\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. We look forward to embracing you. Its just the access to it. The brave new world of professional cuddling is largely unregulated, or at least haphazardly self-regulated, with few real safety standards in place. Initially, Franzblau was staunchly against the notion of a virtual cuddle. There is a different quality to touch that has no expectation. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. How to turn it, essentially, into a safe business. Without skin-on-skin contact, there would be no way for oxytocin to flow. Availability: Everyday except Tuesday and Saturday. One question we often get is, What if I get aroused? Arousal is a natural response and nothing to be ashamed of. Whether you have anxiety, feeling stressed, bereaved, overwhelmed, lacking confidence issues or wish to explore the wonderful benefits of cuddles have on your health and well being, I can offer you hourly sessions of professional Cuddle Therapy, in a non-judgemental and relaxed environment. These include 'connections coaching', which helps people struggling to build relationships . But for the Snuggle Buddies' Evan Carp, the reason is simple. Workers at Snuggle Buddies screen potential clients on the phone and allow their contract workers -- around 100 employees -- to decide for themselves whether they want to meet clients in public first before taking it to a bed or couch. Its been a while since I talked to her. I continue to build my skills with education in IFS, EFT, somatic experiencing, embodiment, Uzazu, and more. Lying on his side, with one arm stretched beneath his head and the other close to his torso, Kelley reveled in his own grasp while Franzblau supervised from nearly 3,000 miles away. Being a nurturer also includes being a giver. Each session is customized to meet your individual needs. "It also helps to create a kinder world, a more consent-aware world, and a world filled with more empathy.". Massage buddies are professional licensed massage therapists offering their own unique services to treat and help clients. Since 2015 I've been supporting clients as a Cuddle Therapist and Boundaries and Consent Educator in both individual and group settings. Browse through our Cuddlists and find the perfect professional cuddler for you and your needs. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Working with clients will bring great personal rewards. However, after consulting with Cuddle Sanctuary professional cuddlers, the group created a format they believed could leave clients feeling good, albeit only with emotional buy-in from both parties. We take a lot of care to craft each session so its just right for you. Questions about my services and cuddle therapy in general are always welcome. Some courses last 3 days, while others last a month or require at least 30 hours of participation. "Cuddle therapists are professionals that give access to platonic touch through boundaries of consent education for the purposes of comfort, validation, and alleviating loneliness," Shoup, the Director of Development at Cuddlist, explained to The US Sun. Please review the cuddler's profile for more details on their preferences. All rights reserved. You can read our Code of Ethics here. Your professional cuddlerwill be direct and honest with you about what they have to offer you with their cuddle therapy. "Most of the time people appreciate the bluntness of it all, and I try to approach that conversation without stigma or judgment. It was very intense and very dramatic.. Location: The Big Island, Hawaii and Los Angeles, CA. Any time Im with someone, I say, this is someone who needs compassion right now," said Kilbride. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. In describing the primarily female clients he has now -- Cameron has also cuddled with men -- he says that they may suffer from chronic illnesses or theyre going through a major transition in their life. "Theres also more acceptance around people who feel isolated for other reasons beyond the pandemic that are out of their control so removing some of the shame or self-responsibility around that has really helped people understand why this work is really important - and it isn't and it doesn't mean anything about you as a person.". You can also find us in Mexico, Belgium, India and Tanzania. After a year of monthly professional cuddling sessions with Madelon Guinazzo, the co-founder and director of training at Cuddlist, an online directory and training platform for cuddle therapists, Mobley experimented with his first virtual cuddle in early June. Madlines consent-centered approach empowers people to get to know and express their boundaries. 5 In group sessions which take place at the Sanctuary and last two hours, a professional cuddling facilitator leads attendees through icebreaker and consent exercises, like how to kindly decline an unwanted hug from a peer. (Fox12) Professional cuddler Samantha Hess has opened a pro cuddling shop, where for $60 customers can get an hour's worth of spooning and "the level of human contact that we want or need in. For folks new to the service, you can expect a getting-to-know-you process. The cuddler can show you around their city and/or country. From $80 an hour. "The fact that they trust me with that, it makes me feel special. The hours are flexible and expenses are generally covered. Go for a Bike Ride. With the pandemic slowly coming to a close we ask that you communicate honestly with your cuddler about your health concerns and needs. Allowing sessions to only run for a set amount of time, Scheduling a specific number of sessions a day, Cuddling with loved ones on your time off. Cuddling provides mutually beneficial touch that many of usnever received in the past or currently do not experience in the present. The practitioners listed here are not physicians, psychiatrists, psychologists, licensed social workers, or licensed marriage and family therapists, and do not offer psychotherapy or medical advice. According to Shoup, hugs increase the production of the love hormone oxytocin, which is known to help keep feelings of loneliness at bay. Ultimately, the reasons a person may seek a professional cuddler are as varied as the type of people who provide the cuddling. She has also implemented a strict code of conduct that all clients must acknowledge and sign. Go for a Picnic. Each professional cuddler is just as unique as our clients. With many of her clients having suffered trauma or abuse, Shoup cuddles, spoons and comforts her customers in platonic displays of affection to help combat symptoms of depression, loneliness and anxiety. