Safe, grounding touch and holding
Feel safe and comfortable. Feel a sense of connection and belonging. Regulate your body, emotions, mind and spirit. Reduce anxiety, stress and pain.
I work with all different kinds of people! Everybody has their own unique mix of needs, challenges, comfort with touch, etc. I welcome your uniqueness!
See this piece on Touch in Therapy written by Dr. Zur of the Zur Institute for more on the therapeutic context of Touch.
If you feel like therapeutic touch and holding would be beneficial to you, let’s connect.
What is the difference between Cuddle Therapy and Somatic Touch Therapy?
These are two names for a therapeutic modality that uses touch, holding, presence, attention and care. Some people prefer the name Cuddle Therapy, others prefer to use Somatic Touch Thearapy.
On this page
Scroll down for…
- Testimonials
- Who I work with
- How does Cuddle Therapy work?
- How much does Cuddle Therapy cost?
- Embrace Connections in the Media!
- Code of Conduct
Testimonials
Who I work with
All different kinds of people seek Cuddle Therapy/Somatic Touch Therapy for many reasons. Here are some examples of past Embrace Connections clients:
- People experiencing loneliness
- who want a certain type of touch and intimacy they don’t have access to in their personal lives
- who are going through a life transition (ending a relationship, moving city, living in a foreign country, etc)
- People who want physical intimacy without the complexity of a relationship
- All genders and sexualities are welcome
- All relationship structures are welcome: people who are single, married, in partnership, in complicated dynamics, non-monogamous/poly, etc.
- The majority of past clients have been Straight women, Gay men (closted or not) and Queer folk. However, we do not discriminate!
- Physically disabled people
- who do not receive much caring touch
- who sometimes receive medicalized touch only
- Neurospicy individuals
- who want to learn, practice and enjoy the physical and social dynamics of touch and intimacy
- People recovering from of trauma, abuse or difficult experiences
- who want to work with touch in a safe environment
- who want to rewrite their stories around touch and men
- who want to overcome unhelpful physiological responses
- Religious people
- who do not get their touch needs met in their church community
- who feel alienated by their community’s views on touch and intimacy
- Carers
- who are constantly giving caring touch, and want to relax and receive it for a while instead
If you resonate with any of these groups, send me a message and see if Somatic Touch Therapy or Cuddle Therapy are right for you. If you have other needs that aren’t represented on this list, get in touch! I would love to see if I can support you.
I am delighted to work with all people without prejudice. This includes people of any ethnicity, cultural background, class, age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, relationship structure, body type, physical ability, neurodiversity etc.
I am sex-positive, a queer ally, poly-informed, and kink-informed.
How does Cuddle Therapy work?
Humans are social creatures. We require a foundation of safety and comfort. The feeling of safety with another human allows your system to regulate and your body to heal.
Every client has different needs and desires. Together, we consensually craft just the right supportive experience that is needed. Sessions last beween 1 and 4 hours. We can meet in the Embrace studio space in Fishponds, Bristol, at your home or at another venue.
What happens during a session?
Every client has different needs and desires for their cuddle session. We begin with a moment to arrive together and settle. We discuss the rules and expectations for the session, including consent and communication tools. Then, when the client is ready and willing, we begin some relational activities. These can include:
- Sharing space
- Hand holding
- Eye gazing
- Sitting next to eachother
- Hugging
- Cuddling in various positions
- Holding and being held
- Gentle touch, stroking
- Simple massage
- Co-created movement
- Dance
- Role Play and Scenarios
- Games
- …and more!
- Some people know exactly what they want. Others are less sure, and so I suggest some options to try.
- Some like to switch things up frequently. Others prefer to go slow and remain on one thing for longer.
- Some people are chatty. Others prefer silence.
- Some people like to have conversation about various topics. Others prefer to stay focussed on the dynamic in the room.
- Some people need very frequent checkins. Others prefer less frequent checking in.
At the end of the day, it is your session. It is a platonic and consensual exploration of your needs and desires. The most important thing is how you feel. Together, we can figure out exactly what you want to do!
Cuddle Therapy/Somatic Touch Therapy is adapted to your individual needs
How much does Cuddle Therapy cost?
The standard prices are:
- 1 hour session: £75
- 1.5 hours: £110
- 2 hours: £140
- Additional 30 minutes: £30
Concession pricing is available for all sessions. Please contact me if price is a barrier. Payment must be made before the session starts by BACS, PayPal, crypto or cash.
As seen in the media!
Embrace Cuddle Therapy
I am a certified Cuddle Therapist with Cuddle Professionals International based in Bristol, UK. https://www.cuddle-professionals.co.uk/.
I am strong, and gentle; passionate but calm; caring and accommodating. I am intuitive and communicative. I will strive to understand your needs, so I can give you the support you want, in the way you want it.
I hold a calm, empathetic and warm space. I will work with you to create the perfect environment for you.
Code of Conduct
In order to ensure safety and comfort during a somatic touch/cuddle session, we must both agree to the following:
- All clients must be 18 years or older.
- Alcohol or other intoxicants must not be consumed before the session.
- Somatic Touch/Cuddle sessions are not sexual. All touching, both given and received, will be professional and non-sexual.
- Both parties will practice consent and respect personal boundaries at all times.
- Both parties will remain clothed, and will keep their hands outside the clothes at all times.
- Cleanliness and adequate hygiene is required by both parties. This specifically includes showering, teeth brushing, wearing clean clothes and no strong scents worn.
- Both parties will communicate if they feel emotionally or physically uncomfortable or concerned at any time during the session.
- The client can end the session at any time.
- Somatic Touch/Cuddle Therapy is not a substitute for proper medical consultation for physical, mental and psychological illnesses and may not be suitable for everyone.
- Somatic Touch/Cuddle Therapy is not advised for people suffering from major psychiatric disorders.
- Client Data is stored in compliance with GDPR and ICO requirements.
- No specific information regarding the client will ever be shared with another party unless the client gives written permission to use personal information. This includes information shared during a meeting, session, over email, text, phone conversation, etc.
- Photographs and videos will not be taken during the session unless explicitly agreed in writing.
- Any pictures or video recordings, and their intended purpose, must be discussed and agreed upon in writing before a session begins. They may not be used for purposes outside of the written agreement.
- Payment for each session is required prior to the start of a session using BACS, PayPal or cash.
- There is a 24 hour cancellation policy. An appointment canceled within 24 hours will be non-refundable.
- Should the therapist interpret the client’s actions as inappropriate, unprofessional or a risk to their safety, they reserve the right to terminate the session immediately with no warning or refund given.
- The therapist reserves the right to refuse service to anyone.
- The therapist will not be held responsible for any property loss that may occur, or for any injuries that may result from a session.