A professional cuddler who makes a living cuddling clients has said her service is so popular there is a waiting list.
Aleksandra Kasperek launched this unusual business two years ago in Katowice, Poland, after reading about a similar idea on the Internet.
Ania Od Przytulania is the only professional pampering salon in Silesia, a historical region located mainly in the south-west of Poland, and which already has a stable customer base, especially between 40 and 60 years old.
“There is great interest in the room,” said Aleksandra. ‘I didn’t expect there to be so many people interested.
‘Although it’s sad how many people feel alone.
“Due to high demand, appointments must be made even several days in advance.”
Aleksandra, a physiotherapy graduate and trained masseuse, highlights that her caressing service is platonic.
Each session begins with introductions and a gentle hug in the “teddy bear” position.
Aleksandra Kasperek (pictured) is a physiotherapy graduate and founder of the only professional pampering salon in Silesia.
After introducing herself, Aleksandra asks the client about any health problems they have, including a sore throat, runny nose, or fever.
Also ask if the client is under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
The client is then given time to read 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 robe provided.
Aleksandra said: “Before I start hugging, I ask the client why they came to see me and how I can help them.”
Using this information, he conducts “career coaching sessions” while hugging his clients.
Before the cuddle session begins, the client must read Aleksandra’s ‘cuddle rules’
The trained masseuse highlights that her caressing service is platonic
Aleksandra’s room is decorated in a “truly royal style,” according to her website.
It is equipped with a hydromassage shower and a luxurious bathtub.
The hugs themselves take place on “fluffy, fragrant pillows and blankets, with calm music playing in the background.”
Throughout the session a fireplace is lit and the client is offered a sweet, coffee, tea, hot chocolate or a glass of champagne.
According to Aleksandra, those who feel lonely or have experienced traumatic relationships are the ones who benefit the most from hug therapy.
“Some pampering salon clients are people who have had trauma, fears of emotional intimacy and sometimes also sexual intimacy,” she explained.
‘They are looking for help, understanding and support.
‘Women come to me who have suffered physical violence from their partners.
Aleksandra’s cuddle room (pictured) is decorated in a “truly royal style”
Hugs are performed on “fluffy, fragrant pillows and blankets, with calm music playing in the background.”
The pamper room is equipped with a power shower and luxurious bathtub.
‘Thanks to hug therapy, they relearn that touch is not only associated with physical pain, but that touch is something pleasant, pleasurable and calming.
‘That by adequately stimulating the sense of touch, cares and worries 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 an hourly session once a week.
It costs 149 Polish złoty, or £30, for a one-hour session and 299 Polish złoty, or £58, for a two-hour session with Aleksandra.
talking to SO MagazineAleksandra said she had a client who was “very scared” about the treatment at first.
A fireplace is lit throughout the session and the client is offered a sweet, coffee, tea, hot chocolate or a glass of champagne.
Aleksandra said her regular clients attend an hourly session once a week. Many open up to her about the trauma they have experienced.
To calm him down, Aleksandra offered him a familiarization visit that lasted half an hour.
She said: ‘When he turned up we had coffee and played a board game. Later, he played me his favorite songs and I held his hand gently the entire time.
He 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 feels comfortable being hugged.
Aleksandra said: “It makes me very happy to see the results of my work.”