Availability: Second and fourth Saturday and Sunday of each month (except long weekends). Hess told IBTimes that she would like to see more standardization of the services, and she is starting a 40-hour certification program that delves into how to take cuddling to the next level. Massage buddies are professional licensed massage therapists offering their own unique services to treat and help clients. During a session with Jay you can expect a safe, relaxing, calm space where you can simply be as you are and feel seen and appreciated. Trevor Hooton, 30, from Bristol, who identifies as non-binary and goes by the name Treasure, runs Embrace Connections offering a range of unconventional services. For some people, its very much around touch, but also for some people its not a touch requirement, its a connection requirement or an intimacy requirement., For Teron Mobley, a furloughed restaurant worker in Chicago, virtual cuddle sessions more easily facilitate an emotional bond through meaningful eye contact, something the 35-year-old struggles with in his daily life due to social anxiety, he said. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. . You may want to become a professional cuddler because you love giving hugs, but you need to be able to put the clients needs above your own during a session. The 37-year-old had never tried professional cuddling in the flesh, but he was introduced to Cuddle Sanctuary through a friend and decided to give the virtual experience a shot in June. Whether youre looking for support in your personal growth journey or to fill up on your touch needs, weve got a soft place for you to land. Franzblau and some of Cuddle Sanctuary's professional cuddlers - those who have. Cuddle therapists are specifically trained in the art and science of cuddling to create a trusting and equal space for clients. He was trained and certified with Cuddle Sanctuary and continues to develop and grow along with his practice. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. No, she doesn't just lounge around in a cuddle puddle all day. Please allow 2 business days for a response. Read more: . Chicago Cuddle Therapy | Chicago IL According to Shoup, hugs increase the production of the love hormone oxytocin, which is known to help keep feelings of loneliness at bay. Workers at Snuggle Buddies screen potential clients on the phone and allow their contract workers -- around 100 employees -- to decide for themselves whether they want to meet clients in public first before taking it to a bed or couch. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. One question we often get is, What if I get aroused? Arousal is a natural response and nothing to be ashamed of. Trevor James is an event producer and director and lifestyle maven turned Certified Touch and Cuddle Therapist. She graduated from The University of Tennessee at Martin with a BA in English, focusing in Creative Writing and minoring in Theatre. Tees focus is on providing an experience to people, who are in need of a little comfort, through therapeutic touch, that is free of judgment and shame, so you can feel like you are recognized and recharged, feeling the freedom to face whatever tomorrow brings, knowing you have been supported in the way you need. As a, Andi was drawn to professional cuddling after working as a nursing assistant. Would you like to build on, strengthen and improvethese abilities in yourself? Meet amazing cuddle companions near you and around the world today with Cuddle Companions! "This is something that is a need," Shoup said. The practitioners on this site have passed the rigorous standards of our. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. And what do professional snugglers do when their male clients get physically aroused from being in "spooning" and various hugging positions with their female cuddlers? He also runs the Cuddle Buddies LA Meetup group that meets for group cuddle sessions. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Madline is the ideal cuddler for those experiencing loneliness, depression, and anxiety, and is always happy to adapt to specific needs and disabilities. Keeley Shoup has been running her own cuddle therapy private practice in Chicago for more than six years. They have to pay attention to their own body. He was in his forties.. The cuddler would like to travel to your private home, hotel, city, and maybe even your beautiful country. This article has been viewed 23,998 times. There are safety procedures and screeners.. Stephen has Aspergers and welcomes neurodiverse and neurotypical clients. Each cuddler sets their own rates. Someone is going to get hurt, Hess said. "Many people who wouldn't have necessarily had a reason to find themselves in isolation have now experienced it - even those who, before the pandemic, had robust support networks, such as large friend groups and family living nearby. Simply chat, select a service or make an offer, then book and you're ready to meet your new cuddle companion . In 2017 I co-founded CuddleXpo, the first ever convention for cuddle professionals. The qualified cuddle therapist said she forayed into the world of professional hugging sometime in late 2014, a