Are you seeking a unique and transformative way to promote emotional and physical well-being? In this blog post, we’ll delve into the world of professional cuddling, a practice that’s gaining recognition for its therapeutic benefits.
Join Mystic Mag as we explore the origins of professional cuddling, the services offered, and the profound impact it can have on individuals seeking connection, comfort, and stress relief. Discover the power of platonic touch and learn how professional cuddlers create a safe and nurturing environment for clients to experience healing and emotional growth.
When did you first know that being a Professional Cuddler was your calling and how did it come about?
Back in 2015 I was a qualified massage therapist and tutor with a decade of experience. Through my interactions with clients I was already very aware of the power of touch – for example, some of my clients would come for a massage to alleviate loneliness and touch starvation rather than for aches, pains or relaxation, and they often appreciated a hug at the end of an appointment.
I began to feel that a piece of the healing puzzle was missing for me, and that while I was obviously benefiting my clients, there was surely more that I could do. I started to research therapeutic platonic touch and discovered that cuddle therapy was a “thing” in the US, albeit mostly in the form of cuddle parties. I became convinced that this was the piece of the puzzle I had been searching for – it was my Eureka! moment.
That same year I opened the very first cuddle therapy practice in Europe, BeSnuggled. After walking the walk for a year I decided to write a training course for those who felt called to this profession, as I had been. I recognised the need for regulation within the profession, a comprehensive training course to ensure responsible, ethical practice, a professional membership body to provide a support network, specialist insurance for cuddle professionals, and certified and trained professional cuddlers that prospective clients can book with confidence.
It became my mission to establish professional cuddling as a legitimate holistic therapy modality, and I spent the next year banging on doors to get my course properly certified. Eventually I succeeded, and my cuddle therapy training course became the first to be officially recognised for professional practice and insurance purposes. Since then I have re-written and expanded the course, and there are now many CPI graduate members working all over the world.
What services do you offer?
Cuddle therapists offer a range of services centred around providing platonic, consensual touch to promote emotional and physical well-being. Here are some common services we provide:
Cuddling Sessions: These sessions can include various forms of touch such as hugging, hand-holding, and different cuddling positions. The goal is to create a safe and comforting environment.
Emotional Support: Cuddle therapists often provide a listening ear and emotional support, helping clients feel understood and valued.
Stress Relief: The physical touch involved in cuddle therapy can help reduce stress and anxiety by releasing oxytocin, often referred to as the “cuddle hormone”.
Improving Sleep: Some clients find that regular cuddle therapy sessions help improve their sleep patterns due to the calming effects of touch.
Building Confidence: Through positive physical interactions, clients can build self-esteem and confidence.
Boundaries and Consent Practice: Cuddle therapy emphasises clear communication and respect for personal boundaries, which can be beneficial for those looking to improve their interpersonal skills.
How would you define a platonic touch?
Platonic touch refers to any physical contact that is non-sexual in nature. This can include actions like hugging, holding hands or giving a back rub. The key aspect of platonic touch is that it conveys affection, comfort and support without any romantic or sexual intention. It’s the kind of touch a mother gives her child.
What does it mean to be a Professional Cuddler?
So many things! A professional cuddler provides platonic, non-sexual touch therapy to clients. We undergo training to learn the art and science of cuddling, including how to set boundaries and create a safe, comforting environment for clients. We provide emotional support and a listening ear, helping clients feel understood and valued. Through various forms of touch such as hugging, hand-holding, and cuddling we help alleviate stress, anxiety, and loneliness. We emphasise clear communication and respect for personal boundaries, ensuring that our clients feel safe and comfortable during sessions. We help our clients experience the benefits of human touch, such as reduced stress, improved mental health, and increased feelings of connection, and we provide a non-judgmental space where they can express their needs and preferences without fear of being judged.
What can a person expect from your sessions?
Our sessions are designed to provide a safe, non-judgmental space where our client can experience the benefits of platonic touch. Here’s what you can generally expect:
Initial Consultation: The session usually begins with a discussion about your comfort levels, boundaries, and what you hope to achieve from the session. This helps the therapist tailor the experience to your needs. We may ask to meet you somewhere neutral first, or arrange a Zoom to say hello.
Setting the Environment: The environment is typically calm and relaxing, often with soft lighting and comfortable seating or bedding to create a soothing atmosphere.
Types of Touch: The touch can range from holding hands, sitting shoulder to shoulder, to full-body cuddles. The therapist will follow your lead and ensure that all interactions are consensual and within your comfort zone.
Emotional Support: Besides physical touch, the therapist provides emotional support through active listening, holding space and conversation. This can help alleviate feelings of stress, anxiety, or loneliness.
Closure: The session usually ends with a brief discussion to reflect on the experience, and any feelings or thoughts that arose during the session.
It’s important to note that cuddle therapists are not medically trained psychotherapists, and should the client present with a mental health issue we will decline a session and refer them to a relevant healthcare professional.
What do you love most about your profession?
It is the most rewarding feeling in the world when a client arrives feeling despondent or alone, and leaves as if the cares of the world have been lifted from their shoulders. We receive wonderful feedback and cards of thanks. Personally I love that my training course has had the ripple effect of enabling so many others to practice cuddle therapy in a responsible and ethical way, benefiting countless clients in need, the world over.
To learn more about Claire and her work, please visit https://www.cuddle-professionals.co.uk/
