Your First Cuddle Therapy Session: What to Know and How to Prepare

Dream Weaver
Apr 28, 2025
2 min read

Updated: Sep 18, 2025

Cat and dog cuddling on green grass, showing affection. The cat rubs its head on the dog's face, creating a warm, joyful scene.

What is Cuddle Therapy?

Cuddle therapy is a professional service using non-sexual touch to foster connection, relaxation, and emotional support. Platonic touch is a powerful tool for reducing stress, increasing oxytocin (the "feel-good" hormone), and helping people feel seen, safe, and soothed. Sessions are fully clothed and guided by clear communication, respect, and mutual consent at every step. Cuddle therapy, like all forms of touch therapy, is about honoring your goals, boundaries, needs, and pace.

People seek cuddle therapy for a variety of reasons, including stress or pain relief, to feel physical touch and sensations, to connect with another person, or to ground and experience mindfulness and presence. Sessions are tailored to your unique goals and needs, and options for a session include incense or candles, a playlist, light conversation, and even focusing on experiencing specific sensations such as compression or light scratches.

What happens during a Cuddle Session?

There are four key parts to every cuddle session.

Intake & Consent Agreement

Each session begins with a brief check-in and consent agreement. We discuss several important parts of a successful cuddle session, including goals, boundaries, and accommodations.

Comfort & Connection

We co-create a safe space by honoring the Consent Agreement. We identify cuddle positions (such as side-by-side, back-to-back, or seated holds) and other forms of intentional touch that feels safe, comforting and supportive.

Your Pace, Your Choice

You are in control at all times. You can request changes, take breaks, or stop at any point.

Care & Check-In

The last part of the cuddle session ends with "aftercare," which includes tending to any needs such as a light snack or water, returning to a state you're comfortable with as you enter the outside world, and providing information on check-ins and scheduling another session. I will check-in with you via email within 48-hours of your session to see how you are following the session.

How can I prepare for a Cuddle Session?

Your first cuddle session is an opportunity to relax, connect, and be cared for in a safe and consensual space. There are a few things you can do to prepare for your session, whether it's your first of fiftieth.

Wear comfortable, modest clothing that feels good against your skin. Many people are most comfortable in cozy, loose fitting layers.
Take a few minutes to reflect on your intentions ahead of time. Consider if you're seeking comfort, grounding, emotional replenishment, connection with another person, or simply a calming presence?
Consider what boundaries you have and how you want to communicate them. You can always communicate boundaries that may be identified in a session. We will adjust to accommodate needs as they emerge.
Remember this is a connection-based experience and there is no need to "perform." Come as you are and only bring an open heart and willingness to honor your own needs. Give yourself permission to receive care, kindness, and connection at your own pace.