A professional cuddler who makes a living from cuddling customers has said her service is so popular there is a waiting list.
Aleksandra Kasperek launched the unusual company two years ago in Katowice, Poland, after reading about a similar idea online.
Ania Od Przytulania is the only professional cuddly toy salon in Silesia, a historic region largely located in southwestern Poland, which already has a regular customer base – mainly among people between the ages of 40 and 60.
“There is really great interest in the salon,” Aleksandra said. ‘I didn’t expect there to be so many interested people.
‘Although it’s sad how many people are lonely.
‘Due to the high demand, appointments even have to be made several days in advance.’
Aleksandra, who graduated in physiotherapy and trained as a masseuse, emphasizes that her cuddling service is platonic.
Each session starts with introductions and a gentle cuddle in the ‘teddy bear’ position.
Aleksandra Kasperek (photo) has a diploma in physiotherapy and is the founder of the only professional cuddly salon in Silesia
After introducing herself, Aleksandra asks the client about any health problems she has, including a sore throat, runny nose, or fever.
She also asks whether the client is under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
The client is then given time to read through the ‘cuddle rules’, which clearly state that any behavior that ‘crosses sexual boundaries’ will result in the session ending immediately.
After showering, the client puts on the bathrobe provided for him/her.
Aleksandra said: ‘Before I start hugging, I ask the client why he [or she] came to me and how I can help them.’
Using this information, she conducts “professional coaching sessions” while cuddling her clients.
Before the cuddle session begins, the client should read Aleksandra’s ‘cuddle rules’
The trained masseuse emphasizes that her cuddling service is platonic
Aleksandra’s cuddle room is decorated in a ‘truly royal style’, according to her website.
The room is equipped with a hydromassage shower and a luxurious bathtub.
The cuddling itself takes place on ‘soft, fragrant pillows and blankets with calm music in the background’.
During the session, a fireplace is lit and the client is offered a sweet treat, coffee, tea, hot chocolate or a glass of champagne.
According to Aleksandra, those who are lonely or have experienced traumatic relationships benefit most from cuddle therapy.
“Some of the cuddle salon customers are people who have had trauma, fears of emotional closeness, sometimes also of sexual closeness,” she explained.
‘They are looking for help, understanding and support.
‘Ladies who have experienced physical violence from their partners come to me.
Aleksandra’s cuddle room (pictured) is decorated in a ‘truly royal style’
The cuddling takes place on ‘soft, fragrant pillows and blankets with calm music in the background’
The cuddly room has a hydromassage shower and a luxurious bath
‘Thanks to cuddle therapy, they learn again that touch is not only associated with physical pain, but that touch is something nice, pleasant and soothing.
‘That by properly stimulating the sense of touch, worries and concerns disappear and life becomes beautiful and safe again.’
According to her website, Aleksandra’s “guiding motto” is: “When you are sad, when you feel bad, come hug me.”
Aleksandra said her regular clients attend a one-hour session once a week.
It costs 149 Polish zloty, or £30, for a one-hour session and 299 Polish zloty, or £58, for a two-hour session with Aleksandra.
Speak with SO magazineAleksandra said she had one client who was initially “very scared” of the treatment.
During the session, a fireplace is lit and the client is offered a sweet treat, coffee, tea, hot chocolate or a glass of champagne
Aleksandra said her regular clients attend a one-hour session once a week. Many tell her about the trauma they have experienced
To calm him down, Aleksandra offered an introductory visit that lasted half an hour.
She said: ‘When he showed up we had coffee and played a board game. Later he played me his favorite songs and I gently held his hand the entire time.”
She added: ‘It turned out he had been sexually abused as a teenager. His memories came back.’
Now the client visits Aleksandra once a month and enjoys being cuddled.
Aleksandra said: ‘It makes me very happy when I see the results of my work.’