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FAQ
While you're here... you may also like to check out my blog for a more in depth exploration of topics like where to get started for beginners, whether rope play is about sex, how to approach a dominatrix for a session, and more insights to guide your journey.
What is this shibari rope bondage thing anyway...? In short... shibari refers to the Japanese style of rope bondage that has become popular in BDSM and kink communities around the world. The word "shibari" simply means "to tie" in Japanese.
Perhaps one of the main things people tend to focus on when differentiating between 'shibari' vs. calling something rope bonage is the focus is on the pleasure in the tying process rather than simply getting to an end result. There is a an emphasis on exploring pacing, psychology, positioning, movement and power with the body... alongside the technical and aesthetic skill of using rope. The rope is used to highlight the unique dynamic and relationship between the person tying and being tied, and applied in a way which creates a sense of trust, eroticism and vulnerability rather than simply completing a pattern. This style of rope requires a high level of skill and knowledge to perform safely, especially suspension.
I would encourage people to explore more personally and in depth the origins, connections and cultural context of shibari/ Japanese style rope bondage. It is important to note that whilst ropes were used historically in Japan to tie and capture prisoners, shibari as we know it today is different to hojojutsu and the transformation was not direct, it is not an 'ancient erotic practice'. Shibari as we know it today draws inspiration from various sources, incorporating Japanese aesthetics and influenced by different contemporary BDSM practices. Every individual and culture has their own specific context and history that will influence their personal relationship to power, desire and significance of different tools and symbolism.
I personally like to say I like to tie, or practice Japanese influenced rope bondage. Whilst I also have developed my own style that blends different techniques or aesthetics, my focus is certainly on exploring the tension between vulnerability and safety in ropes, freedom and surrender, and the eroticism of finding out each individuals personal relationship to both. There is no "right way" to practice - though acknowledging the historical and cultural roots of any practice is important, whilst not romanticising or fetishising by using words and language which maybe sound fancy but something we don't fully understand or is not relevant to us.
I bring over a decade of diverse personal and professional experience into my work, alongside a deep focus on intuition, presence, and connection.
Rather than following any fixed formula, I approach each session as a collaborative and evolving experience. Rope is my preferred tool, but my curiosity lies in the dynamic we create together to explore sensation, power and erotic vulnerability, and this is what makes it so unique and interesting each time.
My background on both sides of the rope, experience as a Domina and kink educator also informs how I work, giving me a more embodied understanding of the physical and psychological experience of being tied. This allows me to hold space in a way that is both creative, intense and grounded in care.
As described, there is no single way a session needs to look and rope can be used to explore a wide range of experiences depending on your interests and curiosities.
This might include a gentle or playful introduction, something sensual and slow or exploring more intense and challenging scenarios. We can explore elements of D/s, power exchange, restraint, sensory play, or simply focus on the physical and aesthetic experience of rope itself.
It can be about letting go, being held, or testing edges, and often it’s a mix of many things.
Every session is a unique experience, and each individual I meet brings their own distinct qualities and preferences. Because of this the nature of each session can vary hugely. This is part of what I enjoy the most about using ropes as the medium to explore, every session (even multiple sessions with the same person) will be different. Rope is simply the tool... it's the intention in which it's used which is what becomes interesting.
Practically speaking, the format of sessions can generally follow a similar structure. Some pre discussion will happen either via email or over a brief phone call after initial contact to talk about what you might be seeking, what I can offer, if this aligns and we begin to organise. It's also perfectly ok if you're unsure about your preferences or what you'd like to try, I see many people for their first ever rope or BDSM experience, and this is something we can explore and discover together. There is no one size fits all or way it should go. The tone of the session can vary, depending on our mutual agreement - it can be serious, playful, silent, or communicative. It can be sensual, comforting, erotic, challenging, creative and more....
On the day we will start our meeting and simply have a chat about how you are, how your body is feeling physically, what you might be interested in trying, and if anything has changed since our initial contact regarding limits/desires. A check in and negotiation will confirm how we will communicate to take care during the session as well as any aftercare needs or safety reminders.
Then - lets tie and play! Based on how long we have organised for (I usually suggest minimum 2 hours for an initial session) the timing can be flexible...continuous exploration or if needed breaks in between, guided by the flow of the session and your comfort/desire (or desire for less comfort if you're feeling brave!). I will encourage you to communicate if you want to pause, adjust, or change a tie, everything can be adapted as we go whether tying on the floor, partial or full suspension. Depending on what you've shared and what we have negotiated we may also incorporate other elements such as impact play, blindfolds, teasing or different sensations.
