing multiple sessions. From decorative ties, to suspensions - I have loved my experiences with The Shibari Healing Collective.”
— Lucinda “Lulu”, Maine
“I love attending Fay and Pockets sessions, classes, and workshops (individually and as a team). My comfort and safety is always their #1 priority. They truly give me space so I can have my own experience with rope. They are excellent teachers with valuable knowledge and are incredibly patient and kind. I recommend their services to anyone interested in rope, regardless your background or level.”
— J J, Maine
“I’ve had the pleasure of working with Master Pocketz and it was absolutely life changing! He has not only provided me with impactful somatic rope experiences but also passed on to me his knowledge of Shibari so that I could become a rope facilitator myself. I now am able to utilize the healing art of shibari for my own personal healing journey, as well as assist others in exploring this powerful practice. Master Pocketz is extremely knowledgeable in all things Shibari. He’s patient, attentive and caring both as a rigger and as a teacher. Highly recommend for those that are desiring to explore rope in a healing-focused way! ”
— Jazmine “Astroknot”, Las Vegas
Learning from Pocketz was an absolutely wonderful experience. Starting from the ground up, I was taught everything I needed to know and given all the tools for my success. Not only just the technical aspect but also the healing modalities that Shibari can offer. When I first heard about Shibari and rope bondage years ago I had no idea how transformative and powerful it could be and Pocketz showed me how to harness that while making sure everything was physically safe, tactical and secure.
— Cass “Tangoknotz”, Arizona
“The most beautiful, life changing, healing experience I’ve ever had. I’ve had the honor of working with Master Pocketz twice now and it’s completely opened my mind in many ways. I’ve always been curious about the world of BDSM and Shibari and Pocketz made my first experience something I will never forget. He is very knowledgeable, comforting, and attentive to detail. He provided me a safe space for me to let go, trust and express my authentic self freely and I am eternally grateful for this experience. I highly recommend Master Pocketz and The Shibari Healing Collective as a whole.”
— Emily M., Ohio
“The experience I had from master pocketz was incredible. Everything was tailored perfectly to what I wanted and my comfort level. We created a unique web together and did a really fun photoshoot. He was very attentive to my concerns about numbing and adjusting the rope when asked. 10/10”
— Cory H., Utah
“I have had the most wonderful experiences learning more about the philosophy and fun of Shibari from Fay and Pocketz. These two have held such an amazing space for gatherings I’ve attended and hosted at my home, and I have been blown away by how awesome and artistic their expression of Shibari is. Fay gave me a one-on-one suspension session the other night that was such a sweet and supportive sisterhood bonding experience, and I am forever grateful to have met these two wild and beautiful souls”
— Davi A., Hawaii
“Both Master Pocketz and Fae hold such a beautiful and safe container to explore rope bondage and BDSM. I have learned so much about myself, my body, my boundaries, my voice, and more from my journey with rope and these two have been a profound part of that journey. They are extremely knowledgeable about rope safety - both physical safety and mental/emotional safety. Whether you are looking for a meditative experience to bring you into deeper understanding and relation with your body or a playful means of finding the edges of your comfort zone, you are in great hands with them. If you are at all interested in beginning or deepening your journey with rope, The Shibari Healing Collective is definitely the place to go.”
— Jamison Morgaine, San Diego, @findingfaeriee
Anonymous Reviews
