Why Cuddling?

I have always loved to hug people. I have been told that my hugs are particularly healing.  The first time I really saw the therapeutic value of cuddling came in 2002. I had been a therapeutic bodyworker for 5 years, and was doing a kind of bodywork that you do fully-clothed, on a futon on the floor.  About half-way through a session with a male client, I got the feeling that what he really needed was some cuddling.  I asked him if it would be alright if I cuddled him. I saw his body relax and his face soften just at the idea of it.  I gathered some pillows and propped him comfortably and cradled him. I hugged him and stroked his hair. For the next 30 minutes, I watched as he relaxed more and more.  

Near the end of the session, he told me that his parents had not been very physically affectionate, and that he had never learned how to be either.  He and his wife had recently had a baby, and he and been struggling with connecting with his wife and new daughter.    We continued to work together for another month with weekly cuddling sessions. Even though we were about the same age, I coined the work "Mom Therapy."  At the end of our professional relationship, he invited me to dinner at his home to meet his wife and daughter.  He and his wife both said that our work together had strengthened their relationship and brought them closer. It brought such joy to my heart to know that I could impart this kind of healing. I truly saw the value of this kind of non-sexual, healing touch. 

Since telling friends in Tucson that I wish to be a professional cuddler, they have unanimously agreed that this is a path I should take. So I am now offering cuddling sessions as part of my treatments.

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Hug O' War

I will not play at tug o' war,
I'd rather play at hug o' war,
Where everyone hugs
Instead of tugs
Where everyone giggles
And rolls on the rug,
Where everyone kisses
And everyone grins
And everyone cuddles
And everyone wins.

~Shel Silverstein