Based on what you think you may need, we will also allocate some time at the end of the session to come back to some normality and debrief any thoughts or feelings. You are also welcome to reach out to share your reflections on a session in the days after we meet to check in as it all settles....
You can read more about the possibilities on my private rope sessions page, and for other questions... be in touch!
I discovered shibari in 2013 while exploring the London fetish and kink scene, beginning with experiences on both sides of the rope.
Over the next 13 years I've had the pleasure to explore this world in depth, travelling and performing internationally, having the chance to learn from, be tied by, and collaborate with a range of incredibly knowledgeable and diverse teachers and professionals.
During this time I worked in various forms across the adult industry, including for many years as a Professional Domina, offering a variety of sessions before choosing to hone my skills and focus primarily on rope as the main element in my work since 2019.
For me, it offers a wide spectrum of possibilities from D/s exploration to sensory play, and is something I can take with me wherever I go. Although I no longer get tied, those early experiences gave me a deeper, more embodied understanding of both the physical and psychological aspects of being tied. That perspective continues to inform how I approach rope now...shaping the way I hold space and connect with the person in my rope.
Yes. We can never make rope bondage completely 'safe'. Different styles of rope of course have different levels of risk - but there is no such thing as being entirely risk free - all we can do is be aware, informed, mitigate risk, and communicate well to stay in connection with ourselves and one another.
I take risk awareness seriously and will at all times uphold the most care and attention to be able to explore this in a way which allows you to explore and experience something challenging and new whilst maintaining awareness of what needs to be considered to mitigate risk.
There are some elements I'd encourage you to learn about in more detail and I will go over them in brief before we tie too. Here are a few to consider
Nerve damage: Our body has areas which are stronger and more able to take pressure and compression, and parts which are more vulnerable where bones/nerves are more exposed. If the ropes are tied too tightly, badly tensioned or in the wrong position, they can put pressure on nerves and cause nerve damage, resulting in numbness, tingling, or loss of sensation. This could be a temporary effect of a few minutes, but if not paid attention to or responded to could last in long term damage. This is why it is so important to practice rope with partners who are honest about their skill level, capacity, and able to understand how to do proper nerve checks to mitigate this risk. I can always adapt ties to different needs and physical limitations should something be uncomfortable or bothering you.
Restricted blood flow: In and of itself, we do not worry too much about circulation loss unless someone has a pre existing condition which means complications could arise. Alleviating pressure and moving means the blood will continue to flow around, however - more dangerously circulation loss could mask a nerve injury which could be taking place.
Joint pain or injury: Rope bondage can put stress on joints and cause pain or injury, especially if the ropes are twisted or placed in awkward positions. Being moved too fast or in a way which doesn't protect the neck or spine could result in long term damage. In the spaces I work from there are multiple options for sitting, standing or tying on the floor or to furniture which can help mitigate risk of unnecessary jolting!
Emotional harm: Rope bondage can be emotionally intense and bring up different things for people in a vulnerable state. Conversations about consent and boundaries are incredibly important to have. Sometimes people are not aware that they have reached a boundary or intense feeling until they are in that moment, it can be hard to predict. It's important to communicate openly with your partner to develop ways to check in, and have a plan in case something begins to not feel ok - what could you do to support someone to ground in the case of any trauma response?
Accidents or falls: If the person being tied is put off balance there is a risk of falling if they are not properly supported or moved carefully by the person tying. A fall with someone's hands tied behind their back could result in dangerous consequences - taking care of your surroundings, equipment, and tying within your skill level is important to maintain a sense of control and calm when moving and tying.
Whilst these risks will always be present, we can mitigate them by learning proper techniques, understanding how to adapt and respond to different needs in the moment and be in communication with one another - it is both parties responsibility to uphold this awareness, though as a professional holding space for your exploration, I will prompt and guide you to check in with your body. For me, it is much more important to look at and be present with the body and person in front of me than to just try to follow a pattern or tutorial which is one of the ways people can go wrong, focus more on the ropes than their partner.
Not at all! I work with people at all levels of experience, including complete beginners. If you’re new, you don’t need to arrive with a clear cut idea of what you want. We can take time to explore your curiosities and talk through options, we can move at a pace that feels comfortable for you. I have a few suggestion ideas on my sessions page that may inspire you if you need somewhere to start...
