Austin & San Antonio area Cuddle-Therapy
Location + Destination Sessions Available at Additional Cost
25 Booking Fee
The Booking Fee is separate from the Cuddle-Therapy Pricing. This fee ensures your time and day with your Cuddler, Laura Leigh of Paper Plane Photographs. The Booking Fee is non-refundable and due upon booking.
Physical contact has a positive effect on our physical and mental health. People who receive touch regularly tend to be more calm and optimistic. When we receive healthy touch, our brains produce more oxytocin and serotonin. These are chemicals that our bodies create to help us feel calm, happy, and relaxed. Touch can help reduce stress and anxiety; some studies have shown that touch also reduces blood pressure.
In our culture, it is difficult to find safe and supportive touch, especially for those without a partner/spouse. Most people only receive touch from their family members, lovers, and pets. Massage is a way to receive touch, but the focus is muscle based and is mostly blinded to emotions and the client being seen and accepted for who they are and what they are experiencing.
"Touch is far more essential than our other senses. … It's ten times stronger than verbal or emotional contact." - Saul Schanberg
Let me introduce myself.
I'm Laura Leigh, your Cuddle Companion. I will be giving you my time & attention, breaking down the walls of preconceived self image that can constrict your from reaching higher ground. My neighbors would describe me as the Disney Princess next door that befriends all living things. My mother would describe me as the kindest of empaths, someone whom has never given a gift without thought, and a heart that has never met a stranger. My friends would tell you that I love to laugh until my bones ache, I never mind drying tears and might even cry with you, that I would travel state lines to help a friend, and that my toxic trait is finding joy in helping others find their joy. If you asked me to describe myself, I’d have to say that I'm a stereotypical cancer : cuddling is a form of intimacy & connection to me. I feel a sense of security and trust in the act of physical touch. I never mind being the big spoon or the little spoon and I love those little acts of contact like running fingers through hair. I feel that an embrace can make a huge impact on your day; I’m here for all the hugs, the hand-holds, the running fingers up your arms. If you’re looking for a loving caress, I’ve got you covered. I’ve got all the fuzzy blankets and a weighted throw ready to go!
What else should you know about me? I'm a professional photographer, specializing in photo-therapy services. I have an in-home studio that I use as a comfort corner for cuddles and I can customize to what colors & textures you prefer. I'm a big fan of fidget toys and regulating the nervous system.
Let's chat.
Let's talk about what you can expect from a cuddle session, the commonly used terminology, pricing, & some basic rules of engagement.
Touch deprivation is a reality in American culture as a whole. … It's not just babies needing to be touched in caring ways or the sick. It's not just doctors and nurses needing to extend it. It's all of us, needing connection, needing to receive it, needing to give it, with genuine happiness at stake." - Rev. Anthony David
Terms
Professional Cuddling : A service using consent based concepts to create a customized platonic experience in exchange for compensation.
Professional Cuddler : An individual who provides Professional Cuddling.
Client : A person receiving Professional Cuddling.
Platonic : Interaction that is free from intentionally arousing or engaging in sexual activity for all parties. Platonic specifically excludes but is not limited to nudity, genital stimulation, exchange of bodily fluids including saliva, and touch of hands on any area commonly covered by undergarments.
Great Expectations
Our session will begin with my asking for consent to touch you. We can start with hand holding and|or a hug. From there, we will then discover how you would like to be held or hold. Some clients want to lay their head in the therapist’s lap. Others want to be spooned. Finding a comfortable position is an important part of the process; the position can be changed as often as necessary to keep everyone comfortable (we want to make sure no limbs are in awkward positions or falling asleep).
During the session, you have the option to talk or share silence; some people choose a nonverbal experience and others talk while being held. Some people allow themselves to cry and release their emotions. I will never offer advice but I will be happy to offer reflective listening. Music is available during the session upon request per your intake survey. You are welcome to bring your own music streaming device or make requests as to the music provided. The intention of the session is for you to feel seen, heard, accepted, calm, relaxed, and at ease.
