- pixabay/Pezibear
United States– A professional cuddler is someone who has a specialized profession, in providing hugging or affectionate touch services to their clients.
Not just anyone, if you choose this profession then there is specialized training and certification, covering aspects such as ethics, and physical and emotional care.
Professional cuddler also acts as good listener, and sounding board, making this job highly sought after by various groups, especially Gen Z.
Ilustrasi wanita/sahabat/teman/berpelukan.
- Freepik/freepik
Switching professions from an art teacher to a professional cuddler, this woman named Ella, 48 charges US$150 per hour or IDR 2.5 million.
Ella's clients range from men seeking cuddling as a form of physical and mental care, to Gen Z women seeking intimacy without the sexual element.
While this practice may sound strange, research shows that professional cuddling can provide psychological and physical benefits.
Having no formal background in psychology, professional cuddling is a communication platform that provides unconditional acceptance.
"In a city like New York, there are many people who feel lonely and isolated, even though we are constantly surrounded by thousands of people," Ella said.
Despite retiring from teaching in 2017, Ella is not a licensed psychologist. However, she has undergone training through the Cuddlist certification program.
According to Ella, "My cuddling sessions offer clients a certain type of intimacy and unconditional acceptance that they don't get at home, in talk therapy, or at a massage parlor."
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- inmagine
While the idea of hugging a stranger may sound strange to some, research shows that this professional hugging practice can be very effective.
A study conducted in July 2023 regarding this profession stated, "Professional cuddling is a therapeutic practice that allows the recipient and practitioner to experience a non-sexual touch session that is mutually nurturing and soothing,"
The study also notes that the practice can improve "psychological and physical health," including reducing stress, sleep deprivation, and cardiovascular disease, and boosting the immune system.
