What is cuddle therapy?

Cuddle therapy is a holistic service designed to allowing people to experience nonsexual physical intimacy through cuddling.

In today's world people feel increasingly isolated and disconnected. Many have been raised in families where platonic touching was uncommon and suffer from "touch deprivation." There are many other reasons why a person might benefit from cuddle therapy. (Some of them are listed down below!)

My therapy is based on touch. A typical first session with starts with a few moments of conversation so that we can start to get used to each other and establish an initial connection. Usually we then move on to some very simple exercises, such as hand-holding and breathing together. This strengthens the emotional connection between us. If and when you are ready we will move on, perhaps to a standing hug and then to a sitting hug. If all is well, we can lie down for a full cuddle. Every session is different, and I will adapt the pace and the exact exercises to what I believe will be most suitable for you. Consent is vital, and I will always ask permission before moving on to something new. Please express yourself freely: if something is making you uncomfortable, just say so.

Note that this is a very strictly platonic, non-sexual service and that we remain fully clothed throughout. Touching of inappropriate areas is not permitted.

A hug says: 𝑺𝒂𝒇𝒆𝒕𝒚, 𝑺𝒆𝒄𝒖𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒚, 𝑻𝒓𝒖𝒔𝒕, 𝑺𝒆𝒍𝒇- 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒉, 𝑩𝒆𝒍𝒐𝒏𝒈𝒊𝒏𝒈, 𝑯𝒆𝒂𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒈

Benefits of platonic touch:

Protects against stress and infection.
Lowers blood pressure and heart rate. May reduce risk of heart disease.
Alleviates fear and boosts serotonin and oxytocin.
Increases bonding.
Helps you communicate emotions.
Helps relieve pain.
Reduces social anxiety and feelings of loneliness.
Helps to explore feelings of intimacy, vulnerability, receiving and giving touch and saying yes or no around boundaries.
Helps you sleep better.
May give you comfort if your loved one has recently passed away.
Goes well hand in hand together with psychotherapy.
Relaxes the body and enhances overall mood.
Helps to connect to your body and explore body awareness.
Increases trust.

"I've been seeing Kristiina on a regular basis since 2020 and I have found our sessions to be a wonderful way to improve my mental well-being.
The effect of increased oxytocin, powers through headaches and leaves me feeling good even days afterwards.
Kristiina can be chatty or contemplative - she's very adaptive to your preferences.
I would recommend a 2 or 3 hour session depending on your schedule and I use it in conjunction with other forms of mental well-being such as meditation, reading and turning off social media!"

— Waiman

"She is very warm and caring, and a great cuddler. I have rarely felt so calm and relaxed as I did after our time together, although an hour really isn't enough - it felt like five minutes. Kristiina has everything: she is a skilled professional and a lovely person. I cannot recommend her highly enough.

— Duncan

Cuddle Therapy Code Of Conduct

Summary Code of Conduct

Client and Practitioner agree that they are at least 18 years old, are not under the influence of drugs or
alcohol, are fit and well enough to participate in the session, and are able to give consent.

Everybody agrees to be scrupulously clean – the cleanest you have ever been - and not wearing perfume or
aftershave.

Cuddling is a platonic, non-sexual activity and everybody is always fully clothed. Everybody agrees not to
touch areas that would be covered by a bikini. The absolute minimum is tank top, shorts and underpants.
There is no kissing, grinding or anything remotely sexual. If you do become aroused accidentally, don’t worry
about it: we’ll just make sure it doesn’t become a focus of the session.

The Practitioner will accept as a Client any appropriate person irrespective of their age; disability; gender or
gender reassignment; marriage status; pregnancy or maternity status; race; religion or belief; sex; or sexual
orientation. There are a very few people, for example those suffering from certain serious medical or
psychological difficulties, for whom cuddling is not suitable.

Payment must be made in advance, either by cash at the start of the session or online beforehand. The fees
are given on the Cuddle Session page.

We will exchange our real names and provide evidence of identity if requested.

You agree to disclose any medical or other conditions that may be relevant so that I can offer appropriate
care. You understand that cuddling is not a cure or treatment for anything and is not a substitute for
medical or psychological care. Cuddle professionals are not medical or psychological practitioners.

We will fully respect each other’s personal boundaries: no touching without consent. We will
communicate openly to discover things that are mutually comfortable.

Emotions leading to tears, laughter or silence are a common and accepted part of cuddle therapy. You are
free to leave at any time, but if you feel in any way uncomfortable during the session it’s probably better just
to say “I’m feeling uncomfortable” so we talk about whatever is bothering you.

Your confidentiality will be fully respected. In return, please respect my confidentiality and private life.
Talking about the session is part of cuddling. If you’d like additional chat in between sessions we can discuss
that as an extra service. The Practitioner may record the session for everybody’s safety: the recordings are
deleted regularly and are never viewed by anybody unless there has been an incident. The Client agrees not
to record anything without written consent.

We agree not to enter into any form of professional or private relationship until at least six months after
the last session. This is to ensure your safety: although cuddling is non-sexual, it is an intimate, therapeutic
activity in which you are encouraged to bring your whole self.

If you break the Code of Conduct I may inform the police, other bodies (e.g. cuddle websites) and/or other
cuddle professionals. If you feel that I have broken the Code please discuss it with me in the first instance.

Both Client and Practitioner agree to the full Code of Conduct, which is given under the Terms & Conditions