Practitioner: Michelle Renee (Pronouns: She/Her)

Titles: Therapeutic Intimacy Specialist & Cuddle Therapist

Trauma-Informed Therapeutic Touch | San Diego & Los Angeles

I'm a certified Cuddlist practitioner based in San Diego, specializing in trauma-informed therapeutic touch for survivors of sexual trauma, childhood abuse, and PTSD. I serve clients throughout Southern California, with regular sessions in San Diego and Los Angeles, plus virtual sessions and intensive weekends coast to coast.

My work is designed to complement therapy beautifully. I use a triadic model, working directly with your therapist to support your healing journey. My approach integrates seamlessly with EMDR, parts work, somatic therapies, and traditional talk therapy.

Many San Diego and Los Angeles therapists refer their clients to me for safe, consensual touch experiences that support nervous system regulation and embodied healing.

While I am not a therapist, I specialize in working collaboratively with mental health professionals using a triadic model. Whether you're healing from sexual trauma, childhood abuse, narcissistic abuse, or attachment wounds, I provide a safe container for exploring connection through consensual touch.

My trauma-informed approach supports clients working through:
• PTSD and complex trauma
• Sexual trauma and intimacy challenges
• Attachment and relationship issues
• Nervous system dysregulation
• Body disconnection and dissociation

I work seamlessly alongside your existing therapy, whether you're doing EMDR, somatic experiencing, parts work, inner child healing, or traditional talk therapy. Your therapist and I collaborate throughout your journey to ensure integrated, holistic support.


Whether you're in San Diego, Los Angeles, or joining me virtually, sessions are:

Safe & Boundaried - We move at your pace, with continuous consent and clear communication. You're always in control.

Customized to You - Every session is tailored to your nervous system, trauma history, and healing goals. There's no one-size-fits-all approach.

Collaborative - With your permission, I stay in touch with your therapist to ensure our work supports your broader healing journey.

Healing-Focused - This isn't just about feeling good in the moment (though that's important!). We're creating corrective emotional experiences that rewire your nervous system and relationship to touch, connection, and your body.

Sessions may include:
• Therapeutic cuddling and platonic touch
• Nervous system co-regulation
• Consent practice and boundary work
• Emotional processing and integration
• Somatic awareness and embodiment exercises
• Communication and relational skills

Many clients describe sessions as deeply healing, transformative, and unlike anything they've experienced in traditional therapy alone.

I didn't stumble into this work—I was called to it through my own healing journey. I'm passionate about creating spaces where trauma survivors can experience safe, consensual touch and rebuild trust in connection.

My Background:
• Certified Cuddlist Practitioner
• Trained Surrogate Partner
• Co-owner & Director of Training at Cuddlist.com
• Co-chair of AASECT's Somatic Intimacy Professionals SIG
• Featured in New York Post, Mirror, and major media
• Host of two podcasts: *The Intimacy Lab* and *Finding Ourself*

I'm deeply committed to anti-oppression values and accessibility. That's why I offer self-determining sliding scale rates—because healing shouldn't be limited to those with financial privilege.

I'm also a voracious reader and love connecting with clients over shared book recommendations. Here's my reading list!  

What Clients Say:
You can read testimonials from clients and therapists here.

I  believe in radical transparency, ongoing education, and holding the highest ethical standards in this work. I'm not just a practitioner—I'm actively shaping the future of therapeutic touch through my training and leadership roles.


🗣️ Also Offering Virtual Emotional Processing & Support Sessions  

Life can be overwhelming, and sometimes, what we need most is a compassionate space to sort through the feelings that weigh us down. In these virtual sessions, I provide a calm, judgment-free environment where you can openly express your emotions, process difficult experiences, and reconnect with your inner self.

Together, we’ll explore what’s coming up for you — whether it’s lingering sadness, unprocessed grief, relationship stress, or the emotional residue of past trauma. I’ll guide you through grounding exercises, reflective listening, and gentle reframing to help you gain clarity, self-compassion, and a sense of calm.

You don’t have to go through it alone. Let’s create a space where your emotions can be heard, held, and healed. 

San Diego Sessions
I see clients throughout San Diego County, including downtown, North Park, Hillcrest, La Jolla, and surrounding areas. Sessions are typically held in a cozy, comfortable space (like my home studio in Rancho Bernardo or my additional studio space in Imperial Beach) or I can travel to you (within San Diego County).

Los Angeles/Orange County Sessions
I travel to Los Angeles regularly for in-person sessions. Available throughout LA, Orange County, and surrounding areas.

Virtual Sessions
Available worldwide for emotional processing, consent education, relationship coaching, and preparation for in-person work. Virtual sessions are 30 or 60 minutes.

Intensive Weekends
Multi-day healing experiences available coast to coast for clients seeking immersive, transformative work. These intensive sessions allow for deeper processing and integration. Let me know where you'd like me to go!  

Rates
I offer self-determining sliding scale rates to ensure therapeutic touch is accessible regardless of financial circumstances:
• In-person: $130-$300/hour
• Virtual: $75-$200/hour

You choose your rate based on your financial reality using guided questions. Higher-paying clients make it possible for me to serve those with fewer resources. Learn more about my rate structure here .

Getting Started
New to Cuddlist or therapeutic touch? I recommend:
1. Watching Cuddlist videos to understand what sessions look like  
2. Reading the Code of Conduct 
3. Scheduling a free 15-minute consultation to discuss your goals (hit 'request a session')
4. Visiting my website for more information: HumanConnectionLab.com 

Important Notes
• I work best with clients who are currently in therapy or open to starting therapy
• Sessions are platonic and non-sexual
• I follow Cuddlist's Code of Conduct and professional standards
• Sliding scale is available—don't let cost be a barrier to reaching out

Ready to explore how therapeutic touch can support your healing? Request a session or join my mailing list  for updates, resources, and upcoming availability. 


Baltimore/DC and Pittsburgh, PA: I see clients in the Baltimore/DC area and Pittsburgh, PA, every quarter. I'll be by BWI, seeing clients again January 10th, 2026, and Pittsburgh likely not until mid-late March, 2026.

San Francisco, CA: I'll be in San Francisco and Oakland December 18-21, 2025.

Las Vegas, NV: I'll be in Las Vegas January 28-31, 2026.

Portland, OR | Phoenix, AZ | Atlanta, GA: You are my next cities that I'll be visiting regularly! Send a request and I'll know you are interested in working together.  You can also just cast your vote with the link below.

I'm adding additional cities regularly. Let me know where you'd like me to go! 

Outcalls may be available if preferred or studio accessibility is an issue.

To get the most out of what you are looking for from your session, please review the Code of Conduct and view some Cuddlist videos.

If you'd like to request a session, hit the "request a session" button at the top of the page or visit my website here  .

**REMINDER: I ask every client to choose their own rate.  Rates start at $130/hour.

Michelle Renee

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About Michelle Renee

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