What’s that job? Entry 1: Professional Cuddler
A professional cuddler is someone who provides a platonic, therapeutic touch to clients for a fee. They provide a safe and comfortable space for individuals to experience the benefits of physical affection, which includes reduced stress, anxiety, and loneliness. They are trained to establish boundaries and prioritize consent, ensuring a positive and respectful experience for both them and their clients.
From what I found, this profession evolved from Cuddle parties hosted by Reid Mihalko and Marcia Baczynski in New York in 2004.
There is a code of conduct involving Professional Cuddlers, but I will reference the one listed on cuddlist.com
1. Client and Practitioner both verify that they are at least the legal age of consent in their location.
2. Client and Practitioner both agree to be free from any mind-altering substances during the sessions and are thereby fully able to give consent.
3. Client agrees to fully disclose any diagnoses or conditions that may affect their cuddling session to the Practitioner.
4. Client and Practitioner both agree to practice consent and attention to personal boundaries at all times.
5. Client and Practitioner will communicate to find what is mutually comfortable throughout each cuddling session. This applies to all communication before and after sessions as well.
6. This is a strictly platonic service. Client and Practitioner both agree to not pursue or encourage sexual arousal. Also:
7. Client and Practitioner both agree to respectful personal hygiene.
8. Client confidentiality is to be respected at all times.
9. Either Client or Practitioner may end the session at any time.
Now, this job sounds easy, but you will be actively participating in the session. You need to consider age, gender, and race. It can be anyone you are cuddling with; your gender, older or younger, or another race, and you cannot discriminate against any of these demographics. But you can say no if you are uncomfortable with how the client is treating you. It's very common for cuddlers to say no in this industry if clients have a hard time respecting boundaries.
Some companies require you to get certified in Cuddling, and others require employees to read the Cuddle Sutra as part of training. This book explores Platonic Cuddling and its variations, featuring over 50 positions.
Surprisingly, Cuddling is considered a form of therapy and has been more widely accepted since 2012. You know, touch is a form of therapy depending on the need. When we cuddle, oxytocin is released in our bodies. Now, oxytocin is a chemical that helps increase positivity or happiness and improves our mental state. Research has shown that couples who snuggle in their sleep tend to feel happier in their relationship. And when this source is stopped due to disability, sickness, separation, or divorce, individuals become susceptible to depression and disease.
Now, how much does a professional cuddler make?
From what I have found, the pricing ranges from $34/hr to $150/hr. It depends on your region, city, and whether you work for a company or you're an independent contractor.
More information on oxytocin:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/22618-oxytocin
Some studies:
*Hugs and Cortisol Awakening Response the Next Day: An Ecological Momentary Assessment Study*
Authors: Chelsea E Romney, Amber Carmen Arroyo , Theodore F Robles , Matthew J Zawadzki https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10094596/
*The Effects of Cuddling on Relational Quality for Married Couples: A Longitudinal Investigation*
Authors: Lisa J. Van Raalte, Kory Floyd, Paul A. Mongeau https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10570314.2019.1667021?scroll=top&needAccess=true
Resources:
https://www.cuddlecareer.com/blog/beacuddler https://cuddlist.com/code-of-conduct https://www.ranker.com/list/what-are-professional-cuddlers/carlycarano https://intermountainhealthcare.org/blogs/cuddle-and-hug-your-way-to-better-health https://www.ox.ac.uk/research/hugabrit-science-hugs-and-why-they-mostly-feel-so-good
