Professional name: Elizabeth Lock , Founder of Your Cuddle Therapy.

Title or occupation: Massage Therapist, Reiki Master and Professional Cuddle Therapist.

A fun fact or a quote: "Don't let anyone dull your sparkle" and "What's meant for you won't go past you"​​​

How has your career benefited from being a CPI member?  I enjoy being part of a professional organisation through which I have been able to spread awareness and educate others about Cuddle Therapy through numerous interviews involving TV, radio and articles which help to give insight and credibility to what is such an essential and highly beneficial practice for so many different cultures and nationalities.

Any tips or advice for new members?  Be very clear in your communication and boundaries to avoid misunderstandings occurring. Take the time to explain what the session entails and understand that it takes time to grow a business, and that every client will have different needs and requirements.  For example with mobility, so be prepared to be flexible when needed to make others feel more comfortable.

If you could collaborate with anyone, who would it be and why?  There are numerous people and organisations that it would be wonderful to work with, so limiting myself to just one is difficult. The important aspect is to spread awareness of this beautiful therapy in as many ways as possible and to make everyone feel inclusive, as every life matters and is equally important.

Who is someone who's made a big impact on your life? Why?  There are two people; my mother and my best friend.  Both have taught me the true meaning of going after your dreams, and have taught me what unconditional love really means. They have been at my side constantly through the good times as well as the bad, and have never stopped supporting or believing in me. My success is partly due to their unwavering love and support, which helped me to chase after my dreams and believe anything is possible.

What's a project you're working on right now? Why is it meaningful to you?  I am constantly working on different projects with different clients as everyone is different, and therefore require different ways of connecting. Some just like to talk, some like me to provide self esteem exercises to build their confidence, others like to explore different elements of touch in a non-sexual and consentful way.  Others just want to be held to feel safe, heard and loved to give that sense of internal validation we all need. My work is very much tailor-made to each individual client depending on their needs and requirements.

How do you define success?  To me it's always been to make a difference.  We live in a world that is currently hurting in so many ways and if you have the opportunity to make a difference, even to just one person, then it makes the journey all that more worthwhile. Success for some may be focused financially, and yet what good is doing a job that does not emotionally fulfil you? For me inner conviction will always prioritise over financial gains. Helping others to feel more confident, less lonely, happy and empowered are some of the many reasons I love this work and find it so invaluable. 

What is the biggest career challenge you've had to overcome?  Understanding that you can only help to make a difference if the other person is ready and willing to not only accept help, but to put in the necessary work to start changing their life. In addition to this educating others as to what the work actually involves can be challenging, as some may have preconceived ideas which are not always accurate!

What has been your biggest professional achievement?  Helping victims of sexual trauma to open up and feel safe, heard and understood. I have also worked with clients who came to me initially feeling completely isolated from society, and some were even suicidal. Now they have gone on to have families of their own and have thriving careers. They now know the difference between really living and merely surviving. I cannot tell you how happy it makes me to witness this first-hand. Love is the most powerful force for healing, and through sharing it and working from the heart you can change lives and make this society a better place to live in. We all deserve to feel loved and cared for, but sadly this isn't always possible for everyone. Hence the increased need for this work.  

Future goals and aspirations for your career? I would like to write a book about the importance of touch, and maybe organise some cuddle parties and additional workshops to help facilitate others to meet, learn and connect as a form of mutual support.  Together we are stronger and can achieve anything our heart wants if we truly desire it!