If you’re more experienced, I’m equally happy to meet you where you are and dive deeper into specific interests or practices
I would suggest minimum 2 hours for an initial beginner session to give you proper time to explore, sink in and also debrief the session. On some occasions I may offer a briefer 1.5 hour taster introduction, though as you'll see in rope - time truly flies and I can likely guarantee you'll be longing for more time... though it's always nice to be left wanting more rather than less.
Discretion and confidentiality are a core part of my practice and I understand that privacy is important. I treat all interactions and sessions with care and respect. Nothing is shared without explicit consent, this is a space where its possible to explore openly, without concern around judgement or exposure.
I do not have set rates on my website as my sessions, classes, workshops and offerings for events are bespoke and personalised. Please contact me with details of your needs and wishes to discuss rates.
That being said - where possible I'd like my work to be accessible so based on my capacity can sometimes offer sliding scale for groups/events that needs financial flexibility. Be in touch to discuss this.
The truthful answer is there is no 'right' thing to wear for rope. Some people prefer the feeling of rope on their bare skin, others enjoy the contrasting sensation of fabric as well as rope on their body. Nudity is optional, being undressed bit by bit can be part of the pleasure...
That being said, the only thing which doesn't work too well for doing ropes in would be stiff fabrics such as tight denim or stiff fitted clothing that makes it hard to move. Floaty fabric is ok as long as it is not too slippery as rope needs some friction to be able to hold (eg. lycra isn't the easiest to tie over). Some people opt for comfy light fitted clothing or a flowy bottom half (trousers or skirt) that is light and easy to tie over, though really it is up to you.
Both and neither - it is truly up to the individuals practicing what this means to them and that may also change from day to day. For some people rope bondage is an erotic, kinky, sexual practice whilst for others it is something which helps them ground into their body and they find it more of a meditative relaxing thing which isn't sexual for them.
Whilst it is truly up to the individual - it is also important not to decontextualise the origins of rope bondage, shibari or kink - and to understand that it would be factually and historically incorrect to gloss over the connection of BDSM and sexuality to these practices. There is sometimes a push as things become more mainstream to make them palatable and more 'acceptable' which can mean stripping away some aspects of a practice.
We can also learn more to understand the context and culture that rope plays as a tool for historic and current practices of torture and imprisonment. Of course kink and bdsm is influenced by real narratives when exploring these tools in a consensual way to reclaim or subvert experiences around power and struggle. Consensually is the key word here… but yes it can also be torturous.
There has also more recently been a push towards kink as a 'healing' practice. I think this can be dangerous as it can take some of the powerful cathartic realities which can be experienced through these physical practices, and claim that people are doing 'healing' without getting to the real root cause of their issue, trauma or difficulties. Not to mention someone who is a not a licensed mental health professional cannot claim this as therapy. This is not to say that kink, BDSM or rope can't be meditative or therapeutic - but it is never a replacement for therapy or healing in the traditional sense.
Firstly its very important to acknowledge that rope bondage or kink sessions are not a substitute for any therapy. Please work with licensed professional therapists to address and process trauma. While rope bondage can be an exploration that can feel liberating, transformative and empowering, its purpose isn't therapeutic in nature.
This being said - everyone can explore kink regardless of background or history, if you know you have specific triggers or situations which might come up for you, it just might require some more careful consideration of boundaries and the support needed to approach this exploration.
Choosing to explore rope bondage with an understanding of your trauma history or neurodivergence can guide you to lean towards teachers or practitioners who adopt a trauma informed or neuroaffirming approach. This means they recognise how neurodivergence and trauma can affect the body and responses and teach or hold spade in a way that respects individual boundaries and needs.
Working in a neuroaffirming and trauma informed approach central to my practice, however this is not about treating or curing or specifically working with anyone's trauma - and I apply this was of working with anyone I meet so you do not need to or feel obligated to disclose anything to me. This is simply about respecting boundaries, negotiating ways to communicate that work for you, having an awareness of neurodivergence. This is about understanding the ways society conditions us to communicate or present in ways which can limit our connection to our real needs and boundaries rather than feel encouraged to speak up/pause or ask for different ways of doing things which support us more.
I see many neurodivergent clients and it makes total sense to me as to why kink and rope specifically can be an enjoyable space to explore yourself. Clear boundaries, sensory exploration, and space to let go of rigid masking and ask for what truly feels good or exciting for you.
