PBK: An Introspective Spiritual Intensive Thru the Lens of BDSM

PBK: An Introspective Spiritual Intensive Thru the Lens of BDSM

PBK - NYC is a three-day Introspective Spiritual Intensive The focus of this hands-on experience is to open up to your full potential, both as an individual and as part of a community. You will learn how to connect with others from a place of deep compassion and empathy. This intensive will teach you to create safe containers and connect with others without an agenda. The life-changing value of this intensive process unfolds at a deeper level. The goal is self-actualization. Your authentic self can emerge: when barriers are removed, when weariness and shame are resolved, and when you have been fully seen, heard, and validated. .

This is not a “kink vacation” but a deep dive into connection that has been crafted for a select group. The word “intensive” is intentional. Arrive with the intention to connect, and lean into the process. We know that this work will not be easy for our participants. However, if you are committed to personal growth, this is where you are meant to be.

The PBK Weekend Intensive:

Immerses you in the philosophy of People Before Kink, which will allow you to find and express your true self, and create space for others to do the same.

Exposes you to a multitude of concepts, kinks, perspectives, and practices geared toward furthering your kink journey.

Allows you to hone your physical and emotional skills that will bring all your connections to their full potential.

Puts you on the path that will add meaning and direction to all areas of your life, as well as your kink journey.

Enables you to put into action what you are learning, in a supportive environment of classes, workshops, and evening events.

Under the careful watch of a team of facilitators, this is a framework for making and maintaining deep, meaningful connections, through the multi-faceted lens of the BDSM lifestyle. What you will learn about works with people you are just meeting as well as the relationships you already have.

Process:

Our process revolves around 5 key points. We use the acronym ICAVS to make it easy to remember:

Introspection - This is an opportunity to dive deeper into yourself. This process will cut right into the middle of who you are and give you knowledge and perspective of your life’s journey up until this point. Introspection at this level empowers you, through a unique process of self-awareness. Before the workshop, you will receive a package that walks you through a path of introspection. It will help you find specific and valuable information about yourself. It will also provide you with words to articulate your thoughts and feelings, something we are generally not taught. Self-knowledge is the foundation of our program.

Container - Containers create safe spaces to be with yourself and others. You will experience seeing and being seen, hearing and being heard. We will show you how to do this. It will serve you now and for your whole life’s journey.

Actualization - As you dive deeper into who you really are, you will find you have permission to remove all the obstacles that hold you back. This process will give you the space to discover and become your true, authentic self.

Vulnerability - Deeply meaningful connections require vulnerability. The magic of this intensive comes from the participants themselves. When people feel safe, they can be who they are and share themselves with others in a new way. We will provide you with the opportunity to experience this level of vulnerability.

Safety - We provide you with a safe and educational environment in which to have this immersive experience. In this judgment-free space, you will see how to create safety for yourself and others moving forward.

This program has everything you need to get you to the root of your identity, as you are today. And it all happens in an environment of vulnerability, safety and trust. The entire process is free of judgment and agenda. This allows you to leave the workshop with valuable skills you will have practiced, freeing you to integrate them in all areas of your life.

Friday:

5:30pm Check In

6:00pm - 7:00pm Opening Circle

7:00pm - 10:pm BDSM Tasting

Saturday:

10:00am - 10:30am Coffee/snacks

10:30am - 1:30pm People Before Kink

1:30pm - 2:00pm Lunch

2:00pm - 3:30pm Impact Perspectives and Techniques with Joshua

3:00pm - 3:30pm Shared Experience/Negotiation with Cat

3:30pm - 4:30pm Aftercare with Shway

5:30pm - 10:00pm Hands-on Shared Experience

Sunday:

10:00am - 10:30am Coffee/snacks

10:30am - 12:00pm Connection with Rope Joshua

12:00pm - 1:00pm Lunch

1:00pm - 2:00pm Little's Play Party with Shway

2:00pm - 3:00pm Fire and Cupping with Joshua

3:00pm - 4:00pm Tickling with Cat

4:30pm - 6:00pm Continuing Circle

6:00pm - 8:00pm Closing Social Hour

Facilitator Bios

Joshua is a counselor, educator, event promoter and host, and Professional Dominant. In one-on-one sessions, Joshua guides his clients towards self-acceptance, empowering them to gain control of and become active participants in their own lives. Drawing upon personal, unique, and hard-earned transformative experiences, he has developed a personalized method of NTSB (Non Traditional Sexual Behavior) counseling which is specifically geared towards catalyzing self-actualization. Over the past 12+ years this system has helped hundreds rid themselves of shame and see their sexual identity.

Cat has been in the kink community for over 25 years, developing a deep understanding of what it means to be on a kink journey. She's a counselor, educator, event promoter and organizer, and minister-in-training who offers one-on-one counseling to help people gain perspective and clarity around a variety of life stressors. Her methods allow people to get "unstuck" and reprioritize life goals. Cat has 20+ years of grief, trauma and recovery counseling experience as well as a profound understanding of 12 step principles and other techniques for creating positive change. Cat assists clients with the understanding that our relationship with Spirit/Divine/Universe is what ultimately heals all things.

Shway is a leather lifestylist and seasoned member of the kink community. She has been active over the past 8 years co-hosting social events, leading discussion groups, acting as a mentor, and providing kink education. She has served to facilitate safer events as a member of a consent response team and as a dungeon monitor. As a therapist, Shway has worked extensively with those who experience acute psychological distress and struggle with emotion regulation. She approaches this through a sex-positive, person-centered, trauma-informed lens. She has more than a decade of experience helping her clients develop a better understanding of themselves and their goals while facilitating improved coping, insight and personal growth. She has also worked specifically with minority groups (LGBTQ+, polyamorous, kinky, POC) in providing culturally competent care.