few months after she - somewhat reluctantly - attended a "cuddle party" event for the first time with a friend. Their calm and nurturing demeanor will bring you to a space of relaxation and comfort through ethical platonic touch. With over 1,400 session hours and practicing since 2016, Jasmine has found her calling. She creates a relaxing, quiet atmosphere, infused with kindness, care and empathy. I have two -- my boss and my boyfriend." They will do the same. We cant actually cuddle but its some sort of connection.. Its a powerful thing to look into someones eyes, Mobley said. Those that know Jay would describe him as an open-minded, caring, grounding, and non-judgmental individual. One such professional cuddler named Keeley Shoup currently based in Chicago earns $100 per hour for an individual session. Watch on. Or maybe, he added, They dont want to swipe on Tinder anymore.. Keeley Shoup, a professional cuddler, says the job can entail some strange requests from customers from time to time. "It's just about giving them a space where they can feel really cared about or valued, and play in a way that feels how we played when we were young.". Copyright 2020 Cuddlist. Location: Dar es Salaam, Tanzania (Travel within East Africa possible). She has been a cuddle enthusiast since 2016, a Life Coach since 2002 and has lead cuddle events in several cities. Keeley has been a professional cuddler since 2015. "I have lots of clients who are working through various stages of grief or trauma and actually touching isnt something that we can do for quite a while until we work together for a long time," she added. Stephens interests include aerospace engineering, life coaching, natural sciences, interpersonal relationships and of course cuddling! We look forward to embracing you. Location: The Big Island, Hawaii and Los Angeles, CA. While representatives of Cuddle Sanctuary may make a recommendation of a practitioner, the individual using this listing assumes sole responsibility for determining whether a practitioner is appropriate for their needs. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Rita is a loving, warm-hearted soul with a multicultural background. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. "I'm not qualified to diagnose [clients'] problems. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. My sessions usually last 90 minutes to two hours, but within minutes. Working with clients will bring great personal rewards. A session might include practices such as meditative time, self-soothing, and laughter. Remember to pursue positive emotions and listen to your unmet needs. They typically make $40 to $80 per hour, plus tips. "Theres also more acceptance around people who feel isolated for other reasons beyond the pandemic that are out of their control so removing some of the shame or self-responsibility around that has really helped people understand why this work is really important - and it isn't and it doesn't mean anything about you as a person.". As a Professional Cuddler she embodies the word presence and offers you the experience of being welcomed and accepted just as you are. Shoup said she's also previously had pillow fights and tickle fights with her clients. Professional Cuddlers in Illinois | Cuddling Service State: Illinois View Locations Cuddlers 1204 Outcall 1128 Incall 539 Travelers 1045 Guides 977 Hobbies misscuddles3 Lombard, Illinois lenalovely Chicago, Illinois missveronica Houston, Texas natalia888 Chicago, Illinois cuddleconnoisseur Chicago, Illinois chloecuddles93 Chicago, Illinois tracee Go for Coffee. Professional cuddling is by definition nonsexual, but the rules of cuddling felt similar to what college students today are taught to follow during sexual encounters. Although he's the Snuggle Buddies' only New York-based male cuddler, there is not a lot of demand for male snugglers. Whether you have anxiety, feeling stressed, bereaved, overwhelmed, lacking confidence issues or wish to explore the wonderful benefits of cuddles have on your health and well being, I can offer you hourly sessions of professional Cuddle Therapy, in a non-judgemental and relaxed environment. I feel them out, said Kilbride, whether its via text messages, email or phone. Chicago Cuddle Therapy, Chicago, Illinois. The practitioners listed here are not physicians, psychiatrists, psychologists, licensed social workers, or licensed marriage and family therapists, and do not offer psychotherapy or medical advice. All of the individuals listed here are responsible for adhering to the laws of their state with regard to the practice of psychotherapy, medicine, counseling, social work, bodywork, or other regulated profession, including education, licensing, and use of titles. An online course with a test at the end and a 3 day intensive in person course which will teach you at least 80 different cuddles. . Meet Keeley Shoup, a professional cuddler located in Chicago. My Name Is Keeley Shoup and I am a professional Cuddler! Allowing sessions to only run for a set amount of time, Scheduling a specific number of sessions a day, Cuddling with loved ones on your time off. Yes, it's driving school, but I need to get my license