Types of rope vary in diameter, length and material. You can find cotton rope, jute rope, hemp rope, nylon rope, silk rope... and I'm sure others too. There is no rope 'better' than the rest, it is truly down to personal preference and weighing up the pros and cons of different styles based on what you are also trying to do. Traditionally in shibari we use natural fibre ropes to tie. The length of the ropes are usually between 7.5 to 8 metres in length when folded over, this is optimal length for being able to tie parts of the body smoothly and efficiently without getting tangled or having to pull around endless amounts of rope. The diameters range from 4mm up to 6mm generally - thinner rope can be good for tying smaller body parts such as fingers, toes and faces - between 5.5-6mm rope is usually suitable and comfortable for regular harnesses and tying.
I tie with natural fibre 5.5mm jute rope bough from Learn Shibari or Ohyesplz
There are many different vendors who sell rope - I would recommend starting out with 3-4 lengths to see how you like it before investing in a fuller set of 10+ lengths. Rope can be expensive so it's good to take your time to figure out which materials you like.
In more western style bondage it has been traditional to use nylon and synthetic ropes whereas in Japanese Shibari it is typical to use natural fibre jute. I like to use different types of rope based on what I am doing and the purpose. There is not one true way to tie nor is there one true rope - each to their own.
Natural fibre rope also gets better with time and use, the more you use it the smoother and softer it will get. Some people chose to treat their own ropes from scratch which includes a process of frictioning, burning and conditioning the rope to get it to a stage where its more comfortable for tying. Most ropes will come pre-conditioned or semi conditioned. To ensure your rope stays in the best condition you could also treat it from time to time yourself with burning off any fuzzy bits or oiling it with a natural oil such as camelia or jojoba oil.
A google search will bring up more information about how to treat natural fibre rope and how to store rope, as well as what types are available and why you may or may not prefer different materials. Happy researching!
It's true that if you do a google search of shibari or rope bondage, the majority of results returned will show mostly slim small women being tied. In practice, this is not the case and sadly like many things shouldn't be painted as the norm - rope and kink is for anyone who is curious and consenting. Rope and kink can be adaptable and accessible to your needs and desires.
I work with clients and enjoy tying people of all ages (18+!), body types, heights, abilities, gender, sexuality and whatever other intersections of identity you may be noticing you don't see so frequently in mainstream images or media. Social media also unfortunately means much of what we do practice cannot be shared, images are censored and equally many people prefer privacy so will not wish to have their images shared.
All this being said - yes it is absolutely for you if its something you'd like to explore.
To book a private 1:1 rope bondage or Shibari session in London with me, follow these simple steps! You can also read more specific info on my sessions or classes page to discover more.
Get in touch via email - these are some of the things you may wish to include
Your experience with BDSM, kink, or rope bondage
Any ideas, curiosities, or desires you'd like to explore during the session
Any health issues, accessibility needs, or boundaries you want me to be aware of
Your availability (preferred days and times for the session)
Where did you find me? (Google/instagram/x/reccomendation)
Negotiate and plan
We’ll discuss your preferences and any specific elements you'd like to incorporate, whether you're interested in floor-based, partial, or full suspension, or exploring other BDSM elements like Dominance/submission (D/s)
This is also a time to review any important safety considerations
Confirm booking
Once we’ve discussed the details, I’ll confirm your booking.
Sessions are typically booked at least 4 weeks in advance, though I may have last-minute availability
Pay a deposit
A deposit is required to secure your session. This covers my planning and ensures the time is dedicated to you
Cancellation/rescheduling policy
If you need to reschedule, you can do so with 48 hours' notice. I understand life happens, so I’m flexible as long as enough notice is given.
Sessions are held in private spaces across London, with a minimum duration of 1.5 hours to allow for proper negotiation, exploration, and debriefing. For rates, availability, and to schedule your session, email me directly
Absolutely! I love working with couples and holding space to deepen intimacy, learn new skills, or simply have a fantastic and unique experience with one another. Like all sessions, negotiations to discuss boundaries, desires and curiosities will be important to establish some structure and a map of whats possible between us.
From practical classes to hone your skills, to intimate sessions to try out and experience new things with an expert touch, I'm glad to discuss the possibilities for your exploration.
I am based in London and primarily work from fully equipped private studio spaces here. I also travel across the UK and internationally offering sessions, workshops, and events in different locations by arrangement.
If you’re outside of London and interested in working together, feel free to reach out and we can discuss what might be possible.
Yes! You’re very welcome to explore my gallery where I share images from photoshoots and previous sessions (with consent!) to give a sense of my style and the range of what’s possible.
You can also browse session ideas and read testimonials from clients which can offer further insight into how I work and what others have experienced. I also have a fan page with some spicier examples of what's possible.
These can be a helpful starting point if you’re looking for inspiration or trying to get a feel for what you might enjoy...
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