Professional cuddlers are hard to find in Canada. Kat Nantz is the only Canadian Cuddler through Cuddlist.com, the website that she has chosen to use for her business.
“I found a website that I respected that were clearly about platonic cuddling,” said Nantz, who is firm in setting boundaries and ensuring that clients understand that no sexual touching will take place, and that both parties are responsible for voicing if they become uncomfortable at any time.
Cuddlist.com was co-founded by Madelon Guinazzo and Adam Lippon, two advocates for therapeutic, consensual, non-sexual touch. Both believe that they are pioneers in providing a safe and comfortable environment for healing touch through their website and training.
Nantz completed her Professional Cuddling training and is now certified through the website.
Nantz said that although a police check is not required for the cuddlist or the client, there is a strong vetting process to ensure the safety of the practitioner.
Clients must read through and sign a code of conduct available on the website, and are able to view the profiles of different cuddlists available. Nantz added that it’s important to find a good match between cuddlist and client, where both feel comfortable together.
Nantz also speaks with all potential clients over the phone, and makes it clear that her office is in a high traffic area, and no sexual touching will take place. Before she takes on a new client she sits down with them to chat and sign a waiver, and has a discussion on consent for both parties.
“Since having my first sessions I have not once felt scared or nervous,” said Nantz, who feels that the website combined with her approach to cuddling provides a safe and comfortable environment for everyone.
Nantz explained that she chooses to only offer cuddle sessions in her office, because it allows her to control things like temperature of the room, scents, and is what she feels most comfortable with.
Most sessions last between 60 and 90 minutes, with a maximum of two hours, she added.
Perhaps the most intriguing part of professional cuddling is what a session actually looks like.
Nantz said that she likes to explore different types of touch. She explained that as children we experience the touch of our mothers, or fathers, and that is one way to view cuddle sessions.
The touch is platonic and non-sexual. Some clients like to have their hair played with, or want to be embraced, while others are more tactile and would prefer to be the one giving touch.
“Every session looks different, because each person is different,” said Nantz.
As a sexual educator, Nantz believes in the healing power of touch, and she offers a safe and nurturing environment for healing to take place.
Nantz said that she has many different clients, but most of them are men. She added that she feels women seeking a cuddle session may still be stigmatized. Her clients come to her for different reasons, whether it’s a recent widow or someone who works long hours and gets little human touch.
“My clients are such lovely people, something is so transformative in non-sexual touch,” said Nantz.
So far Nantz has received positive feedback and encouragement from her family and friends. Her partner is supportive, and many people are curious that there is a need for a business like professional cuddling.
Nantz added that there are other benefits to professional. She said that she has had an opportunity to speak to her clients about consent, and what consent looks like.
“The agreement is we always share if we’re uncomfortable. The responsibility is on each person to speak up,” she said.
Nantz also added that having nurturing platonic touch can often help people who are lonely, and is a safer alternative to getting into an unhealthy relationship because of the craving for physical touch.
Nantz also pointed out that cuddle sessions are comparable to massage therapy, which was stigmatized and not regulated at first. Today insurance covers massage therapy conducted by a certified therapist.
Nantz said that cuddle sessions provide clients with an opportunity for connection and sharing.
To find out more, visit Kat’s professional cuddling profile and view Kat’s Facebook page.