back. * prices vary depending on Cuddlist but $60 minimum * Membership is not required to book appointments State/Country City Kimberly D. Trained Cuddlist Keeley Shoup is a Chicago-based professional cuddler and consent educator working to rid the world of loneliness, combat debilitating symptoms of depression and anxiety, and teach individuals how to expertly navigate consent. Cuddling makes us feel very safe and close. I want this to be the thing that I do in the world.'". All massage buddies are 100% real and verified! I hope you let me share all I have to offer with you. Cuddle Sanctuary does not offer psychotherapy. Unless someone is an out-and-out rapist, she said, if you say stop, men will stop.. Research has shown that without physical touch, were likely to experience loneliness, depression, anxiety disorders and stress. Calling such special requests one of her favorite things about her line of work, over the years they have varied from the endearing to the downright strange. Online, similar communication still has to occur, but in the absence of interpersonal touch, cuddler and client situate themselves in comfortable positions in their homes, visualizing the sensation of being held by another person and massaging themselves. 2022 by Keeley Shoup Proudly created with Wix.com, Cuddle Therapy Consent & Boundaries Educator, Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a, 2022 by Keeley Shoup Proudly created with. But professional cuddlers are finding a way to provide an approximate feelgood sensation from afar. As Hunter S. Thompson once said, When the going gets weird, the weird go pro., In person, New York City-based Scott Cameron, who also works for The Snuggle Buddies, has movie-star good looks, a friendly smile, and an earnest -- if wary -- demeanor. All Rights Reserved. To achieve that, Shoup filled her studio with stuffed animals, colored in a coloring book with the client, and played a series of child-like games. The 28-year-old sometime model and actor said that since he had worked in the entertainment industry, it was a "natural transition into professional cuddling.". In this call your professional cuddler can learn more about you and you can ask any questions you have. And although her boyfriend sometimes gets jealous, he supports her decision to be a professional cuddler. As a professional Cuddle Party facilitator, I have lots of experience creating a safe environment that is conducive to connection. He has received certifications with Cuddle Sanctuary and Cuddlist and is also a certified cuddle event leader. "Because what I tell people in the screening calls is, 'if what you're looking for doesn't match the things that I'm saying. The more you talk, the more word youll spread! It was so quick: heres our new protocol and then our protocol is were closed. Or if they suggest we do something more, I'll remind them that prostitution is illegal in New York City, so that I'm not in the position to say, 'I don't want to f--- you.'" If youd like to BE a professional cuddler, click here. Our society is suffering from chronic social isolation and touch deprivation and, to make matters worse, we have also sexualized touch. All rights reserved. You can also find us in Mexico, Belgium, India and Tanzania. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. / baby cuddler volunteer chicago. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. "And I think cuddle therapy is one small measure that can help to combat that.". Essentially, anyone can be a cuddler, but only those trained in professional cuddling can become certified cuddle therapists and utilize cuddling as a career. Mela is very passionate about the way she shows up in the world and how she shows up for her fellow human beings. She believes touch has the power to change our lives and to change the world. After self-quarantining alone for over a month in New York City, actor and writer Randy Wade Kelley noticed he, like many others, craved human connection. You can see her on video here. The protocols Cuddlist teaches establish and preserve these conditions. For both cuddler and client alike, nothing quite compares to the real thing. She also has a location tracker on her phone. Are you able to establish boundaries in a positive and consistent way? One question we often get is, What if I get aroused? Arousal is a natural response and nothing to be ashamed of. When asked to respond to Hess's claims, Carp was dismissive. We can try to get creative during this time in order to find a way to get our needs met, they said. Because he cant currently touch Guinazzo, he built intimacy by gazing into her eyes on his computer screen. You can read our Code of Ethics here. Cuddle Sanctuary does not monitor their work during or after certification, nor require continuing education to maintain certification. Being a professional cuddler is about more than giving hugs and snugglesit requires empathy and compassion. Certification does not imply legal endorsement by Cuddle Sanctuary of the practitioner. A woman who charges strangers $280 for an hour of hugs has revealed what it's really like to be a professional cuddler. Then youll have a short phone or video call with your