Cuddling strangers is a real job - and it will net you thousands of pounds.
One woman has revealed how she makes thousands by hugging and spooning strangers - rather than your standard desk job.
Kristiina Link, 30, from Stratford, East London, has turned a pastime into a job - and even earns up to £170 per snuggling session.
Her services include handholding, hair stroking and embracing her clients for up to three hours at a time.
The therapist says there are many emotional benefits to the practice - and her boyfriend understands the unique demands of her job.
After a breakup, heartbroken Kristiina decided to take a snuggle training course to combat her loneliness.
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She said: “In 2019, I was missing the cuddling and affectionate side of a relationship after becoming single.
“I thought that there should be a service where people help each other and cuddle – It's a bit like Uber for cuddles.
“Hugs release the love hormone, oxytocin which is known to help with loneliness, anxiety and depression.
“For this to be released, studies show that you need the hug to last at least 20 seconds but people normally hug for a few seconds, so they never experience the full effect.
"In my work, I see a lot of people who are feeling isolated because of the pandemic as well as those who are grieving and in need of physical comfort."
After a lengthy introductory process, Kristiina begins her sessions by playing meditative music and holding her clients' hands before cuddling up in a double bed.
She said: "I start by playing calming music, handholding and I encourage deep breathing so they feel present in the moment.
"We cuddle in multiple positions such as standing up and spooning but I change the position every 15 minutes otherwise arms get sore and people need to stretch.
"Some people are nervous at first or don't like their hair and arms being stroked so boundaries are always discussed before we begin - it's important that people feel like they're in a safe space and have been paired with the right person.
"I'm not a talking therapist, we're not trained to give advice however most people I see tend to receiving counselling or talking therapy as well as seeing me."
Although it is becoming a recognised wellness trend, Kristiina says people often have a misconception about her occupation.
She said: “It’s still a fairly new concept so some people get confused about what cuddle therapy actually is - It was the same for professional massages fifty years ago.
"Mainly men visit because women tend to be touchier with their girlfriend and in general men don't have many male friends.
“I get a lot of men who work in managerial positions who want to unwind after talking and being in charge all day."
Kristina sees clients who are over 18, however her main clients are aged between 30 and 40 years old.
She said: “I see a few younger men, who are still quite shy – they might have low confidence and want to explore how to connect with a female through cuddling and touch.
“I usually see single clients but there are some who are in a relationship whose partner doesn’t like cuddling or they don’t have touch love language.
"It is sad to hear but cuddling can teach them ways to connect with their partner and they can take these techniques back to their relationship."
As well as getting her own dose of the 'love' hormone, Kristiina receives up to £170 for her affectionate services.
She said: “A one-hour session costs £65 however I offer appointments for up to three hours and I apply a £25 discount with those.
"You release the cuddling chemicals over four hours but people start to get headaches and even drowsy at the end.
"Three hours is the optimal length for a cuddle as more than this can lead to drowsiness, headaches and even dehydration.
"Too much of anything isn't good for you and that also goes for cuddling."
Although she makes a fortune from those who are desperate to be touched, Kristina's main passion is to help with people's emotional needs.
"I don't set my prices as high as other cuddle therapists and I apply a lot of discounts so that everyone can experience the healing power of cuddle therapy."
She adds: "My clients understand that cuddling is a form of plutonic touch therapy however, I’ve had regular clients who come every week and I sometimes I see that as a sign they’re attached.
"If the client doesn't switch between cuddlers, it can lead to an attachment in the long run which I want to avoid.
"It's important that people come to the session with the right intention and in the consultation, I make sure that cuddle therapy is right for them.
Now, Kristiina has been a cuddle therapist for three years and has found love with her new partner Matt, 44.
Matt is thrilled that Kristiina has a career that makes her happy however she says that not many people have the same open-mindedness as her partner.
She said: “Initially, my mum was terrified - she was so concerned for my safety.
“She then saw how happy it was making me and that I was doing really well in a safe space.
"These days, there's a big community in London and it's becoming more normalised so people are becoming more curious about the benefits of healing touch."
