Back in 2016, The Washington Post published a thought-provoking article titled “What Professional Cuddlers Can Teach Us About Touch”, and even now, nearly a decade later, its insights feel more relevant than ever.

The article centered around professional cuddler Roxanne Krakowski and her journey into cuddle therapy, which began with a personal sense of emotional and physical disconnect—something many people still experience in our increasingly digital and socially isolated world.

Roxanne shared something deeply personal: that even in her marriage, she felt profoundly alone. Though physically close to her partner, she lacked the one thing her body and mind craved—touch. She described being starved for physical affection, despite sharing a home and a life with someone.

Her healing began when she discovered Cuddle Parties, consent-based touch workshops found all over the country an run by certified Cuddle Party Facilitators . These gatherings provided a safe, structured environment for people to explore non-sexual, nurturing touch—a concept still revolutionary to many.

One of the most poignant moments in the Washington Post piece came at the end of the interview, as Roxanne and the journalist were about to part ways. Roxanne asked the writer, “Do you want a hug?”

The writer agreed—automatically. But Roxanne followed up: “But do you really want one?”

That moment sparked an “Aha!” for the writer. She realized how often we go through the motions of touch without pausing to ask ourselves—or others—what we actually need. This, in essence, is what professional cuddling is all about: being intentional with connection, presence, and consent. It's not about the knee jerk reaction or a socially programmed response. You have to actually care about whether the other person wants a hug in that moment. In order to even notice that we have to slow down and check with ourselves first, not just respond from habit. Professional cuddlers help people do that all the time and it makes all the difference. The process of slowing down, waiting for a genuine responce, and showing that kind of caring transforms how we interact and how those interactions FEEL. They are more meaningful, more deep. They make us feel more connected and that feelings is what combats the lonliness so many of us struggle with.

Beyond the Hug: The Healing Power of Therapeutic Touch

Today, the field of professional cuddling—also called therapeutic cuddling or cuddle therapy—has grown into a respected, client-focused practice. Certified cuddlers, or Cuddlists help clients manage stress, anxiety, loneliness, grief, and even trauma, all through the power of platonic touch.

At Cuddlist.com, where Roxanne is part of our team, we continue to see firsthand how powerful touch can be when it’s safe, consensual, and emotionally grounded.

One of the most powerful parts of any article is the comment section—and the Washington Post piece was no exception. While some readers questioned the “commodification” of intimacy, others offered heartfelt support.

One comment response by a reader named M.C. Otter stood out, and it still resonates today:

“Glad you have all the touch you need in your lives. You’re lucky. I recently did an informal survey of friends. All of them said they wouldn’t date someone with serious depression, or an alcoholic, or someone with chronic immune disorders, or disabled, or PTSD… the list went on.

And yet, it’s okay to shame people who may not be able to find a partner for whatever reason. This is not about cuddling with someone you love vs. cuddling with a stranger. It’s about cuddling with a stranger vs. no human touch at all.”

This quote is a reminder that professional cuddling isn’t about replacing intimacy, but about meeting a very real human need that so many people go without.

The Bigger Picture: Touch Is a Human Need, Not a Luxury

In a post-pandemic world where loneliness and mental health struggles are on the rise, cuddle therapy is more needed than ever. Millions live without consistent physical contact—not because they don’t want it, but because life circumstances, trauma, or health issues make it inaccessible.

And that’s exactly why professional cuddlers exist.

We at Cuddlist have personally witnessed the emotional and physiological transformation that occurs when people receive nurturing, non-sexual touch in a professional setting. It’s not just comforting—it’s profoundly healing.

Final Thoughts: Ask Yourself the Question

When was the last time you truly asked yourself, “Do I want a hug?” Or more importantly—“Do I need one?”

Therapeutic cuddling offers a safe space to explore that need without judgment. Whether you’re seeking comfort, connection, or a deeper understanding of yourself, professional cuddling might be the wellness tool you didn’t know you were missing. 

What Professional Cuddlers Teach Us About the Power of Touch—And Why It Matters Now More Than Ever