Instagram story viewer> @cuddlesanctuary> Posts

Cuddle Sanctuary

@cuddlesanctuary

3.6K

followers

2875

following

Resources for Cuddle Professionals 🤗 Free Webinars 💜 Mentorships & Training 🧡 Founded by Cuddle Queen Jean Franzblau 👑

POSTS STORIES REELS TAGGED

When group events - like The Cuddle Sanctuary - are overtly platonic, the result can be fun and a return to play. I just got back from an incredible social experiment called Joy Camp:

Grown Ups Only
Platonic
Camp Activities
Ridiculous Laughter
No Phones

Even now, especially now, the world needs joy.

Thank you @theamydickens and @partyscientistjoy

#joy #joycamp #platonic #fun #asheville
l by @cuddlesanctuary

6

0

2 months ago

What’s Changing at Cuddle Sanctuary

Two months ago, I paused my monthly practice of leading cuddle events. That decision still feels clear and grounded. I even donated my floor cushions to the Boys and Girls Club of Santa Monica. I like the idea of them circulating in the world and doing some good, rather than continuing to sit – somewhat absurdly – in my bathtub.

I made another decision, too. Rather than continuing to teach group classes for professional cuddlers, I’ve started referring people to Cuddlist. After eleven years immersed in this work, I’m becoming more discerning about where I can contribute most meaningfully—and thank goodness, Cuddlist’s training is excellent.

Big Questions

These two professional choices have uncluttered both my thinking and my website. More importantly, they’ve opened up bigger questions: What should I do with my talent, creativity, precious energy, and time?

Living in the United States, I follow the work of Heather Cox Richardson. Through her deep understanding of our country’s past and present, I’ve come to feel that we are living inside a historical moment. So I find myself asking: What’s my move?

Then there’s climate change. I first learned about it in college, when it felt both terrifying and too vast to fully grasp. Now it is here. The L.A. fires made that reality feel immediate. It’s a horror unfolding in slow motion, and it makes me think of my nieces and nephews.

What did my Aunt Jean choose to do in 2026, when so much was unraveling in the United States and on the planet?

I want my niblings to be proud of me. I want to be proud of myself.

What Comes Next

So, with a desire to contribute, a commitment to service, and a practical eye toward sustainability, I’m exploring what’s next professionally. Cuddle Sanctuary is evolving, not ending. I’m stepping away from the rhythm of monthly event production while remaining available for cuddle sessions, virtual resources, select mentorship, and aligned special collaborations.

if you’re seeking group training as a cuddle therapist, you can receive 10% off tuition at Cuddlist with the coupon code CUDDLESANCTUARY.

#cuddlist @cuddlist by @cuddlesanctuary

31

3

4 months ago

The gratitude I have to @jeanfranzblau as a teacher…it’s hard to put into words🤍

You’ve shown me that holding space is an art—one rooted in boundaries, deep care, and intentional presence. The way you move with wisdom and integrity continues to shape how I show up in this work and in life.🙏🏽✨🫂

#cuddletherapy #holdingspace #intentionalliving @cuddlesanctuary by @cuddlesanctuary

15

0

7 months ago

This was the first time I was recognized while performing as Jean the Magical Unicorn! (Quinn it was so nice to see you. 💗 That made my day!) Click the link in my bio if you’d like the backstory on my 🦄 adventures!

#santamonicapier #santamonica #unicorn #busking by @cuddlesanctuary

30

1

10 months ago

When I was 14 years old, a movie came out about a college guy who’s unlucky in love. He embarks on a road trip across the country – with the promise that he’ll meet a woman who’s a “sure thing.”

I remember the movie fondly; I can even quote it. I bet that if I watched it now, I’d cringe with the appalling sexism. But that phrase, “the sure thing” is handy for my purposes today.

Starved for Touch

Some people attend cuddle events with a backlog of touch deprivation. And sitting alongside that ache is a fear of how the event will go for them socially. Will they finally get to cuddle someone?

I like to remind folks that a gentler route, if it’s affordable, is to set up a professional cuddling session. These one-on-one sessions are luxuriously focused on the client. The static of social concerns can melt away – allowing for a strong possibility of pure, blissful cuddles.

Of course, consent practices are respected during cuddle sessions, and that goes both ways. Cuddle professionals honor their own boundaries as part of their commitment to this heart-centered work.

But I’d say – when it comes to cuddling – a one-on-one session is the closest thing you’ll get to a platonic sure thing.

I took time off.

I’ve been stealthy about my own one-on-one practice. I didn’t fully stop offering sessions, but I did stop marketing them a few years ago. I needed to take a break and take lots of space for myself.

And now I’m back.

I’m feeling a change from within. I woke up this morning with a generous heart and a glad feeling about the idea of offering more cuddle sessions.

My name is Jean, and I’m a professional cuddler.

Many of my colleagues are using the phrase cuddle therapist. I’m finding myself wanting to stick with my old school ways – so professional cuddler it still is!

My sessions happen at my cuddle cottage in Santa Monica, California after a careful vetting process.

In the spirit of affordability, I’m now offering a sliding scale for sessions.

So, if you’re in the L.A. area, you may now request a session with me at CuddleSanctuary.com. 🤗

#cuddlist #professionalcuddler #cuddles #johncusack #80smovies #cuddling #cuddletherapy by @cuddlesanctuary

29

2

a year ago

What a joy to meet Ishka at last! If you’re in the Asheville area, check out the Cuddle Collective. These events are so brilliantly and kindly guided. 🤗 by @cuddlesanctuary

27

1

a year ago

Giving free hugs can be a lot of things: awkward, silly, tender, joyful. I always leave feeling uplifted and so glad I did the weird thing. Thanks, fellow free huggers, for joining me!

#freehugs #santamonica #santamonicapier #losangeles by @cuddlesanctuary

67

2

2 years ago

Hello dear ones. I haven’t known what to say here. I know so many of us are hurting. This is my way of offering some comfort. It’s called “Lullaby in Mama’s Arms.”

#lullaby #jewish #comfort #rest #nap #self-care #cuddletherapy #professionalcuddler #cuddlist by @cuddlesanctuary

31

2

2 years ago

Check out the LA Cuddle Calendar to see what the cuddle community is cooking up for you!

📅 link in bio!

#losangeles #cuddleparty #losangelesevents by @cuddlesanctuary

22

1

2 years ago

You’ll thank yourself for planning ahead. We have such a beautiful retreat planned for you in Newport Beach, California!

Sliding scale/equity pricing. 🧡 Limited early bird tickets! 🎫 Link in bio!

#retreat #newportbeach #southerncalifornia #cuddleparty #wellbeing #cuddle by @cuddlesanctuary

13

0

2 years ago

Do you want to share the kindest part of yourself with the world? Get certified as a cuddle therapist!

Cuddle Sanctuary is now enrolling for the January 2025 course. More information is provided in the bio.

#cudldist #cuddletherapy #reiki #reikimaster #reikipractitioner #professionalcuddling #touch #mentalhealth #mentalhealthmatters by @cuddlesanctuary

28

2

2 years ago

Now enrolling for the January 2025 cuddle therapy certification course! This course is online and available worldwide. Please see link in the bio for more information.

#cuddlist #professionalcuddling #cuddlecomfort #cuddletherapy #reiki #masterreikipractitioner #massagetherapy #cuddle #heal #touchtherapy by @cuddlesanctuary

49

3

2 years ago