Cuddle Therapy FAQ: Your Questions Answered
Cuddle Therapy FAQ: Everything You Want to Ask
Professional cuddle therapy is a fully clothed, entirely non-sexual, boundaried service that uses safe, nurturing touch to reduce stress and ease the effects of touch deprivation. Sessions in Archway, North London (N19) run for 60 minutes (£70) or 90 minutes (£100), always fully clothed, and are delivered by a Cuddle Professionals International (CPI) certified practitioner insured by Westminster Insurance. The practice welcomes everyone, with particular expertise supporting LGBTQ+ clients. Touch deprivation — often called "skin hunger" — is increasingly recognised in research (Field, Touch Research Institute; Durkin et al., 2021) as a genuine driver of stress, anxiety and low mood, and structured non-sexual touch is one evidence-based way to address it.
Below are clear answers to the questions people ask most often before booking.
Is cuddle therapy sexual?
No — it is 100% platonic and professional.
Cuddle therapy is entirely non-sexual. All touch is appropriate, boundaried, and comparable to the comforting contact you might share with a close family member. Clear professional boundaries are maintained at all times, and any sexual behaviour results in immediate termination of the session. This aligns with the professional code of conduct set out by Cuddle Professionals International (CPI), the body that certifies practitioners in this field.
What should I wear to a cuddle therapy session?
Comfortable, loose, fully covering clothing.
Wear comfortable indoor clothing or pyjamas — nothing revealing or form-fitting. All clothing stays on throughout the entire session. Please arrive clean and freshly showered, and keep strong scents to a minimum so the environment stays comfortable for both people.
What happens if I feel aroused during a session?
It is a normal physiological response, and it is handled professionally.
Automatic nervous-system responses can occasionally happen and are nothing to be embarrassed about. If it occurs, we simply adjust position or take a short break. What matters is that no sexual behaviour takes place. In practice, the calm, boundaried setting means most people feel relaxed and safe rather than aroused.
How long are cuddle therapy sessions and what do they cost?
60 or 90 minutes, and the session can be tailored to you.
| Session length | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 60 minutes | £70 | First-time sessions and regular maintenance |
| 90 minutes | £100 | Deeper relaxation and addressing significant touch deprivation |
What if I feel uncomfortable at any point?
You can stop or adjust anytime.
You are free to pause, change position, or end the session at any moment. Communication about comfort is actively encouraged throughout, and your boundaries are always respected. Consent is ongoing and can be withdrawn at any time.
Do I have to talk during the session?
No — silence is completely welcome.
Some people like to chat; others prefer quiet. Both are entirely fine. There is no pressure to fill the silence — some of the most restorative sessions happen in calm stillness.
How is cuddle therapy different from massage?
They are different but complementary. Here is how they compare:
| Feature | Cuddle Therapy | Massage |
|---|---|---|
| Main focus | Holding, presence, emotional connection | Manipulation of muscles and soft tissue |
| Clothing | Fully clothed throughout | Often partially unclothed |
| Oils/products | None | Frequently used |
| Primary benefit | Comfort, safety, relief from touch deprivation | Physical tension and muscle relief |
Both can be genuinely beneficial — they simply serve different purposes, and many people find value in each.
Who uses cuddle therapy?
Anyone experiencing touch deprivation.
Clients commonly include:
- People living alone
- Those who have lost a partner
- Individuals recovering from trauma
- People experiencing anxiety or depression
- Those who find intimacy difficult
- Anyone who wants safe, nurturing, non-sexual touch
Touch deprivation is widespread: research during and after the COVID-19 period (Durkin et al., 2021; von Mohr et al., 2021) found that reduced affectionate touch was linked to higher anxiety and loneliness, which is one reason demand for professional touch services has grown.
What positions might we use?
A range of positions, always based on your comfort.
Common options include:
- Sitting side by side
- Back to back (a good starting point for beginners)
- Spooning (either the larger or smaller spoon)
- Head resting on a lap or shoulder
- Hand holding
- Feet on the lap with a foot rub
You choose what feels right, and nothing happens without your agreement.
Is cuddle therapy safe?
Yes — multiple safety measures are in place.
| Safeguard | What it means for you |
|---|---|
| CPI certification | Practitioner trained to Cuddle Professionals International standards |
| Full insurance | Covered by Westminster Insurance |
| Clear code of conduct | Defined, non-sexual professional boundaries |
| Ongoing consent | You can pause, adjust or stop at any time |
| Confidentiality | Your privacy is protected |
| Right to refuse | Either party may decline or end a session |
What are the practitioner's qualifications?
Extensively trained, certified and insured.
- CPI Certified Professional Cuddler
- Master's Degree in Psychology
- Certified in CBT, Hypnotherapy, Existential Well-being Counselling, and Positive Psychology Coaching
- Member of the Complementary Medical Association (CMA)
- Fully insured by Westminster Insurance
Where are sessions held?
In Archway, N19, North London.
Sessions take place in a comfortable, private therapy space that is clean, calming, and set up specifically for therapeutic touch.
How do I book a cuddle therapy session?
Through the contact form or by email.
You can get in touch via the contact form on this website or by email. We will always have an initial conversation first to make sure cuddle therapy is right for you and to answer any questions before booking.
Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, with at least 24 hours' notice.
Cancellations or rescheduling requests need to be made at least 24 hours before your appointment. Late cancellations or no-shows forfeit the session fee.
Is there anyone who should not book?
Some situations call for a conversation first.
Cuddle therapy may not be appropriate if you:
- Are under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Have certain untreated mental health conditions (let's discuss first)
- Are seeking sexual services
- Have a contagious illness
We can talk through any concerns during our initial conversation, and everyone is welcome to ask questions before deciding.
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