Where?
Where does a session take place?
Our therapeutic space is 15 miles north of downtown Austin. The space is private; however, this is a co-working household, used 24 - 7 by two adults, both with different professions. We have an adult Pomeranian that loves attention & just wants to be a part of what is going on. Street or driveway parking is available on site free of charge.
If the weather is warm and dry, sessions can take place outside in the yard or in a public park nearby if you prefer to enjoy the sunshine while being held. Outcall sessions are available for established clients; additional travel costs will be added.
NOTE : Our facility is not currently handicap accessible.
You have a choice of couch snuggles by the fireplace, studio therapy in the upstairs sector, or outdoor hangouts.
Rules of Engagement
- Client must verify that they are 18-years-of-age or older. If you are younger, consent must be signed by a parent or legal guardian.
- Client confidentiality and privacy will be respected at all times only to be breached if a crime is committed or if the client is believed to be a threat to themselves or others.
- This is a strictly platonic service. Both client and cuddler agree not to pursue or encourage sexual arousal.
- No touching in the undergarment area is permitted. No genital stimulation is allowed.
- No kissing on the lips or exchanging of saliva or any other body fluid is permitted in any way.
- Both client and cuddler agree to practice consent and attention to personal boundaries. Boundaries and comfort level might change throughout a session and both parties must agree to keep in communication over their comfort level.
- Boundaries must be respected or cuddler will end the session and not issue a refund. Client or cuddler may end the session at any time if uncomfortable.
- Clothing must be worn at all times. Pajamas are acceptable but the minimum requirement of shirt and shorts that cover the top half of the thighs are required.
- Client agrees to be free of substances : drugs or alcohol during sessions.
- Client agrees to disclose any medical or mental conditions that may interfere with a session.
- At the earliest sign, the client and cuddler are required to disclose if they are experiencing symptoms of Covid-19 or flu-like symptoms.
- The client and cuddler each agree to be respectful of personal hygiene. Each should bathe and brush their teeth within 12 hours of the session. I offer disposable toothbrushes and mouthwash if you would like to freshen up.
- Both client and cuddler agree to wear clean clothes and deodorant at the time of session start.
- Cologne or perfume to be kept to a minimum.
- If at any point, the cuddler feels that the client is developing feelings of attachment, we may discuss putting sessions on hold. Clients may be asked if they are feeling attachment or dependency.
- Clients are not permitted to ask cuddler on a romantic date. Cuddler will not initiate romance with a client.
Payment
You will be expected to pay for your first session through Cashapp, Venmo, or PayPal prior to arriving. Established clients will be able to pay cash or check at the start of their session, or continue to use internet payments. The session fee must be paid in full by the end of each session.
Am I expected to tip my therapist? Tips are welcome but they are not expected.
Pricing does not include sales tax. Taxes are calculated upon invoice. Financing options available. Any entry fees for public events & arrangements incurred will be covered by client, per contract. Contracts must be signed in order for session date to be kept.
Initial Video-Chat Consultation - 50
What happens during a video-chat introductory session?
For the initial session, we will video chat to break the ice. We will begin by talking about who we are and why we are doing this. We will discuss any necessary safety information and the proper email address for me to send the intro | prep email to. We will establish the who, what, why, and how – establishing expectations. This video chat should take around 30 minutes and is also a time for you to ask any questions you may have and your personal boundaries.
Let's talk about services, packages, & options.
REQUIREMENT : Please bring a state issued ID with you to your first session.
Please carefully review your introductory & preparation email. It is very important that you fill out your intake surveys. I may ask you a few clarifying questions before we start our first session.
Payment via CashApp, Paypal, or Venmo is required in order to reserve your first appointment. Appointments cancelled more than a week in advance are eligible for a full refund. Appointments cancelled more then 24 hours before the appointment are eligible for a 75% refund. Appointments cancelled less than 24 hours in advance do not receive a refund unless there is an emergency circumstance. Initial Video Chat Consultations are non-refundable.