​​Mary has been a member of the BDSM lifestyle for a handful of years, more actively in the recent year in her Master/slave dynamic. As a lifestylist and slave, she saw a need for community around disability and kink which sparked her founding Kink Abilities. Over the course of her journey, she has become a member of the Kink Collective family who helps assist in organizing events and educating on various topics. Her goal is to provide every member in the community a safe environment to freely experience self-exploration and growth.

Previous attendants say:

“This experience was life changing! This intensive is very well designed to make you discover parts of yourself you didn’t know existed. The collective is very knowledgeable and incredibly approachable. I can’t wait to further explore the BDSM aspect of my life and be a part of the next generation. Thank you so much for this opportunity!” - T.W.

“I’ve already been on my journey to find me, but after this weekend I’m starting a new journey to find out who I am in this kink realm and how I fit into it. It has taught me I need to find and use my voice on asking, expressing my needs and wants. Watching everyone experience some sort of personal growth and be vulnerable was amazing. What being part of a family that sees you for you and accepts you for who you are. Priceless. The connections I’ve made this weekend was amazing and I’m so grateful for each and everyone of you that have crossed my path and accepted me. Even though I was partnered with someone I know a little and felt comfortable with. If I would’ve been there and not known anyone that well I would’ve felt comfortable experiencing that with them because that’s the space you created for us. The weekend allowed me to push outside my comfort levels.” - Kathie

“Where to start this is what I need. I was starting to get complacent in my life not wanting or trusting anyone in my life to talk about the hard stuff. Or just stagnant in life. Then here comes the Kink Collective with People Before Kink Workshop. In the beginning of the retreat Cat said you will end up crying at the end of the retreat. I was thinking nope, why would I cry? This is just another event with a spin. I am going to learn as much as I can and party. I was completely wrong. I cried so hard at the end. The friendships I built in just 4 days. I now have a new family. How everyone could just be who they are with no judgment. How much everyone was willing to teach and learn. What I learned about myself and now working on to be the best version of myself. The biggest thing that finally hit home was don’t be sorry for who you are.” - Theresa

“For me this was a wonderful boot camp geared towards networking and acceptance. Accepting the person I am today and becoming more aware of each person as they are today as well. My mentor always encouraged me to “Build the relationships, and the scenes will build themselves!” This weekend was another grateful opportunity that reinforced our core beliefs.Thank you so much for putting this weekend together for our local community! Be true to yourself and your journey,” - Rae-el

“As someone who is new to the lifestyle, the intensive not only exceeded any expectations going in, it also elevated the bar for any future events I attend closer to home. I learned a ton, I had fun, and I made unexpected connections. I left that weekend better prepared to explore in a more confident and educated manner.” - Tyrone

Who: Anyone interested in learning more about themselves and others through the lens of BDSM.

Where: LGBT Community Center

208 W 13th Street

New York, NY 1011

When: July 22, 2022 5pm - July 24, 2022 8pm

Why: To gain the tools and experience allowing you to know yourself and connect with others.

What: A series of educational classes, hands-on workshops and curated events that approach learning from a very different perspective than you may be used to. The technical classes are hands-on and facilitated within philosophical and spiritual frameworks. Roundtable discussions include all participants in the conversation, which is based around topics that are essential for development and growth.

How: Sign up here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/366597963377

What can I expect when attending? - An immersive experience providing structure for meaningful conversations, applicable for both new acquaintances and existing relationships. You will experience community support while you are learning. It is our goal to equip you with tools to build a meaningful kink lifestyle, and your life’s journey. Upon payment you’ll be emailed an intake form for follow up, as well as detailed information about classes and instructors.

Is there any cost for the program? The Weekend costs $295 and includes all classes and events, as well as beverages and food (meals separate)

What do I need to bring with me when attending? - During the day, you will be attending various classes. A notebook and pen are recommended to keep track of what you will be learning. In the evening, we will be practicing the skills gained in class. Special dress is not required, but wear whatever makes you feel sexy, if you are moved to do so

Is there a dress code? - During the day, dress for comfort. For the evening events, the suggestion is “Dress in what makes you feel strong, beautiful and confident !!”.

Can I volunteer to help defray the cost of attendance? - We have a scholarship program. It is steeped in the concept of service and recipients will be given a list of responsibilities. This experience allows you to attend the event on a sliding scale and requires you to return that energy by being of service to the event. It is a way of allowing you to have “skin in the game” by keeping the flow of energy balanced. Please reach out to us for more information

Who is the Kink-Collective? - The Kink-Collective is a leather family focused on BDSM lifestyle education. For more information on the Kink-Collective please visit https://kinkcollective.net/

Is participation mandatory? - We encourage you to go into this intensive with an open mind, void of labels and roles, with the intention of learning to create safe containers and connection without intention. We hope you will actively participate in the classes and workshops. During the evening events there is no specific expectation for you, except to be respectful, and watch, listen and learn.

What is the age range of participants? - Ages range from 21- 80! Age is less important than open-mindedness, a desire to play and genuinely connect with others. However, you must be 21 to attend the workshop.

Do I need to bring toys? - No. However, we do encourage you to bring toys if you have them. This is a great time to learn about your toys if they’re new for you. For the experienced folks, it’s a great time to share stories about your equipment when asked !!

Event Venue

The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center, 208 West 13th Street, New York, United States