“It is an absolute human certainty that no one can know his own beauty or perceive a sense of his own worth until it has been reflected back to him in the mirror of another loving, caring human being.”
John Joseph Powell

Cuddle Professionals International is the training, accreditation and membership body for professional cuddlers and therapeutic touch therapists who are new to this blossoming wellness trend, or who wish to offer cuddle therapy as part of, or in addition to, their existing therapist repertoire. 



CPI offers the original professionally accredited course in cuddling as a holistic therapy with dedicated insurance cover for cuddle therapists. 

What does "accredited" actually mean?

Accredited means two things:

1. That you agree to practice and are bound by the ethics and values set by your accrediting body, CPI.

2. That the diploma awarded is fully accredited for insurance and professional practice.  CPI's diploma is recognised for professional practice, meaning that graduates can get professional liability insurance for their cuddle practice.  We are an approved training provider with both the IICT and the CMA.



Cuddling as a stand-alone therapy and profession is becoming established in the UK and elsewhere.  All over the world those who are touch-deprived are seeking the reassurance and security of a simple cuddle, capturing the zeitgeist of a technologically advanced but increasingly disconnected society.

Who uses a Cuddle Professional?

A professional cuddler's client demographic is very wide.  Early-20's to seniors, those between-partners and those who have lost their partners, ex-servicemen and women, those who live alone, the disabled and marginalised, and those who are surrounded by others. Some people who are on their own or single don't often (or ever) get the opportunity to hug others in a meaningful way. 



Cuddle Professional Qualities

Do you want to become a professional cuddler? Cuddle Professionals are tactile, warm, empathic, understanding and non-judgmental. They may be male or female.  No previous experience is required, although many cuddlers have backgrounds in holistic therapy and the caring professions. Sessions with clients consist of platonic cuddling, talking, and - more importantly - listening.  There is no sexual activity involved - no kissing, and no touching of intimate areas.



Cuddle Professional Essentials:

  • Accepting of both male and female clients - most clients are male
  • Accepting of all races
  • Accepting of all ages
  • Accepting of all sexualities
  • Accepting of all body types, sizes and disabilities
  • Reliable, honest and punctual
  • Positive, caring personality
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills
  • Emotional intelligence
  • Business acumen 


If you think you have the qualities required to become a professional cuddler we invite you to enrol on our certified Cuddle Professionals International Diploma course.  Upon successful completion you can become a CPI member, and your profile will be added to the relevant section of our directory.  You will have access to exclusive cuddle practice insurance and you will be entitled to use our logos in your marketing materials and our initials after your name.

Course Curriculum

  • 1

    Introduction

    • Introduction

    • CPI Philosophy

  • 2

    Module One

    • The Science of Touch

    • Action: Is the Glass of Water Hot or Cold?

    • Result: What Happened?

    • Action: Two-Point Discrimination

    • Result: What Happened?

    • Module 1 Quiz

  • 3

    Module Two

    • Touch In Infancy

    • Touch Beyond Infancy

    • Aggression in Children

    • Human Touch and Seniors

    • Module 2 Quiz

  • 4

    Module Three

    • Appropriate Touch and Body Language

    • The Seven Types of Touch

    • Module 3 Quiz

  • 5

    Module Four

    • Touch and Healing

    • Module 4 Quiz

  • 6

    Module Five

    • Disconnect to Reconnect

    • Men and Touch Isolation

    • Touch and Technology

    • Module 5 Quiz

  • 7

    Module Six

    • The CPI Code of Ethical Touch

    • Cuddling as a Therapy and Profession

    • Holding a Space for Your Client

    • Module 6 Quiz

  • 8

    Module Seven

    • CPI Code of Practice

    • Boundaries and Ethics

    • Transference and Triggers in Therapy

    • The Wheel of Consent

    • The Wheel of Consent Chart

    • Wheel of Consent 3 Minute Game

    • Module 7 Quiz

  • 9

    Module Eight

    • Communication Skills

    • Empathy or Sympathy?

  • 10

    Module Nine

    • Using Attentive Touch

    • Module 9 Quiz

  • 11

    Module Ten

    • Working with the Medically Fragile and Terminally Ill

    • Module 10 Quiz

  • 12

    Module Eleven

    • Working with Alzheimer's and Dementia

  • 13

    Module Twelve

    • Working Around Wheelchairs and Beds

  • 14

    Module Thirteen

    • Your Professional Environment

    • Module 8 Quiz

  • 15

    Module Fourteen

    • Personal Safety and Security

    • Module 9 Quiz

  • 16

    Module Fifteen

    • Terms, Client Contract and Waiver

    • Sample Cuddle Therapy Consent Form

    • Module 10 Quiz

  • 17

    Module Sixteen

    • Professional Insurance

    • DBS Certificate - Do I Need One?

    • Module 11 Quiz

  • 18

    Module Seventeen

    • Handling Media Interest

    • Module 12 Quiz

  • 19

    Module Eighteen

    • Business Basics and Marketing

    • Module 13 Quiz

  • 20

    Module Nineteen

    • Relaxation Techniques

    • Cuddle Positions

    • Recommended Cuddle Positions

  • 21

    Module Twenty

    • Recommended Reading

About the instructor

Founder, Cuddle Professionals International

Claire Mendelsohn

Claire Mendelsohn is the founder of Cuddle Professionals International. Working under her "professional cuddler" name Kitty Mansfield, Claire blazed the trail for the acceptance of platonic touch as therapy when she opened the UK's very first professional cuddle service back in 2013, and in 2015 she launched Cuddle Professionals International, the very first professional Cuddle Therapy training, certification and membership body. Claire is also the founder of Empatherapist, a specialist oncology therapy training organisation. She is a member of the Guild of Therapy Lecturers, and is part of the Chaplaincy Team at Kingston Hospital.

Do you have the qualities it takes to become a professional Cuddle Therapist?