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Experience the healing touch of cuddling with our growing list of 100% real and verified cuddlers. A session might include practices such as meditative time, self-soothing, and laughter. My Name Is Keeley Shoup and I am a professional Cuddler! Usually, in a one-on-one cuddle session which ranges from $80 to $100 an hour and is held in a private room either in the clients home or the cuddlers workspace the client and cuddler first go over current stressors and then engage in an open dialogue about where the client wants to be touched. She allows her intuition to guide her as she creates a space of safe boundaries and a healing presence. Original reporting and incisive analysis, direct from the Guardian every morning. Do you empathize easily yet know to not rush in and rescue others? Sessions can include hugging, spooning, holding hands, compassionate conversation, or blissful quiet. Cuddle therapists encourage clients to say yes to touches they want and no to touches they dont want. Clients leave sessions feeling held, inspired, and empowered. "I'm not a therapist," he said. Scott Cameron and Kimberly Kilbride both work for The Snuggle Buddies, offering platonic cuddling for $80 an hour. Keeleys practitioner style centers around empowering her clients to find their voice and celebrating their desires without shame or reservation. Location: Dar es Salaam, Tanzania (Travel within East Africa possible). Some people call me a street cuddler. cuddlist.com. Trevors practice is tailored for men of all sexual orientations and identities. Take cuddlers with you on vacation, business trips, or overnights stays at your place or theirs. Find out where to go, what to eat, where to live, and more. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. "It's a need - a healthy need - and it's a healthy way to get this need met. Whether youre looking for support in your personal growth journey or to fill up on your touch needs, weve got a soft place for you to land. Theres the curious person who has an extra $80, she said, referring to the cost of a one-hour cuddling session, of which she keeps half. After that I was like, hmm, actually, this could work. For $80 an Hour, You Can Hire a Professional Cuddler, 2020 Chicago magazine / A Chicago Tribune Media Group website, A Supposedly Zen Thing Id Definitely Do Again, The Mysterious Calming Effect of Browsing Zillow. 2022 Cuddle Sanctuary. All Rights Reserved. . A WOMAN who charges up to $200 per hour to cuddle clients craving a human touch has lifted the lid on some of the strangest requests she's received since embracing the unusual career path seven years ago. Research has shown that without physical touch, were likely to experience loneliness, depression, anxiety disorders and stress. Candy Marie is a holistic wellness practitioner who believes that human touch and intentional energetic exchange can foster genuine human connection in a way unlike any other. Both must hear from her within half an hour of an ended session -- "or they'll call the cops," she said. Be truly accepted just as your are tears, laughter all of it. To achieve that, Shoup filled her studio with stuffed animals, colored in a coloring book with the client, and played a series of child-like games. When asked what's behind the recent boom in business, Shoup responded: "I think what's happening is that people have become so acutely aware of what isolation can do when it's prolonged. "I'm not talking about people who wear adult diapers or anything like that," she laughed. With the pandemic slowly coming to a close we ask that you communicate honestly with your cuddler about your health concerns and needs. Hess claims that although she made recommendations to Carp on safety and training when she mentored him at present, the only training provided is the illustrated book The Cuddle Sutra -- he has disregarded them. I have two -- my boss and my boyfriend." Cuddle therapists are specifically trained in the art and science of cuddling to create a trusting and equal space for clients. She is a healing justice and trauma-informed Pleasure Strategist and Life & Relationship Coach, who organizes come as you are cuddling spaces that promote connection, nurturing, and relaxation, holding space for you to choose pleasure, live in the moment, and be your authentic self. Is it regulated and safe for participants? There are fewer than a dozen businesses in the U.S. that provide cuddle services for a price, says Samantha Hess, founder of the Portland, Oregon, cuddle service Cuddle Up To Me. And Melas incredibly warm and snuggly! Cuddle Therapy & Massage Therapy While Massage Buddy is all about professional massage therapy, some massage therapists will also offer touch therapy with a professional cuddle buddy. 2022 by Keeley Shoup Proudly created with Wix.com, Cuddle Therapy Consent & Boundaries Educator, Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a, 2022 by Keeley Shoup Proudly created with. She has been a cuddle enthusiast since 2016, a Life Coach since 2002 and has lead cuddle events in several cities. Decrease anxiety and depression. Listening is one of the skills that she incorporates in the session in order to facilitate a pleasant experience. Many larger companies started their journeys as self-starters. Have you ever thought that we experience our sense of touch, in contrast to our other senses, through our whole body? An Afternoon with a Professional Cuddler. Parents kiss their children all the time and that's completely platonic. I cant wait to meet you and hopefully be a part of an experience that makes your life better. Perfect for the lone traveler looking to have a fun and easy going local experience with the bonus of a fun cuddle companion. Largest community of Professional Cuddlers and Enthusiasts. You can contact them directly and request more details. Yes, it's driving school, but I need to get my license back. But how does someone become a professional cuddler? I find that one-on-one cuddling with a skillful professional can be incredibly therapeutic, nurturing . You can see her on video. It's the same thing for cuddle therapy. Please review the cuddler's profile for more details on their preferences, and instructions when booking. Being a professional cuddler is about more than giving hugs and snugglesit requires empathy and compassion. "I have lots of clients who are working through various stages of grief or trauma and actually touching isnt something that we can do for quite a while until we work together for a long time," she added. