Meet the professional cuddler who charges strangers £70-per-hour to overcome stress with hugs.
Anikó Rose has been doing providing hugs as part of her day job for over three years.
The 42-year-old says that the “act of touch” can help those struggling with their mental health – including stress, loneliness and trauma.
According to Anikó, a good cuddle can release feel-good hormones which allows the nervous system to calm down.
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The ‘happy hormone’ that the snuggle expert is referring to, is oxytocin – which is often called the “love drug” as it triggers feelings of love and protection.
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Anikó, of Manchester, also says that a cuddle session simulates dopamine and serotonin which is scientifically proven to lower levels of stress.
She told What’s the Jam: “It’s a very rewarding job – that’s why I do it.
”Touch has a soothing effect whether it’s through a hug or holding hands.
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“Because of this calming effect, touch can also lower your heart rate, and blood pressure, lessen depression and anxiety, and relieve pain.”
Although it may seem like a controversial form of therapy, Anikó insists the private cuddle sessions are non-sexual.
Professionals undergo training to get a qualification and there is a strict code of conduct that both the client and therapist must abide by.
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However, the 42-year-old admits being a professional big spoon comes with some backlash.
Anikó – who is a certified ‘Professional Cuddle Therapist’ -added: “Some people still don’t understand it is a completely unique service.
”I once gave a flyer out at a GP to put up but the receptionist told me a GP questioned it after seeing the poster – they challenged if it was more than just therapeutic touch therapy.”
”Before a session, we go through the code of conduct, we verify that [you’re] over 18+, and talk about practising consent and setting boundaries.
”There is open communication and we are able to tell each other if we feel uncomfortable.”
Anikó revealed that she sees a range of clients of all ages and genders but receives a lot of bookings for people who are carers.
She says she gives hugs to people as young as 20 and has had sessions with clients as old as 65.
Sessions typically last one hour in a cozy bright room. – which costs £70 per-hour.
But it isn’t uncommon for cuddle-craving clients to request two-hour sessions – which are available at a discounted rate of £130.
The cuddle therapy sessions take place in pay-as-you-go therapy rooms around Manchester and Cheshire but Anikó will go to a client’s home if they’re unable to travel.
She said: “We don’t jump straight in with cuddles – we hold hands and practice breathing exercises at first.
”I ask them if they would like to share a standing hug and go from there.
“There are comfortable sofas for sitting and lying down cuddles.
”I see many people who are lonely and need a certain type of intimacy.
”Many clients have told me, they haven’t been hugged for ten years.
”I see a lot of people who have experienced sexual abuse and want to rewrite their story around touch as well as disabled people and carers who give so much but don’t receive it back.”
Anikó says she has worked in care her whole life and previously worked as a nanny for over 15 years.
But she credits an episode of Law and Order for introducing her to the world of cuddle therapy.
The 42-year-old recalls watching an episode during lockdown where the police burst into a cuddle therapy session.
She immediately looked up the job on Google and discovered the training provider, Nordic Cuddles where she took up online lessons and in-person assessments to qualify.
She says that everyone could benefit from professional cuddle therapy.
Anikó said: ”Some people just don’t have access to the hugs and touch we all need it.
”I personally think that some people don’t realise how much touch can help them.
”But I’m not proclaiming it’s this grand remedy – it just helps people find a place in a safe and trusted environment.
“Cuddling is almost like a form of meditation, and grounding technique.
“Cuddle therapy is self-care, its healthcare. – It’s okay to reach out and to experience the benefits of cuddle therapy.”
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