Frequently Asked Questions
What is cuddle therapy?
Cuddle therapy is a recognised holistic touch practice that focusses on the therapeutic benefits of platonic physical touch. Little Spoon Hugs offers a safe and controlled environment for clients to experience gentle, non-sexual connection. This service involves activities like holding hands, hugging, or simply sharing space, with a focus on building trust and fostering emotional wellbeing.
The minimum age requirement for sessions is 18 years old.
Please note cuddle therapy is a fully clothed non-sexual service. It is a powerful, natural, complementary form of self-care. However, it is not a counselling service and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
What does a cuddle session involve?
Sometimes you need to recharge in order to charge forward, please take the cuddle session as your personal ‘me time.’ A Little Spoon Hug aims to be a caring and comforting experience, fully guided and led by your preferences and consent.
After a brief conversation establishing boundaries and your intention for the session, we will practice some breathing and grounding exercises to help you feel comfortable and relaxed. Therapy can then comprise holding hands, eye gazing, talking or quiet contemplation, sharing hugs, spooning, playing with hair, or exploring various cuddling positions to find your favourite. It is very much up to you to decide what would you like - snuggling up, laughing, crying, enjoying inner stillness in each other’s company, all is welcome.
Who is cuddle therapy for?
Everyone can benefit from cuddle therapy. Clients seeking healing touch and human connection in a safe and comfortable space can include a single person who lives alone, someone who lives far away from friends and family, someone experiencing stress and anxiety with no one to turn to, someone who has lost their partner, someone whose career does not allow time for relationships, or simply someone who does not get enough affection in life. Everyone over the age of 18 is welcome.
What are the benefits of cuddling?
When we cuddle, our body releases hormones like oxytocin that promote good feelings, so we are less likely to react to stress. Oxytocin also has a calming effect, helping you feel more relaxed and setting you up for a good night’s sleep.
Physical touch, such as a warm embrace or soft touch on your arm can keep your heart rate lower in response to stress and stimulate activity in the part of our brain connected to compassion and reward.
Touch is a literal love language and strengthens bonds with people around us, helping us to feel better, more connected and in sync.
Cuddle therapy allows you to be your authentic self, its benefits can include:
Better sleep health and deeper sleep
Improved mental health
Dopamine release
Boosted immunity response and bolstered immune system
Lowered blood pressure and heart rate
Calm muscles
Anxiety and stress relief
Reduced pain levels
Increased healing rates
Increased self-esteem and self-worth
Feelings of calm and connectedness
Increased awareness of touch
Practice of consent and boundaries
Building trust
Verbalising wants and needs, saying “yes” or “no” without feeling guilt, shame or embarrassment. To say “yes” or “no” to touch means that you listen to your body and treat yourself with love, care and respect.
Where do sessions take place?
We can arrange a session in the comfort of a dedicated therapy space in central Hove, East Sussex. The therapy rooms are easily accessible via public transport, and paid on-street parking is also available. (Please note rooms are based on the first floor with stair access).
Cuddle companionship can take place in a public venue of your choice, a coffee shop/cafe or local park for example. A mutually convenient location will be discussed at the time of booking.
What should I wear in a session?
Please arrive to your cuddle session in loose and comfortable clothing, such as joggers and a t-shirt or comfy sweats. Activewear or pyjamas are suitable however, shorts and a vest top are not. Both parties will remain fully clothed throughout the session.
Maintaining good personal hygiene is essential, please shower and brush your teeth before the session. Clothes worn for the session should be freshly laundered, and perfume/aftershave, scented body lotions kept to a minimum.
Is it really platonic?
Cuddle therapy sessions are completely platonic, non-romantic and non-sexual. Focus and intention is for healing and inner reconnection, think of the nurturing relationship between a parent and child. Clothing is worn for the entirety of the session with no touching allowed over the erogenous zones (buttocks, breasts and genitals).
What if I become aroused or start to feel uncomfortable?
Becoming aroused is a completely natural response to receiving touch or being in close contact with someone. This is not a problem so please do not worry about it or feel embarrassed. We will simply adjust and change positioning so that it doesn’t take away focus from the session.
It is very important to always communicate if you have any concerns at any point prior to, during or after the session. We can change positions as often as you wish so that both parties feel safe and comfortable throughout the session.
Is this service confidential?
Your privacy is extremely important to me, and an element of trust is essential at all times before, during and after the session. Personal information stays strictly confidential to ensure safe practice, including any conversations we may have during the session and data shared on consultation forms.
What form of payment do you accept?
Sessions are priced according to length. In order to book a therapy room, I require a 50% deposit. Final payment must be made in advance of your session via bank transfer, details of which will be sent to you when booking.
There is a 24-hour cancellation policy in place. If for any reason you need to cancel, please do so more than 24 hours prior to the session to avoid charges.
How do I book a session?
Please use the contact form to book a session, and I will get back to you shortly. Let me know a date, time and session length that works for you, and I will be in touch to arrange a free informal consultation via video call.
Approaching strangers can sometimes be challenging, especially if the conversation is going to be about something as personal as cuddling. Please don't worry, I will try to answer any questions that you might have prior to a session, which can also be a great icebreaker in relieving any inhibitions and deciding if the service is right for you.
I look forward to embracing you.
Do you sell gift vouchers?
Give the gift of a Little Spoon Hug with our gift vouchers. The perfect treat for someone who deserves a little ‘me time.’ A beautiful and unique gift for a friend or loved one who may be feeling the absence of some tender touch and kind-heartedness, show them that you care.
Denominations to suit your budget and the amount you wish to spend, alternatively if you have a particular offering in mind this can also be gifted. Please use the contact form to send me a message and I will be in touch.
