FAQ

Cuddle Therapy is a recognised holistic touch service that is in its infancy in the UK but is growing steadily. It provides completely non-sexual, fully clothed, platonic touch sessions where you are free to relax and be yourself whilst receiving care and affection.

Cuddling releases happy hormones like oxytocin, serotonin and dopamine whilst reducing the stress hormone cortisol.

Benefits of cuddle therapy include:

• Feelings of calm and connectedness

• Lowering of heart rate and blood pressure

• Stress and anxiety relief

• Increased self esteem and self worth

• Increased healing rates

• Improved immune response

• Improved sleep

• Reduced pain levels

• Practise of consent and education on boundaries

• Learning life skills on how to verbalise wants, needs or being able to say no without guilt whilst also being more resilient to receiving a no.

• Increased awareness of touch

As humans, we have a need to feel like we belong but we also don't want to diminish our true selves in order to “fit in”. Cuddle Therapy allows you to be your authentic self whilst receiving love and affection in a safe environment.

Everyone can benefit from cuddle therapy. You could be a single person who lives alone, someone who doesn't live near friends and relatives, someone who experiences stress/anxiety and has no-one to turn to, someone who has lost their partner, someone whose career doesn't allow time for relationships or simply someone who doesn't get enough affection in life. Clients may also have an aversion to intimacy that they wish to address. All people aged 18 years and above are welcome no matter their gender, race, shape, size, sexual orientation or mobility issues.

No. It is a completely non-sexual therapy. Clothes stay on the whole time and there is no touching of erogenous zones (genitals, breasts, buttocks).

Sessions are very much led by your comfort. Therapy can include hand holding, eye gazing, back rubs, hair stroking, lying close and cuddling. We can have fun exploring different cuddle positions to find your favourites or just snuggle up under a blanket together and watch TV. It's very much up to you. Talking, crying, laughing and sharing is always welcome.

Choose something comfortable to wear like pyjamas or a t shirt and jogging bottoms. Minimum clothing is mid thigh length shorts and sleeveless top. Make sure you have good hygiene by showering and brushing your teeth beforehand. Avoid strong perfumes or aftershave.

Sessions take place in my home therapy room. Other locations may be permitted after discussion.

Virtual sessions are also available on Zoom and can include mirroring, self massage, eye gazing, talking, breathing/ embodiment exercises.

Yes. Your privacy is very important.

Communication and honesty are crucial during cuddle therapy. We make a promise to each other to always speak up when something is uncomfortable whether it's a dead arm, feeling too hot or a position that feels awkward. It's incredibly important to me that you get the best experience possible. We can change positions as many times as you like or stay in one position if that is comfortable for you.

Becoming aroused is a completely natural response to being touched or being close to someone and is not a problem so please never be embarrassed. We would simply change position if it's uncomfortable or take a break.

Simply send a booking request and I'll be in touch with you. From there, I will email you a few questions for you to answer and then we will have an informal discussion in a neutral location or on a video call about your session. This is a free consultation to see if this service is right for you. You will be asked to sign an agreement and show a copy of an official photo ID, both of which are for our mutual safety.

Payment must be made in advance of your session by BACS, details of which will be sent to you.

Sessions are £55 per hour.

Travel is included up to 20 minutes from my home.

Travel beyond 20 minutes away will be charged at £10 per hour traveled.

Virtual sessions start at £20 for 30 minutes.

• If you or I have been unwell or have been in contact with someone who is showing symptoms of coronavirus before a session we will re-arrange. Please notify me as soon as possible.

• I will provide hand sanitiser.

• The person who is visiting can bring a set of session clothes in a plastic bag to change into on arrival. They can then change back again before they leave.

• Sessions do not require face masks but I am more than happy to wear one if you would prefer.

• I am happy to take a lateral flow test beforehand.

• Cuddle Professionals International (CPI ) Practitioner Diploma.

CPI is registered with The Complementary Medical Association and course is approved by The International Institute for Complementary Therapists.

• Reiki II Practitioner

• Level 2 Counselling Skills

• Level 2 In Understanding Mental Health First Aid and Mental Health Advocacy in the Workplace

• Level 2 Mental Health Awareness.