welcome to your cuddle healing

be heard,

be held 🤎

Consensual Cuddles is a Brown & Queer-Led healing space supporting Queer, Trans, Black, Indigenous, People of Color (QTBIPOC) and allies embrace playful intimacy in ways that feel safe for our nervous systems.

why cuddling?

Touch is a vital human need. 

Since the beginning of our time on this planet, we have used touch to provide each other comfort, connection, and quite literally, a means for survival. The moment a baby is born, they need touch for their nervous system and brain to properly develop. As the baby matures into an adult, the need for touch doesn’t magically go away. Many scientific studies show our health benefits greatly when we have access to safe and loving touch.

With the impact of social media and COVID-19, however, we may be experiencing the highest levels of loneliness and touch starvation as a collective. Also, many of us grew up in rape culture where our boundaries were not always respected, and the skills for communicating consent were simply not there. Cue the tiny violin music.

But we need touch, and we need play! What if getting these needs met could actually be one of the best healing experiences you’ve ever had? What if your desires for intimacy led you to a sacred cuddle practice your inner 5-year old would love? Imagine finding the words to ask for how you’d like to be held—and be celebrated for it! 

This vision is why we are dedicated to cuddling. Consensual cuddling. As an antidote to rape culture, we envision a world where consent culture is mainstream culture. 

QTBIPOC kin, we wanted to create a cuddle space where your needs are centered. Whether you're new to platonic touch or are a seasoned cuddle buddy, this space is for you. 

Welcome to your cuddle healing.

🤎 Warmly,

Jozelle Wong Yu, MA (she/they), Founder and CEO

✨ the cuddle science ✨

  • ease stress

    Cuddling triggers the release of oxytocin, also known as the “love hormone.” Oxytocin helps reduce stress levels by lowering cortisol, a stress hormone, in the body.

  • relieve pain

    A quality cuddle provides more than moral support amidst pain. The oxytocin it releases can help block pain signals, making it an effective form of natural pain relief.

  • improve immunity

    In a study of over 400 adults, researchers found that hugging may reduce the chance a person will get sick. The release of oxytocin has anti-inflammatory effects, aiding in the body’s ability to fight off infections and illnesses.

  • deepen connection

    Cuddling promotes bonding and attachment. It foster a sense of connection, trust, and security, which are essential for secure relationships and communities.

✨ reviews ✨

  • Alex (they/them)

    Software Engineer

    "I really love that touch is no longer a scary or scarce form of connection. Now that I have the skills I learned from working with Jozelle and Consensual Cuddles, I trust myself to get my needs met in ways that both my 5-year-old self and elder self smile upon. I'm better at knowing what I want, asking for it, receiving it, and trusting that I'm safe to receive these good things. The skills Jozelle teaches applies across realms (touch, work, relationships), and I am a better human since working with Consensual Cuddles. Highly recommend for your healing/upleveling journey!"

  • Fatima (she/they)

    Public Health Consultant

    “I feel more curious and hopeful around platonic touch and the playfulness that can come with it and the comfort and the safety and the trust that can be built with platonic touch in ways that I felt hesitant about going into our sessions. I’m feeling grateful about that, because there is just an expanded way of viewing it now. Trust can be playful and fun and cute and kinda silly and all of those things.”

  • Grace (she/her)

    Professional Cuddler

    “Lap of luxury with hair and back caresses was amazing... There were several moments when I said something vulnerable and was greeted with compassion and support. Jo was able to actively listen and reflect what I said beautifully. She also made it very safe for me to ask for what I want.”

  • Clarisse (they/them)

    Prop Master

    “[The best part of my sessions are] ...when we’re in the second half of the session (so I’m already very relaxed and comfortable) and Jozelle asks for a different position and if there’s anything I want to try, so I get to think about that question and be mindful of the pyshical sensations JUST in that moment while being in a safe space to request a certain touch or position is truly *magical* and empowering.”