Platonic Cohorts
50 per hour for 2 - 5 hours. | 40 per hour for 6 - 8 hours.
So many of us have felt beyond lonely at least once in our lifetime. It can be difficult to find meaningful conversation, genuine friendships, or people without a motive to share their energy with us, especially when we are going through a rough patch. Sometimes, it is easier to have someone to be present for the mundane or exciting moments. Wouldn’t it be great to share mental and emotional space with touch being less of a priority or feeling like an obligation? I offer an option for those seeking platonic companionship doing everyday things like painting your house, going for a walk, watching a sunset, grocery shopping, attending a party, playing board games, cooking or eating a meal, or watching a movie.
Virtual Hangout
It is no secret that the past few years have been a challenging time for most people. Human touch is a basic human need and loving care is a basic human right. You matter. Being deprived of a healthy connection and human touch can lead us into isolation and depression. I can offer an ear, connection, kindness, attention, presence, and care virtually to help combat loneliness and prevent a decline in physical health. While I may not always be able to touch you or hug you, I can still connect with you!
I offer virtual sessions at ½ the price of in-person cuddle sessions. 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM CST Monday - Saturday for regular hour sessions.
25 – 30 Minute Zoom or Skype Session
50 – 60 Minute Zoom or Skype Session
75 - 90 Minute Zoom or Skype Session
100 - 2 Hour Zoom or Skype Session
75 - 30 Minute Late Night ( After Office Hours) Zoom or Skype Session
150 - 60 Minute Late Night ( After Office Hours) Zoom or Skype Session
225 - 90 Minute Late Night ( After Office Hours) Zoom or Skype Session
300 - 2 Hour Late Night ( After Office Hours) Zoom or Skype Session
I will be available for virtual sessions during my usual office hours. Please share with me if you have any specific goals for the session & let me know if you have a preference for Zoom or Skype.
Pillow Talk Sessions
In - Person One-on-One Cuddle Sessions
100 - One Hour Pillow Talk Session
150 - Ninety Minute Pillow Talk Session
200 - Two Hour Pillow Talk Session
50 - LOW INCOME DISCOUNT – One hour session for half price; if you feel like you may qualify for this discount, please feel free to inquire when you make your appointment.
OUT-CALL SESSIONS - Available for an added $2.00 a mile round trip. Please be aware that if you choose a location at a hotel with paid parking or Valet services you will be responsible for covering this cost in addition to my usual fees.
What about Specialty Sessions?
I thought you'd never ask! These services are for known, repeat clients only.
PACKAGE DEALS - I offer package deals for repeat clients :
- 4 - One hour sessions = 360; 10% Discount
- 6 - One hour sessions = 510; 15% Discount
- 8 - One hour sessions = 640; 20% Discount
Refer a friend; after they book a session with me, you will receive a $20 credit towards your next full priced appointment.
800 - SLUMBER PARTY OVERNIGHT SESSIONS : Session lasts 12 hours ( example : 6:00 pm – 6:00 am, 9:00 pm – 9:00 am ). This will of course remain fully platonic with all clothing staying ON. We can stay up really late or even pull an all-nighter. Let's have hot chocolate & cuddle all night, talking about anything and everything. We can have a movie marathon with all the snacks or play board games until the sun comes up. We can cook a fancy dinner and hit the IHOP delivery option.
"A pat on the back, a caress of the arm — these everyday, incidental gestures that we usually take for granted, thanks to our amazingly dexterous hands. But after years spent immersed in the science of touch, I can tell you that they are far more profound than we usually realize: They are our primary language of compassion, and a primary means for spreading compassion." - Dacher Keltner
Ready to book your session?
Schedule your video-chat consultation on my web-scheduler or email me to reserve your date & time. Background checks will be performed on all new clients & a copy of your state-issued identification must be confirmed upon arrival. Social security number is not required.