'I'm a cuddle therapist. Here's exactly what a day in my life looks like.'

Missy Robinson is a cuddle therapist. Yep, you read that right. Missy's clients pay her to cuddle them.  

"Cuddle therapy is the hottest trend in therapy sessions," says Missy. "It's the ultimate way to combat stress and anxiety."

Just as the title suggests, a cuddle session involves, well, cuddling. Clients range in both age and gender, and Missy stresses there is nothing sexual about the experience. 

"It's a very vulnerable state," says Missy. "When you hug someone generally, it's usually not sexual. It's really about that intimacy and vulnerability, a platonic, completely objective environment."

Watch: A professional cuddler on what their job is really like. Post continues below.

What happens during a cuddle therapy session? 

When a client first books a session, they have to sign a waiver which states that they're booking a non-sexual experience. They're also required to supply their contact information and driver's license. 

The session always takes place at the client's home or place of work. 

"If it's their first time, they're usually a little bit nervous. We talk about boundaries, what types of touch they are comfortable with. Some people don't want their hands touched, for example. 

"We talk about cuddling positions, certain ways they like to be held."

There's plenty to choose from too. Missy selects her cuddle positions from a book called Cuddle-Sutra, which includes descriptions and illustrations of 99 different options.

"The positions cover the three Ts of cuddling - touch, talk, and togetherness. They range from sitting down, lying down, just holding hands, and standard cuddle positions."

Then the cuddling begins. 

"It's not complicated. We either sit on the couch or the bed. During that time the client might talk about their feelings, what's missing in their lives. We do breathing exercises, and practice different relaxation techniques."

Missy says there are a couple of cuddling positions she won't do because of the level of intimacy, and they rarely cuddle for the full hour. 

"Most people can't do that for an hour, plus I have a high body temperature, so clients might get uncomfortable during that time."

Missy says while it can be uncomfortable to start with, most people quickly relax into their cuddles. 

"Naturally the first couple of minutes are a little bit awkward. Males are very wary of certain body parts."

But, she stresses, the therapist is in control of the cuddling session, not the client. 

"It's about me cuddling them, they're not cuddling me," she tells Mamamia. "It's a maternal thing, there's a big difference between cuddling someone and being cuddled."

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Reactions to the experience vary. Missy says most of her male clients cry. Many fall asleep. Their reasons for seeking her out vary too. Some have disabilities that impact their ability to cuddle, others are simply longing for human touch.  

"People can go for days, weeks, months, even years without human connection. It's not good for your mental health because your skin is the barometer for your emotions."

What are the benefits of cuddle therapy?

According to Missy, the benefits of cuddling are far-reaching, ranging from social, mental and physical benefits. 

"Cuddling is scientifically proven to increase oxytocin, improve your mood, lower blood pressure, and relieve pain in the body. People feel connected. Cuddling improves sleep quality, reduces inflammation in the body, helps with PTSD and trauma. It also helps build social skills," she says. 

And, Missy says, cuddling just feels good. 

"Just to be touched. Even just having your arm stroked, it's not sexual, it's such a nice feeling."

What a day in the life of a cuddle therapist looks like. 

Missy typically sees one to two clients per week, mostly because of other commitments in her personal and professional life, including wellness and confidence coaching, and facilitating women-only friendship speed-dating events. She's also an ambassador for SANE. 

To prepare Missy ensures the waivers are signed, and ensures someone knows the location of her session for safety purposes. 

"Most sessions go for an hour, with the option to extend, and I also offer overnight packages as well."

Missy never books more than one client per day, but says she the sessions are a positive experience for her as well. 

"I feel good after the sessions. A bit drained emotionally from holding space, but it's very rewarding."

Overnight sessions last 12 hours, but Missy requires six hours of uninterrupted sleep. 

"Always fully clothed. I have a special cuddle jumpsuit outfit I wear."

Missy sets aside a full day for corporate sessions, to ensure each participant can get their fair share of private cuddle time. 

"This is a great service and gets incredible results as it relaxes staff, allowing them to vent externally rather than with colleagues. Cuddles are done privately in a separate office. Some even have multiple cuddles during the day," she says.

Despite all that time spent cuddling strangers, Missy says she still loves cuddling in her personal life.  

"I love cuddles, can never get enough. I'm a big hugger with my friends and family so it's natural for me. I'm single and live alone, so I get my cuddles from my dog."

How to become a cuddle therapist.

Missy first heard about cuddle therapy during an episode of Billions, that featured a corporate session. Having experienced her own mental health challenges and PTSD, Missy was interested in alternative therapies. 

"I did some research and discovered it was huge in Europe. It's relatively new here in Australia but I found you could get certified in Australia through Cuddle Therapy Australia."

With only a few dozen couple therapists operating in Australia, Missy has travelled interstate to supply cuddles to clients outside of her hometown of the Gold Coast. 

"I encourage my clients to cuddle those close to them. Many people are worried about rejection. I teach people how to approach it gently without feeling overwhelmed."

"Physical touch is a big part of emotional stability. Cuddle therapy is about more than just giving cuddles."

Feature Image: supplied/Missy Robinson