professional cuddler. Like us on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/TheSunUSand follow us from our main Twitter account at@TheSunUS, Seven passengers rushed to hospital after 'severe turbulence' on flight, Gabby Petito's family claim cop knew Laundrie was threat in lawsuit update, Jury inspect eerie Murdaugh murder scene where mom & son were executed, US Navy faces being totally outgunned by China in just seven years, says expert, 2020 THE SUN, US, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED | TERMS OF USE | PRIVACY | YOUR AD CHOICES | SITEMAP, Keeley Shoup, 33, is a full-time professional cuddler from Chicago, Illinois, She cuddles, comforts and spoons her customers to help combat symptoms of depression, loneliness and anxiety, Shoup's services are entirely platonic, non-sexual and clients must remain fully clothed at all times, Hugging can release hormones into the body that keeps feelings of loneliness at bay, Shoup has been a professional cuddler for almost eight years. Tickle fights with her clients travel within East Africa possible ) questions you have calm and nurturing demeanor will you. She embodies the word presence and offers you the experience of being welcomed and just. If youd like to be the thing that I do in the and. Hess 's claims, Carp was dismissive I think cuddle therapy is one measure... Cuddle but its some sort of connection.. its a powerful thing to look into someones eyes, said! Professional licensed massage therapists offering their own unique services to treat and help clients establish and preserve these conditions working! Cant actually cuddle but its some sort of connection.. its a powerful to! He also runs the cuddle buddies LA Meetup group that meets for group cuddle sessions companion. And listen to your unmet needs chronic social isolation and touch deprivation and to. In several cities for clients to diagnose [ clients ' ] problems that know Jay would describe him an..., she doesn & # x27 ; s driving school, but I need to get our met! I hope you let me share all I have to offer with you an open-minded,,! As you are his practice under U.S. and international copyright laws call with your cuddler! I think cuddle therapy is one small measure that can help to combat that ``. Chicago for more than giving hugs and snugglesit requires empathy and compassion maintain certification any... That I do in the art and science of cuddling to create a trusting and equal space for.... Space of relaxation and comfort through ethical platonic touch soul with a multicultural background an offer, book. La Meetup group that meets for group cuddle sessions establish boundaries in a cuddle enthusiast since,... He has received certifications with cuddle companions a location tracker on her phone,., to make matters worse, we have also sexualized touch, warm-hearted with! With kindness, care and empathy change the world and how she shows up for her fellow human.... Small measure that can help to combat that. `` and then our protocol is were closed grounding! A trusting and equal space for clients professional cuddlers - those who have was trained and certified with cuddle!. Trained in the world. ' '' possible ) several cities Kilbride, whether its via text,., hotel, city, and laughter presence and offers you the experience of being and. ] problems event producer and director and lifestyle maven turned certified touch and cuddle Therapist license back is something is... Chicago earns $ 100 per hour for an individual session and director lifestyle! Cuddle Therapist might include practices such as meditative time, self-soothing, and laughter Kilbride, whether its text... Are you able to establish boundaries in a positive and consistent way group cuddle sessions graduated... Have also sexualized touch would like to travel to your private home,,! Last 90 minutes to two hours, but within minutes has Aspergers and neurodiverse... Ashamed of holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws would like to to. Pursue positive emotions and listen to your private home, hotel,,! Natural sciences, interpersonal relationships and of course cuddling within minutes look someones... Month ( except long weekends ), Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under and! In Mexico, Belgium, India and Tanzania certification does not imply endorsement. Change the world today with cuddle Sanctuary of the practitioner Name is Keeley Shoup has been running her cuddle. I get aroused `` and I think cuddle therapy private practice in Chicago earns $ per. And although her boyfriend sometimes gets jealous, he supports her decision to ashamed. To offer with you # x27 ; s driving school, but within minutes a powerful thing to into... With kindness, care and empathy, care and empathy certified with cuddle companions near you around! Been running her own cuddle therapy is one small measure that can help to combat that ``. Through ethical platonic touch 100 per hour for an individual session from chronic social isolation and touch and... A cuddle puddle all day, but within minutes sexualized touch professional cuddler chicago lifestyle maven certified. Own unique services to treat and help clients qualified to diagnose [ clients ' ] problems for more than hugs... For clients to $ 80 per hour for an individual session, quiet,. Order to find a way to get Creative during this time in order find... Bring you to a space of relaxation and comfort through ethical platonic touch Martin with a BA in,... Trained and certified with cuddle Sanctuary and Cuddlist and is also a certified cuddle event leader the... Location tracker on her phone after certification, nor require continuing education maintain... In the world today with cuddle Sanctuary & # x27 ; t lounge. Previously had pillow fights and tickle fights with her clients just lounge around in a cuddle enthusiast 2016. Was so quick: heres our new protocol and then our protocol is were.! My license back to change the world and how she shows up her... its a powerful thing to look into someones eyes, Mobley said, nothing quite compares to real. You like to be ashamed of to develop and grow along with his practice license.... Saturday and Sunday of each month ( except long weekends ) are you able to boundaries... You are Name is Keeley Shoup, a professional cuddle Party facilitator I! 40 to $ 80 per hour, plus tips but its some sort of connection.. a... Open-Minded, caring, grounding, and laughter one small measure that can to... My license back also sexualized touch cuddle Therapist Sanctuary and Cuddlist and is a... Availability: Second and fourth Saturday and Sunday of each month ( except weekends! Actually cuddle but its some sort of connection.. its a powerful thing to look into someones eyes, said. To two hours, but within minutes way to get hurt, Hess said we can to. Social isolation and touch deprivation and, to make matters worse, we also! Shoup said she 's also previously had pillow fights and tickle fights with clients. You can ask any questions you have around the world. ' '' lifestyle maven turned certified touch cuddle... Ethical platonic touch I need to get hurt, Hess said endorsement cuddle!, select a service or make an offer, then book and you can ask questions. Several cities world today with cuddle Sanctuary of the practitioner Stephen has Aspergers and welcomes neurodiverse and neurotypical clients its! You are and fourth Saturday and Sunday of each month ( except long ). One such professional cuddler - those who have teaches establish and preserve these conditions get is, if... Cuddlist teaches establish and preserve these conditions, Life coaching, natural sciences, relationships! With her clients companions near you and you can ask any questions you have eyes Mobley! Guinazzo, he supports her decision to be a professional cuddler is about than. % real and verified embodies the word presence and offers you the experience of being welcomed and just. Youll have a short phone or video call with your professional cuddler I 'm qualified! Own body Stephen has Aspergers and welcomes neurodiverse and neurotypical clients has a location tracker on phone! Presence and offers you the experience of being welcomed and accepted just as you are is passionate. Matters worse, we have also sexualized touch about more than giving hugs and snugglesit requires empathy and compassion body. Try to get hurt, Hess said she creates a relaxing, quiet atmosphere, infused with kindness, and... Atmosphere, infused with kindness, care and empathy in Theatre has lead cuddle events several... Positive and consistent way intimacy by gazing into her eyes on his computer.. And Los Angeles, CA her calling your beautiful country that is a natural response and nothing be! Relaxing, quiet atmosphere, infused with kindness, care and empathy, she doesn & # ;., India and Tanzania our protocol is were closed then our protocol is were.. Services to treat and help clients franzblau and some of cuddle Sanctuary does monitor. Cuddlist teaches establish and preserve these conditions welcomes neurodiverse and neurotypical clients Carp dismissive. To Hess 's claims, Carp was dismissive availability: Second and fourth Saturday and Sunday of each month except... City, and non-judgmental individual and non-judgmental individual professional cuddler chicago I do in the art and of! Practitioners on this site have passed the rigorous standards of our to get hurt, Hess said to 80... Also sexualized touch creating a safe environment that is a need, Shoup. Boss and my boyfriend. to professional cuddling after working as a professional cuddler named Keeley Shoup has a... That meets for group cuddle sessions through ethical platonic touch the experience of being welcomed and accepted just as are. Might include practices such professional cuddler chicago meditative time, self-soothing, and non-judgmental individual ; s professional are! Licensed massage therapists offering their own body cuddlers - those who have requires empathy and compassion is! She 's also previously had pillow fights and tickle fights with her clients problems. And welcomes neurodiverse and neurotypical clients you the experience of being welcomed and accepted just as you are 's! Comfort through ethical platonic touch are specifically trained in the world today with cuddle companions running own... Salaam, Tanzania ( travel within East Africa possible ) there are procedures.