TESTIMONIALS

Men who have taken the course || Women who have taken the course

Women who have taken the players' course say:

"I have to laugh at how far we've come in the six months or so since we took the April Intensive. I used to be hesitant to send my dominant energy into the world because I wasn't sure how this piece of equipment or that piece of equipment worked. Ha! I still might not know all of those details, but I understand now that it's energy that makes the difference in play. And what a difference it has made! What you, Minax and Selina gave us is a gift that I appreciate every time I scene -- and in fact, very often in other parts of my life as well." ~ Robyn, Texas, 2008

"The course gave me more than I had anticipated or hoped for and I had hoped for quite a lot. It grounded me in my power and presence, and gave me much greater confidence as a Domme. Cléo, Minax and Selina are expert teachers and guides, powerful, extraordinarily knowledgeable, compassionate, passionately intense, playful and funny." ~ Siobhann, San Francisco, Oct 2006"

"I approach the two year anniversary of my intensive and I laughingly tell people (those who would understand) that every woman should attend your intensive for her 50th birthday. So many doors opened for me and my partner . That learning also translated for me in the world outside our bedroom. I have more confidence and can relate to people more from a grounded center when I am in my Dominant self. The sexual context is so rewarding that the learning spread to parts of myself previously untouched. I love my Domme energy. Thank you for such a powerful weekend." ~ Margaret, March 2008

"This course send my self-confidence as a Top soaring. I am at a new level of understanding of my own wants and needs, and having the strength of will to make them all happen. At the end of the weekend I did a scene with a regular play partner. I've never in my life felt such a strong sense of seeing what I wanted and taking it, as I did then." ~ Stephanie, SF 2007

"Thank you from the bottom of my not yet bought stilettos for one of the most wonderful weekends of my life! I came home, humiliated, CBT'd, spanked red and ass fucked my anticipating friend (we've been looking for years for a way to work out our issues...BINGO!), and feel like a whole new world has opened up to me. Let healing begin!! I was afraid I would not be able to maintain a dominant attitude, but I am finding it quite natural." ~ Lilith, April 2008

"I learn best experientially so the hands on was great and then I could go back and read it in the workbook to reinforce what I learned. I came away with an internalized, structured body of knowledge that now I can expand. The intensive was exactly what I wanted and needed. Two excellent experienced passionate teachers and lots of very helpful volunteers made it a very rich and unforgettable experience. The consistent focus on physical and emotional safety throughout the weekend was very comforting and empowering." ~ Betty, Oakland, CA, 2006

"I loved the individual attention I received and the instructor per student ratio could not have been better. . . This was a very significant training and experience for me." ~ Catherine, San Francisco, 2003

"Truly a life-changing event. It was magical and intensely educational. I learned as much about myself as I did on how to play." ~ Brekke, San Francisco, 2003

Men who have taken the players' course say:

"A fantastic experience that connected me with my dominant heart in a powerful but loving way. The volunteer bottoms were great to work with and the exercises and demonstrations were both hot and informative. I recommend it to every man." ~ Steve, Palo Alto CA, 2008

"Cleo meant it when she calls her workshop Intensive. It was quite an overwhelming experience which kept my mind busy for days after it was over. If you want to learn more than just 'technical' skills this class is for you." ~ Oliver, Germany, 2008

"When I first encountered BDSM, I didn’t quite know what to make of it. I’ve learned that it’s the ultimate form of improv. It creates scenes that force you to look deep within yourself to find truths and characters that your conscious mind buried. This intensive provide tools for seeing, freeing, and managing those characters." ~ Bruce, San Francisco, 2008

"Cleo, Minax and Selina who were in charge were conducting this work with a high degree of integrity which gave me confidence and sense of security that help me to push my limits and challenge my personal taboos." Mike, SF, February 2008

The weekend was, in a word, phenomenal for me. I learned that I was, indeed, a Top, and that I can create even richer relationships with women by bringing that part out more intentionally. Through the weekend the other guys and I learned techniques, attitudes, motivations – we practiced most everything we learned with an amazing group of volunteers. Cleo, Eve, and Selina couldn't have organized and taught a better class – the time went quickly and by the end I had changed. If you're wondering about BDSM, Dom/Sub, "the scene" or just pushing your own envelope of eroticism, I can't recommend this weekend highly enough. ~Dave, SF, Oct 2007

