Cuddle Therapy Code of Conduct
1. Client and Practitioner each declare that at the start of any session they
a. are at least 18 years of age; are not subject to a power of attorney or a court protection order; and have not been designated as vulnerable or anything similar
b. are in good health; have no infectious/contagious disease or condition; and have not been told to self-isolate or enter quarantine
c. are not under the influence of drugs, alcohol or any mind-altering substances
d. are physically and psychologically fit enough to participate in the session fully and safely; take complete responsibility for themselves and their actions; and are capable of giving consent
e. are following the very highest standards of personal cleanliness and hygiene, and are not using any perfume, aftershave or similar products
f. will remain clothed throughout the session, with a minimum of tank top, shorts and underpants; understand that underwear or swimwear alone do not constitute adequate clothing and agree that any change of clothing before, during or after the session will be conducted in private
g. have read, understood and accepted all of this Code of Conduct.
2. Cuddling is a platonic, non-sexual activity and everybody is always fully clothed. Everybody agrees not to touch areas that would be covered by a bikini. The absolute minimum is tank top, shorts and underpants. There is no kissing, grinding or anything remotely sexual. If you do become aroused accidentally, don’t worry about it; we’ll just make sure it doesn’t become a focus of the session.
3. The Practitioner will accept as a Client any appropriate person irrespective of their age; disability; gender or gender reassignment; marriage status; pregnancy or maternity status; race; religion or belief; sex; or sexual orientation. There are a very few people, for example those suffering from certain serious medical or psychological difficulties, for whom cuddling is not suitable.
4. The Practitioner agrees to state their fees clearly at the time of booking. The Client agrees to pay the fees in advance or at the start of the session.
5. Client and Practitioner agree to exchange their real names, and to provide evidence of their identity if requested. Personal information (such as driving licence number) need not be disclosed.
6. In order that the Practitioner can offer appropriate care, the Client agrees to disclose any medical, psychiatric, psychological or other diagnoses, conditions or circumstances that may be relevant.
7. The Client accepts that the services offered by the Practitioner are not a cure or treatment for anything; may not be suitable for people with certain conditions or diagnoses; and are not a substitute or alternative for any form of medical, psychiatric or psychological care. The Practitioner does not have any medical or mental health training or experience unless otherwise specified.
8. Consent lies at the heart of Cuddle Therapy. Client and Practitioner agree to respect fully each other’s personal boundaries; communicate openly to discover what is mutually comfortable; and to seek and receive explicit and unambiguous consent before any form of touch. Clients do not have to consent to any touch and some Cuddle Therapy sessions involve no touch at all.
9. Emotions leading to tears, laughter or silence are a common and accepted part of cuddle therapy. You are free to leave at any time, but if you feel in any way uncomfortable during the session it’s probably better just to say “I’m feeling uncomfortable” so we can talk about whatever is bothering you.
10. The Practitioner agrees to maintain the confidentiality of the Client in all respects except when the Client has given written permission for disclosure; or the Practitioner believes that the life, health or well-being of the Client or a third party is at risk; or in the case of a court order, criminal proceeding or similar legal process. The Practitioner will discuss any potential disclosure with the Client beforehand if it is safe and practicable to do so. Client data will be held by the Practitioner in accordance with local laws. For safety reasons only, the Practitioner may inform a trusted third party of all the details of a session including the Client’s name and other information: the Practitioner will ensure that the third party destroys any records held by the third party once the session and any matters arising are complete.
11. The Client agrees to respect the confidentiality and private life of the Practitioner in all respects and agrees not to contact the Practitioner except by the specified method.
12. The Client agrees that communication between sessions is limited to matters specifically relating to any sessions arranged, contemplated or recently completed. This may include discussion of thoughts and feelings brought up by the session. Additional conversation may be offered by the Practitioner as an additional service.
13. In the event of a breach of this Code of Conduct or any other inappropriate behaviour by the Client the session will be terminated immediately without a refund. The Practitioner may inform the police; other appropriate authorities or organisations; and other Practitioners. If the Practitioner ends the session early for any other reason a pro-rata refund will be made.
14. Any breach of the Code of Conduct or other inappropriate behaviour by the Practitioner should be reported by the Client to the appropriate authorities and organisations as soon as possible: the Client is entitled to a full refund. The Client may end the session at any time without giving a reason, in which case no refund is due.
15. This Code of Conduct forms part of the contract between the Client and the Practitioner.