What Exactly Happens in a Cuddle Session?
As a professional cuddle therapist, one of the questions I get asked the most is: what exactly happens in a cuddle session? Many people are curious about the experience of cuddling with a stranger or a professional cuddle therapist, and are unsure of what to expect. In this blog post, I will walk you through what happens in a typical cuddle session, and hopefully answer some of the questions you may have.
Before the Session
Before a cuddle session, I always schedule a free 15 minute consultation Zoom call with my potential clients. This call helps me get to know my clients better, and understand their needs and boundaries. It also gives my clients a chance to ask any questions they may have and to express any concerns they may have about the cuddle session.
During the consultation call, I always explain what to expect during the cuddle session, and ask my clients about their preferred level of physical touch, their comfort level with being touched by a stranger, and any specific areas of their body that they would like to avoid being touched.
I also explain the rules and guidelines of the cuddle session, including the importance of respecting each other's boundaries, communicating clearly and honestly, and maintaining a non-sexual environment.
Preparing the Space
On the day of the cuddle session, I always prepare the space in advance to create a safe and comfortable environment for my clients. I usually choose a room that is quiet, private, and free from distractions.
I set up a comfortable and clean surface for my clients to cuddle on, such as a couch, bed, or mat. I also provide pillows and blankets to make the space feel cozy and inviting.
During the Session
At the beginning of the cuddle session, I always take a few minutes to check in with my clients and make sure they are feeling comfortable and at ease. I encourage my clients to express any concerns or discomfort they may be feeling, and to communicate their boundaries clearly and honestly.
Once my clients feel comfortable and ready to begin the cuddle session, we start by sitting or lying down next to each other. We may start with some light conversation to help break the ice and establish a connection.
As the cuddle session progresses, I follow my client's lead and provide physical touch and affection as they request it. This may involve holding hands, hugging, spooning, or other forms of non-sexual touch.
Throughout the session, I always check in with my clients to make sure they are feeling comfortable and respected. I encourage my clients to communicate any changes in their boundaries or preferences, and to express any concerns or discomfort they may be feeling.
Ending the Session
At the end of the cuddle session, I always take a few minutes to debrief with my clients and check in on how they are feeling. I encourage my clients to express any feedback they may have about the cuddle session, and to share any thoughts or emotions that came up during the session.
I also provide my clients with resources and tools to help them continue to practice self-care and self-soothing techniques outside of the session.
Benefits of Cuddle Therapy
Cuddle therapy has many benefits for both physical and emotional well-being. Some of the benefits of cuddle therapy include:
Reducing stress and anxiety: Physical touch has been shown to reduce cortisol levels, a hormone associated with stress and anxiety.
Improving mood and emotional regulation: Cuddle therapy releases oxytocin, a hormone associated with bonding, trust, and positive emotions.
Increasing feelings of connection and intimacy: Cuddle therapy provides a safe and nurturing space for physical and emotional connection, helping clients feel more connected and intimate with themselves and others.
Enhancing self-awareness and self-esteem: Cuddle therapy helps clients become more aware of their own boundaries, needs, and desires
Providing a non-judgmental space for healing and growth: Cuddle therapy provides a space for clients to process and release emotions in a non-judgmental and supportive environment.
Improving communication skills: Cuddle therapy encourages clear and honest communication between clients and therapists, which can translate to improved communication in other areas of life.
Overall, cuddle therapy can be a powerful tool for improving physical and emotional well-being, as well as enhancing relationships and communication skills.
Common Misconceptions about Cuddle Therapy
Despite its many benefits, cuddle therapy is often met with skepticism or even ridicule. Here are some common misconceptions about cuddle therapy, and why they are not true:
Cuddle therapy is just an excuse for physical touch: While physical touch is certainly a part of cuddle therapy, it is not the only or primary focus. The goal of cuddle therapy is to provide a safe and nurturing space for clients to connect with themselves and others, and to process and release emotions in a supportive environment.
Cuddle therapy is only for lonely or desperate people: This is simply not true. Cuddle therapy is for anyone who wants to improve their physical and emotional well-being, enhance their relationships and communication skills, and experience the benefits of touch and connection in a safe and non-sexual environment.
Cuddle therapy is not professional or legitimate: While cuddle therapy is a relatively new field, it is becoming increasingly recognized and respected as a legitimate form of therapy. Many professional cuddle therapists are trained and certified, and adhere to strict ethical guidelines and standards.
Conclusion
Cuddle therapy may not be for everyone, but for those who are open to it, it can be a powerful tool for improving physical and emotional well-being, enhancing relationships and communication skills, and experiencing the benefits of touch and connection in a safe and non-sexual environment.
If you are curious about cuddle therapy, I encourage you to do your research and find a trained and certified professional cuddle therapist who can provide you with a safe and nurturing space for physical and emotional connection and healing.
Remember, the most important thing is to always communicate your boundaries and preferences clearly and honestly, and to prioritize your physical and emotional safety and comfort above all else.
