I agree that certification does help legitimize cuddling as a job . However I don't agree that having certification will make you better at it. But it's not my dog, not my fight . Much love to you all 🤗
@pmvines It doesn't guarantee a better cuddler, but it definitely can make one better. I have learned so many different things at the different classes and talks I've attended. Some have been more helpful than others, but as a whole I have definitely improved in so many ways. There are literally things I do and positions I show people that get direct compliments on in regards to an improved experience by my clients.... CuddleXpo was the best thing I did. Absolutely amazing convention. Can't wait to go again in 2020 😊
No matter how we choose to do it, I hope and pray we're all in this to learn something. I know I have (some of it I wish I'd learned earlier...) and I'm choosing to go on a long-term journey step-by-step and do a lot more. I'd be lying if I said I didn't get into this movement with my head totally off...and in some ways I feel like it still is! I love the points everyone has made here. It's given me some added perspective from both sides.
I'm with @ubergigglefritz.
People on here keep comparing cuddlers to doctors, masseuses and other certified professionals but don't think it's necessary to go the extra mile. Yet I see endless questions from pros on here on how to handle situations.
Like an art degree. Anyone can draw = anyone can cuddle. Yet in art school they don't teach you how to manage clients, set professional boundaries, draft a contract, negotiate a fair deal, calculate a steady cash flow, etc.
I'm sure this is a side gig for many so the desire to pump money into getting certified is low but it's not the worst idea.
@chococuddles I think you missed the point of @raindropsweetie who goes through certification as an EMT and she is a pro. She and I were pointing out the overreach in the certification claims. I personally have cuddled a few certified cuddlers and I am done with them. Just my personal preference that I am sticking with. I have had a couple of people send me messages who saw this thread who had the same experience. It was a cold, clinical experience which seemed to be lacking in authenticity. My experience matched theirs in several ways.
I would point out to be careful what you wish for. When professions push certification, it becomes big business and the price of certification goes up, as he with the most money shall win the marketing campaign to become the “it” certification to have.
With all that being said, I do not care whatsoever if certification becomes a “thing”. To each his/her own. When certification is talked up in a profile I will know to move on to the next profile. I care more about the person than whether they are certified.
I admit I did skim so I'm sure I missed some things.
I'm not wishing for anything but people are quick to compare cuddlers to doctors yet think taking classes for cuddling is a waste.
On the flip side I know a lot of dingbat doctors who kept giving me pills for a pinched nerve in my back and I found my own solution with acupuncture.
So education isn't everything, and chemistry goes a long way with cuddling.
But seeing people charge $200/hr on here...lulzzzzz...
@chococuddles I feel you. I spent years in physical therapy, wearing custom orthotics, knee braces, boots to sleep in, etc, for my shin splints, flat feet, bad knees, bad hips, plantar fasciitis, etc. Chronic issues many years after I actually ran and had issues. Zero issues today. Know what I changed? Slowly transitioned to barefoot footwear and now wear essentially a piece of rubber on my feet nearly year-round (huaraches). That's it. Doctors help with a lot of things, but sometimes it's better to stop listening and do your own research, ha.
On the note of cuddling, I definitely get the issue of things feeling clinical. Education is important for the safety of both the professional and the client, and there is a lot you can learn to improve the experience, but still a lot is natural. My goal is to always maintain my authenticity, but it can be a challenge the more you do something. I think I've been successful so far 😊 I'm always open to feedback though. From what I hear from people, the main problem with professionals here is flakiness, lack of response, lack of availability, and that sort of "unprofessionalism". Those are the types of things you can typically avoid going with the educated, but there are always exceptions, and there are still other things to look for that differentiates professionals 😕
@chococuddles what do you call someone who graduated last in their class in medical school ? A doctor !! Just cus you have the credentials doesn't always make you a genius
@pmvines George Carlin once closed his shows with the thought that “if you think your life is bad, somewhere there is the worst doctor. And on Monday morning, someone has an appointment with them.”
Most people around here charge $120-$200+ per hour. Nice hustle.