What is a Trained or Certified Professional Cuddler?

A Certified or Trained Professional Cuddler has undergone training to learn the art and science of platonic touch. They have completed training to ensure all interactions are safe and appropriate in the context of consent, transparency and clearly defined boundaries. They have also been trained on trauma response protocols.

What happens in a cuddle session?

Lots of cuddles! The goal of a cuddle session is to have restful and restorative experience. Here are some examples of some of the things that happen (and don't happen) in cuddle sessions:

• YES - hugging, massage, hand-holding, caressing, scratching, conversation, stretching, and of course, a multitude of cuddle positions

• NO - touching of areas covered by a swimsuit, humping, grinding, groping, wrestling, kissing, licking, sex or any kind of sexual activity

You can expect our sessions to be tailored to your comfort level and specific needs. Your relaxation and well-being are of utmost priority to me.

What kind of precautions are you taking for COVID 19?

Clients who are exhibiting symptoms of any illness are required to reschedule their session after they have been symptom free for at least ten days. If you arrive at your session sick without informing me in advance, the session will be canceled immediately without refund.

What are the benefits of professional cuddling?

The benefits to consensual platonic touch therapy are both emotional and physical. Hugging or cuddling for more than 20 seconds releases important neurotransmitters known as our 'happy hormones' - dopamine, serotonin and especially oxytocin, which is specifically known as the ‘hug hormone.’ The positive effects of oxytocin in particular are numerous.

Oxytocin serves to:

• improve mood and sleep
• reduce stress, depression and anxiety (including social anxiety)
• lower blood pressure
• reduce stress and lower cortisol levels, thereby reducing inflammation and strengthening the immune system
• improve self-esteem, empathy and trust

If you are uncomfortable with touch for any reason and it is affecting your personal life, working with a professional may be beneficial for you. Exploring consensual platonic touch in a safe environment at exactly your own pace can help you develop your comfort, voice, and boundaries while in the hands of a trustworthy and trained professional.

Paying for cuddling? Shouldn’t that be something we only get from intimate partners for free?

In a perfect world, we would all have an extensive support system of family, friends, and intimate partners there for us whenever we needed them. The reality is that this is not the case for many of us. There are many reasons why someone may not be getting the level of intimacy they need. The exchange of money allows me to be there in full service to you without asking for any emotional energy back from you as I would expect in a personal relationship. A professional relationship means that we can focus completely on you and that I have the time, resources, training and support to be able to fully hold space for you.

What types of people use professional cuddling services?

People seek out professional cuddling for many reasons! Cuddle clients may be...

• simply wanting to be hugged, held or snuggled
• busy professionals who don’t have time for personal relationships
• married or in a relationship, but don't have compatible touch needs
• feeling lonely
• seeking affection without the effort, commitment or expectations of pursuing a relationship
• living with mental or physical health issues or disabilities, or with a partner who does
• processing a divorce, loss, grief, trauma or otherwise be going through a difficult time
• from a household where there was little or no physical affection
• navigating interactions and re-entering society post-COVID
• seeking relaxation or self-care

Do you provide any sexual contact or services?

No, all services with Indigo Healing are strictly platonic.

What should I do if I get aroused during my cuddle session?

This is a common concern from male clients. Arousal is a normal and acceptable response to physical closeness and touch. It’s what you do or don’t do about it that is important. Cuddlers should not worry or be embarrassed if they get aroused during a session. In fact, it is more common than it is not. If you do get aroused, you don’t necessarily have to do anything and can ignore it as long as you are not crossing any boundaries. At any time during your cuddle session, please feel free to change positions, take a break, get some water, etc.

As a reminder:

• YES - hugging, massage, hand-holding, caressing, scratching, conversation, stretching, and of course, a multitude of cuddle positions

• NO - touching of areas covered by a swimsuit, humping, grinding, groping, kissing, licking, sex or any kind of sexual activity

I trust you to help us keep the space non-sexual in action and intention.

What happens in a free consultation or 'meet and greet' session? Is it mandatory?

During our initial consultation, we will get to know each other a little bit, talk about how I can best serve you as a professional cuddler, go over the boundaries of a cuddle session, and discuss any questions you may have about professional cuddling services with Indigo Healing. Please let me know during this session or via email about any traumas, health issues or other concerns I should be aware of. Consultation sessions usually last about a half hour and are required for all first time clients. There is a fee of $40/hour. Meet and greets are usually in person, but we can also meet over video chat if we have scheduling conflicts or you are in a different city at the time.

Is anyone welcome to book a cuddle session?

I welcome clients regardless of gender, race, age or sexual orientation. Cuddle clients are accepted on an application basis only. Cuddle clients are required to register, pass security requirements and attend a mandatory meet and greet before scheduling a full cuddle session.

How long and how much is a typical session?

A typical cuddle session lasts 1-3 hours and sometimes more. Overnight sessions are available for established and trusted clients only.

What type of payment do you accept?

Cash is greatly preferred and appreciated. I also accept debit and credit cards and PayPal. Credit card billing will appear on your statement as ‘Indigo Healing’.

What if I need to cancel or can’t make it to a session?

There is a 48-hour cancellation policy. Please notify me immediately when you know you won't be able to make a session.

Should I tip my professional cuddler?

If you enjoy your session and would like to offer gratuity, it would be much appreciated. However, it is certainly not required.

How do I need to prepare for a cuddle session? What should I wear? What does a professional cuddler wear?

To prepare for a cuddle session, please shower, brush your teeth and apply deodorant as close to our session as possible. If you are sensitive to smells or would prefer a scent-free environment, please let me know.

You should wear something that you feel comfortable in to your cuddle session. I recommend gym shorts for men. Underwear or boxer shorts only are prohibited. I usually wear leggings or yoga pants and soft, layered tops with a tank or halter top as a base layer. I do not accommodate clothing requests.

I’m afraid I might be nervous, become emotional, or cry. Is that okay?

Yes, absolutely. It’s normal to be a little nervous during your first cuddle session and it can feel amazing to cry while you’re being held. Please allow yourself to feel anything you feel. The most important principle of cuddle therapy is holding space for others. Holding space means to be present and show empathy and compassion to someone without judgment. It means you donate your ears, heart and, in this case, hugs without wanting anything in return. It involves practicing empathy and compassion and allowing someone to just be.

Is this service confidential?

Yes, absolutely. I will not share anything about you, that you are a client of mine, or any information whatsoever about our sessions. If we run into each other in public, I will not approach you, nor will I refer to cuddling if you would like to converse. All information shared in conversation is considered confidential to the same degree you would expect from doctor-patient or lawyer-client priviledge. I ask that you do the same with anything I may share with you during our sessions. In this manner we establish mutual trust.

I’d like to learn more about touch therapy and the importance of touch. Where can I find more information?

Check out these resources:

• "We Could All Use a Hug" by Yoni Alkan, TED talk https://www.ted.com/talks/yoni_alkan_we_could_all_use_a_hug

• "Snuggle Science: Why Cuddling is Good for your Health" by Taryn Hillin https://splinternews.com/snuggle-science-why-cuddling-is-good-for-your-health-1793845393

• "Soothing touch eases the pain of social rejection, study finds" by Amina Zafar https://www.cbc.ca/news/health/touch-soothe-rejection-1.4363121

• "How a Lack of Touch is Destroying Men" https://ourbetterhealth.org/2017/03/19/how-a-lack-of-touch-is-destroying-men/

• The Science of Touching and Feeling by David Linden, TED Talk https://www.npr.org/2017/01/20/510627341/why-is-it-important-to-be-touched