Hello dear friend. Thank you for being here. Before we begin, I have a question for you... Before your client or charge walks into your space, do you ask yourself first, how am I? Before you answer with the automatic “I’m fine, thanks” response, I mean: how are you, really? Where is your breath? Are your shoulders somewhere near your ears? Is your jaw tight? Are you rushing because the last appointment ran over? Are you still carrying a difficult conversation from earlier in

Gentle technique is not the same as safe touch. A slow hand can still arrive too soon. A soft hold can still be a surprise. A well-meant hug can still land on a nervous system that has not been asked, has not been given time, and does not yet believe it can receive. Safe touch is built before contact. It lives in consent, boundaries, predictability, presence, voice, pacing, and the client’s real ability to change their mind. The technique comes after that container is already

Exploring trauma-informed, multi-sensory skincare for the wonderful people who support, treat or care for others. Thank you so much for being here. If you’re reading these words, then chances are you are one such beautiful person. Know I am sending you my gratitude and many blessings. Allowing care to come home… Throughout this year's Pro-Touch Awareness Month, we have been talking about connection, regulation, cues of safety and the importance of what we ourselves bring into

Your nervous system is older than your opinions about massage and touch therapy. Long before you decide whether a treatment is “nice,” your body is asking a quieter question: Am I safe enough to soften? That question is answered through cues. Not one cue. Many. Voice, face, pace, sound, room, warmth, the way touch arrives, a scent you already know, a ritual that repeats, music that holds a rhythm. Your body is always sampling the room Safety is not an idea you talk yourself i

Claire Mendelsohn, Founder Cuddle Professionals International I’m Claire, Co-Director of Face The World, CIC, and I’m delighted to have been asked by Liz at Face The World to host this October’s Pro-Touch Awareness Month while she works hard behind the scenes on our exciting new pilot project. For as long as I can remember I have believed that human beings are not meant to live without safe contact. We are social animals. Our nervous systems settle when we are held with care.

Have you ever felt a deep longing for human touch, a craving that goes beyond a simple hug or handshake? That feeling is often called skin hunger or touch starvation. It’s a real, physical, and emotional need that many of us experience, especially in times of isolation or stress. Over the years, I’ve discovered how powerful touch can be in healing and connecting us to ourselves and others. That’s why I’m excited to share insights about skin hunger therapy courses and how they

Starting a career as a cuddle therapist in the UK is an exciting journey filled with warmth, connection, and the chance to make a real difference in people's lives. If you’ve ever thought about turning your natural empathy and love for human connection into a profession, cuddle therapy might be the perfect fit. In this post, I’ll walk you through what it takes to build a fulfilling career in this unique field, share practical tips, and help you understand the opportunities th

Have you ever felt a deep longing for touch, a craving that goes beyond just a hug or a handshake? That feeling is often called skin hunger - the natural human need for physical contact. In recent years, this need has gained attention in the wellness and therapy world, leading to the development of skin hunger therapy techniques. These techniques aim to help people reconnect with their bodies and emotions through safe, nurturing touch. Today, I want to share what I’ve learned

When I first heard about cuddle therapy, I was curious but a little sceptical. How could something as simple as cuddling be a form of therapy? But as I explored more, I realised it’s a powerful way to connect, heal, and bring comfort. Now, with the rise of remote learning, you can even train to become a professional cuddler from the comfort of your own home. Let me share with you the many advantages of a remote cuddle training program and why it might be the perfect path for

When I first heard about professional cuddling, I was curious and a little surprised. The idea of offering comfort and connection through touch, in a safe and respectful way, felt both simple and profound. Over time, I discovered an amazing organisation that supports this unique profession: Cuddle Professionals International. Today, I want to share with you what this organisation is all about, why professional cuddling matters, and how you can get involved or benefit from it.