Cuddle Therapy UK: What Is It And What Can It Help With?

In the 21st century, cuddle therapy has grown significantly in popularity across the UK. Clients often report a significant effect on their mental health and well-being after sessions of cuddle therapy. UK cuddle therapy isn’t meant to be a substitute for professional talk therapy, but the physical contact and nurturing touch it provides may improve a person’s mood and help them feel relaxed, which can complement other types of therapy. Below, explore the tenants of cuddle therapy, training for cuddle therapists, and how professional cuddle therapy sessions may improve emotional health and well-being. 

What is professional cuddle therapy?

Cuddle therapy is a completely platonic service involving touch between two people who don’t know each other. A cuddle therapy session may consist of various types of gentle touch, but the therapist may begin by asking the client about their goals and setting boundaries. Then, the client may be led through breathing exercises to induce a state of relaxation. This process may be followed by light hugging while the therapist and client are standing or lying on a couch or bed. The therapist may tailor each cuddle session to the needs of each person. 

The therapist and client might engage in relaxing conversation in a warm space throughout the session. They often check in with clients throughout the session to ensure they are comfortable. Clients can feel free to discuss any topics of concern. This type of therapy is different from talk therapy. Still, the therapist can provide a safe space by listening attentively and providing non-sexual gentle touch throughout the session in a way the client is comfortable with. 

Boundaries, comfort, and consent in cuddle therapy

When a client first meets with a cuddle therapist, they will explore healthy boundary-setting around personal touch. This type of communication allows client and therapist to establish personal limits and trust, so that each session offers a safe environment for healing. 

What to expect for first-time clients

To prepare for the first time meeting with a cuddle therapist, it can be helpful to understand what will happen in the first session. One to one sessions will include suitable touch to the extent the client feels comfortable. As with other types of therapy such as talk therapy, the therapist will use the first session to build trust with their client. The goal is a non-judgmental approach that makes the client feel safe, and that means plenty of conversation around what is and is not acceptable, as well as following cues from the client about when/how much touch is suitable. 

What’s the science behind cuddling or touch therapy?

The science behind touch and the nervous system

In addition to releasing oxytocin and other neurochemicals that facilitate homeostasis, physical contact can trigger the parasympathetic nervous system. When a human being feels stressed, the sympathetic nervous system, also known as the “fight, flight, or freeze” system comes online. When we feel relaxed, the parasympathetic nervous system, also known as the “rest and digest” system is in charge. Allowing the body to relax offers healing power, especially when used alongside psychotherapy. 

How cuddle therapy helps with emotional well-being

Intimate touch isn’t just about sexual touch with a romantic partner, it can be just feeling held by someone who feels safe. Human connection is at an all-time low in many parts of the world, and yet it is one of the essential factors in maintaining good mental health. The healing power of nurturing touch offers comfort, and can help individuals relax, improve self-esteem, and boost receptiveness to other therapeutic methods. 

Are cuddle professionals certified?

Individuals looking for a professional cuddle therapist might consider searching for someone who has completed a training course. Cuddle professionals can receive training from an organization such as Cuddle Professional International (CPI). The International Institute for Complementary Therapists (IICT) and the Complementary Medicine Association (CMA) approved CPI's cuddle therapy course. 

Locations and availability across the UK

Finding a certified professional cuddler can be a bit tricky, as it is a newer supplemental therapy. You will be more likely to access a professional cuddler offering client sessions in a suitable environment in larger cities such as London and the Greater Manchester area. You may work with your GP to find a match, or conduct an online search of your area. 

What does professional cuddle training consist of?

CPI’s training course consists of 20 modules with assignments and interactive quizzes. The following are some of the topics and components of the training course:

• CPI Code of Practice
• The Science of Touch
• Touch in Infancy
• Touch Beyond Infancy
• Human Touch and Seniors
• Appropriate Touch and Body Language
• Touch and Healing
• Cuddling as a Therapy and Profession
• Boundaries and Ethics
• Working with the Medically Fragile and Terminally Ill
• Terms, Client Contract, and Waiver
• Professional Insurance
• Business Basics and Marketing 

Who is professional cuddle therapy for?

Professional cuddle therapy may be helpful for adults of all ages and walks of life. Some people who are experiencing the loss of a loved one might benefit from cuddle therapy as they adjust to a new stage of life. Also, people who have not been in a relationship for a long time might have the sense that they lack the physical intimacy that the human touch can sometimes provide. Other people may sign up for touch therapy if they are experiencing an illness or reduced mobility that prevents them from receiving the benefits of human touch outside their homes. 

Cuddle therapy UK: Where to find cuddle therapists

Cuddle therapists serve clients all over the UK. Some cuddle therapists have their own websites describing their training, services, and prices. Another possible way to find cuddle professionals is to search an online cuddle therapist directory, such as that of Cuddle Professionals International. 

Supplementing touch therapy with psychotherapy

While cuddle therapy can significantly impact a person’s emotional well-being, some may want to talk to a counselor or psychotherapist. A talk therapist can often provide evidence-based modalities to address various mental health or relationship concerns. This type of therapy might complement cuddle therapy well and lead to growth and healing. 

Online psychotherapy for mental health

Some people might live in a region of the UK with few therapists, while others might prefer to find a psychotherapist outside their region. In these and other cases, individuals can still find mental health support through online therapy. Online therapy through platforms like BetterHelp allows people to search for therapists from all over the UK, which may make it easier to find someone with experience in their specific areas of concern. 

Numerous peer-reviewed studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of online therapy. One systemic review and meta-analysis from 2020 found that electronic cognitive-behavioral therapy (eCBT) was as effective as in-person therapy. The researchers stated, “Our results demonstrated that eCBT was more effective than face-to-face CBT at reducing depression symptom severity.”