Cuddle Therapy

You might be:

• Single and finding it difficult to make new connections, leading to anxiety

• Neurodivergent and working through emotional dysregulation

• Experiencing burnout from over-working and losing any work-life balance

• Going through empathy fatigue (common in healthcare workers, teachers, and single parents)

• Facing a recent breakup, death of a loved one, or a major loss, and processing the emotions of grief

• Working actively to release past trauma, either related to unsafe touch or psychological or emotional abuse/neglect
  

We have created a society that glorifies hyper-productivity. In our busy day-to-day lives, we often run on auto-pilot, forgetting to pay attention to how our bodies feel.

Often, it’s not until we get sick that we give our body the attention it deserves. But we can change this.

Depending on what you wish to work on, I offer 3 types of packages, which are potential starting points for your session:

* The Self-Care Session - an emphasis on touch (as much, or as little, as you are comfortable with); nervous system relaxation; connecting with and appreciating our body and all it does for us

* The Personal Growth & Development Session - a blend of cuddle/touch therapy and talk, with the discussion focusing on inner growth or self-development, practice of setting boundaries and healthy expression of needs and desires 

* The Trauma Processing Session - a trauma-informed approach to healing, ideally for those also doing talk therapy, CBT, EMDR, etc.; here, we’ll mindfully and intentionally delve into creating safety in the body, and exploring inner child connection, rebuilding trust in the self and the world.  

Join me for a cuddle therapy session, where the time is dedicated specifically to you and your unique needs. I am here with an open heart, ready to support you in your healing process. My priority is to help you feel seen, heard, and loved, just as you are.

FAQs - Cuddle Therapy

Q: What are the benefits of cuddle therapy/platonic touch therapy?

A: Studies (linked below) have shown that cuddle therapy, a grounding form of platonic touch therapy, provides an array of positive physical health benefits, including:

• Lowering blood pressure

• Reducing inflammation

• Boosting our immune system

• Reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety through creating a conscious connection with our physical body

Cuddle therapy also brings a variety of emotional health benefits, such as:

• Creating the feeling of connection with our internal selves, leading to improved connection to the people in our lives

• Increasing our feeling of safety and belonging by relaxing our nervous system

• Enhancing our self-image and ability to relate to others 

• Improving our connection with our own body and internal sensations, allowing us to better understand ourselves

When paired with talk therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), or other therapeutic modalities, cuddle therapy is an effective method to help heal wounds resulting from abuse across our lifetime, where our sense of safety in our bodies, and in the world, has been compromised. 

I offer this service to support healing in those who have experienced childhood trauma, domestic violence, or a sense of disconnection from ourselves as a protection mechanism. It is also effective for people who are neurodivergent and seeking a space to regulate their minds and bodies.

INFORMATIONAL ARTICLES:

https://www.webmd.com/balance/ss/slideshow-health-benefits-cuddling

https://bettersleep.org/blog/uncovering-the-benefits-of-cuddling/

SCIENTIFIC STUDIES:

1. Physical Contact and Loneliness: Being Touched Reduces Perceptions of Loneliness

2. The Neurophysiological Impact of Touch-Based Therapy: Insights and Clinical Benefits

3. Hugs and Cortisol Awakening Response the Next Day: An Ecological Momentary Assessment Study

4. A systematic review and multivariate meta-analysis of the physical and mental health benefits of touch interventions

Q: Who do you work with?

A: I am open to offering cuddle therapy to people of all backgrounds, cultures, lifestyles, and abilities. We will do an intake video call, or meet in person (if time and proximity allow), to get to know each other, and to ensure that your needs align with my offerings.

Q: Where do you conduct cuddle therapy sessions?

A: I offer in-call sessions, to be held at my therapy studio in Poway, CA. This studio is set up specifically for conscious community and therapeutic sessions, and is equipped with a restroom and a selection of beverages like water and tea. There is ample parking and there is a ramp for wheelchair accessibility.  

The room is set up with cushions, a yoga mat, pillows, and blankets. I will also offer lighting selection, aromatherapy, candles, and temperature preference to be set based on your needs for that day. 

Those with hip or knee problems, please note, the cushions are fairly low to the ground, so this will be most ideal for individuals comfortable with squatting to sit down.

I am also available for out-call sessions and can come to you! You may choose to rent a hotel room, we can meet in a public park (if you prefer an outdoor session), or if your home has the appropriate atmosphere for a session (a clean and welcoming space), I am happy to do an in-home session. 

I will recommend that the space, especially in our early sessions, be free of pets, children, or any other distractions. Similarly to the in-call session, you may play media of your choice during your session if you have a TV, which we can discuss during your intake call.

The location fees will depend on the length of the session (sessions can be between 1 hour and 3 hours), and the cost of an in-home session will be determined based on driving time and distance.

The driving time (round-trip) must be equal to, or less time, than the session itself. Ex: if the round trip to your chosen destination is an hour, your session duration must be 1.5 hours or longer. We will review details on your intake call. 

I also offer virtual sessions, which can be done via video call. These sessions will focus on the talk portion of the therapy, where I will offer co-regulation and a safe space to discuss topics most supportive of your

Q: What can I expect during a cuddle therapy session?

A: Each session is led by you, the client, and it is tailored to your unique needs that day. Before we meet, you will have read and signed the Code of Conduct and all necessary release forms. We will review whether the session will include music, aromatherapy, and if any special accommodations are needed for your comfort. 

We will begin with an opening statement, confirming we are both consenting to share the space, and that we are entering the experience with openness and honesty. 

As we proceed in the session, we will decide on, and modify, various cuddle positions based on your comfort and needs, and I can incorporate light touch or finger grazing, if you choose. All activities are done for the purpose of comfort, never arousal.

We can stream music on Spotify, shows, or movies during your session, and I will provide my laptop, phone, bluetooth speaker, or you may bring your own. 

This is also a time where you can share about what may be on your mind, and I will provide a compassionate listening ear. I will offer feedback if you wish, but because I am not trained in talk therapy, I will keep my responses neutral, and can refer you to a talk therapist for those needs.

All activities during your session will be done willingly and with consent from both of us. You can always change your mind. The open expression of what you are seeking, or not seeking, is essential. Over time, we will practice building trust through setting boundaries, as well as expressing needs and desires. 

I invite you to ask questions and make requests. I will never judge you, but I will reserve the right to say “no” if I am not able to fulfill a request, and I will ask you to promise to do the same if you want to change course. You are allowed to change your mind at any time.