"I want to thank you for the wisdom you shared with us during the intensive. I was seeking a clearer understanding of the psychological aspects of D/s, and a deeper spiritual connection to BDSM. I found both in great measure, and I am very grateful. My relationship... is improving rapidly as a result of what I learned. I hope to take further courses from you in the future."  ~ Eric, SF 2007

"I have Dominated mostly from a place of the 'Master/trainer' because that is what I thought I should be. However through your influence I now started to accept that my truest archetype is the 'Predator/animal'. It has been a truly liberating experience. I feel a new freedom to express myself sexually, where previously I somewhat resisted that, because of negative images about it. My partner is ecstatic about my new found clarity in my identity and our sexual play has been charged with a new electricity and passion." ~ Paul, NV 2005

"I loved this class, I wanted to go back on Monday and keep going! It allowed me to take another step into my power using tools I wouldn't have used on my own. The variety of topics allowed focus on different play methods while maintaining the overall theme of dominance and relationship. I loved the feedback and chances to explore without pressure. I experienced a lot of passion and heart, directed at providing us what we needed." ~ Bob, S.F. 2005

"I had always identified as 'kinky', but couldn't get past simply 'playing a role' when it came to DS. While I had always considered kink to be part of me, I had not considered it to be part of my spirit. Those two came together for me as one at your Men's Intensive. I had a few years as a bottom, recent development as a Top, was somewhat knowledgeable and skilled in SM practices, and was known in the community, but admittedly had little understanding of DS as it related to me. What changed my life was attending The Men's Intensive weekend." ~ Kev, Victoria 2006

"Cleo and her staff complemented each other seamlessly. The unique learning opportunities provided by this workshop are worth significantly more than the money it costs. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to bring his SM play to a new level." ~ Misha, 2007

"Participating in the Erotic Dominance workshop for men was certainly one of the best decisions I've made in a long time. The combined energy of my fellow participants and that of you and your staff and volunteers was incredible. I found the way you combined aspects of tantra and spirituality with the various techniques of BDSM practice empowering. How I approach my play and my partner has moved to a new level. Thank you for opening the door and showing me how to move through, slowly and with heart."
~ Richard, San Francisco 2007

Women who have taken the pro course say:

"The Intensive far exceeded my expectations. For the past few months, I've felt rather uninspired with my work. So I did a lot of self-examination and asked a lot of questions: Is it professional burnout? Am I bored? This weekend has renewed my enthusiasm! The naming of my "archetype" was very advantageous and the workbook you put together contains so much valuable information I will use for the years to come!"   ~ Mistress Morgana, St Louis, 2007

"The course was way beyond a professional training where one simply acquires more skills in order to enhance one's work. The incorporation of the spiritual aspects of BDSM along with the skill-building workshops, and the sharing of experiences with other professionals taught me that the essence of our work is bringing our full selves into this endeavor."   ~Descara, Chicago, 2007

"Cleo is passionate about what she does, and she is by far, the best I have ever seen... Mistress Minax has years of experience and the openness and sensuality... There were so many business aspects of being a Pro that I'd never thought of or been aware that I SHOULD think of. If you are a Pro, new or experienced... you WILL walk away from this with your eyes wide open! I am new, and I am SO glad that I invested in this seminar!" ~ Mistress Ravensong, L.A. 2006

"I have taken both these courses (women's and the one for Professional Dominants), and found them to be immeasurably beneficial in many ways... for the exposure to beautiful Domme role modeling to a wealth of technical material and lifetimes of distilled observation of the Domme/sub dynamic, by the opportunity to step out of comfortable play modalities and try radical new forms of play while receiving expert coaching, and by the experience of playing with truly "world class" subs (both male and female)... The entire course was a privilege and an honor to attend." ~ Lady Seshat, San Francisco, 2004