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. It got me out of that relationship. Remember to pursue positive emotions and listen to your unmet needs. I hope you let me share all I have to offer with you. Please review the cuddler's profile for more details on their preferences, and instructions when booking. Online, similar communication still has to occur, but in the absence of interpersonal touch, cuddler and client situate themselves in comfortable positions in their homes, visualizing the sensation of being held by another person and massaging themselves. Professional cuddlers do just that! wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. She creates a relaxing, quiet atmosphere, infused with kindness, care and empathy. Or email support@cuddlesanctuary.com. After self-quarantining alone for over a month in New York City, actor and writer Randy Wade Kelley noticed he, like many others, craved human connection. Would you like to build on, strengthen and improvethese abilities in yourself? We just either ignore it or, if its distracting, change the position. In addition to being a certified cuddle therapist, she is a licensed massage therapist, certified yoga instructor, mindfulness coach, reiki practitioner and performing artist. "It's just about giving them a space where they can feel really cared about or valued, and play in a way that feels how we played when we were young.". Keeley Shoup, 33, is a full-time professional cuddler from Chicago, Illinois. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Use the advanced search feature to find professional cuddlers offering touch therapy and cuddle buddy services near you. Its like when youre used to having your favorite meal, lets say lasagne, and then somebody says heres a substitute lasagne, Guinazzo said of the virtual cuddling experience. * Trauma Processing is done in conjunction with a licensed counselor or clinician. Sign up and stay up to date with our daily newsletter. We must meet each other halfway to make the magic.. Keeley Shoup, 33, is a full-time professional cuddler from Chicago, Illinois and charges $200 per hour to cuddle. For some people, its very much around touch, but also for some people its not a touch requirement, its a connection requirement or an intimacy requirement., For Teron Mobley, a furloughed restaurant worker in Chicago, virtual cuddle sessions more easily facilitate an emotional bond through meaningful eye contact, something the 35-year-old struggles with in his daily life due to social anxiety, he said. Grace is compassionate, empathetic and an ideal cuddler for those experiencing loneliness, disconnection, or the need for human touch. A WOMAN who charges up to $200 per hour to cuddle clients craving a human touch has lifted the lid on some of the strangest requests she's received since embracing the unusual career path seven years ago. Professional Cuddlers in Illinois | Cuddling Service State: Illinois View Locations Cuddlers 1204 Outcall 1128 Incall 539 Travelers 1045 Guides 977 Hobbies misscuddles3 Lombard, Illinois lenalovely Chicago, Illinois missveronica Houston, Texas natalia888 Chicago, Illinois cuddleconnoisseur Chicago, Illinois chloecuddles93 Chicago, Illinois tracee Keeley Shoup, 33, is a full-time professional cuddler from Chicago, Illinois. Increase trust and self reliance Keeleys practitioner style centers around empowering her clients to find their voice and celebrating their desires without shame or reservation. I mentor other professionals in the field and help them improve their practice. She is a healing justice and trauma-informed Pleasure Strategist and Life & Relationship Coach, who organizes come as you are cuddling spaces that promote connection, nurturing, and relaxation, holding space for you to choose pleasure, live in the moment, and be your authentic self. Professional cuddlers are amazing human beings who bring warmth and caring to every session. His clients, he revealed, are usually men over 50 who are widowed, divorced, single or married but dont get along with their wives. Mela accepts everyone and adores them for who they are. She believes touch has the power to change our lives and to change the world. If youre both feeling comfortable setting up a session, your professional cuddler may request a form of ID and will discuss payment arrangements with you. Because he cant currently touch Guinazzo, he built intimacy by gazing into her eyes on his computer screen. Alys writing has been nationally recognized in the Sigma Tau Delta Rectangle and featured in Blue Marble Review, The Sunshine Review, PopMatters, and Cathartic Literary Magazine. Like us on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/TheSunUSand follow us from our main Twitter account at@TheSunUS, Seven passengers rushed to hospital after 'severe turbulence' on flight, Gabby Petito's family claim cop knew Laundrie was threat in lawsuit update, Jury inspect eerie Murdaugh murder scene where mom & son were executed, US Navy faces being totally outgunned by China in just seven years, says expert, 2020 THE SUN, US, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED | TERMS OF USE | PRIVACY | YOUR AD CHOICES | SITEMAP, Keeley Shoup, 33, is a full-time professional cuddler from Chicago, Illinois, She cuddles, comforts and spoons her customers to help combat symptoms of depression, loneliness and anxiety, Shoup's services are entirely platonic, non-sexual and clients must remain fully clothed at all times, Hugging can release hormones into the body that keeps feelings of loneliness at bay, Shoup has been a professional cuddler for almost eight years. He, too, found out about professional cuddling through Google, and as someone who had suffered from depression and chronic pain, he told IBTimes, he was inspired to provide therapeutic touch to people who need it. You might think that performing acts of cuddle for money is immoral, but it puts me through school.