Claire Mendelsohn — Founder of Cuddle Professionals International
Claire Mendelsohn is a pioneering figure in the field of professional cuddle therapy. Based in London, she has blazed a trail in establishing platonic touch as a legitimate, ethical, and impactful therapeutic modality.
Early Professional Roots & The Eureka Moment
Claire began her journey in touch-based therapies as a qualified holistic massage therapist and tutor. Through her work, she noticed that many clients sought human connection, not just relief from physical discomfort.
In 2015, while researching therapeutic platonic touch, she had her "Eureka!" moment: after discovering that cuddle therapy existed in the US, she recognised the potential for this type of healing in the UK and decided to act.
In 2013, Claire launched BeSnuggled, the UK’s first professional cuddle therapy service, operating under the professional cuddler name Kitty Mansfield, a name she used until 2022.
Building on this work, she founded Cuddle Professionals International (CPI) in 2015, a ground-breaking training, certification, and membership organisation for cuddle therapists. CPI was the first such accredited body in Europe.
CPI’s Mission & Impact
Professional Standards: CPI offers the first accredited and insurable professional cuddler training course, recognised by the UK’s Complementary Medical Association and the International Institute for Complementary Therapists (IICT).
Ethical Practice & Support : The organisation ensures ethical conduct, specialist insurance, professional membership, and a support network for practitioners.
Training Excellence: CPI’s diploma course includes modules on consent, professionalism, safety, communication, boundaries, and ethical touch.
Thought Leadership: In addition to CPI, Claire contributes to broader discussions on touch, mental health, and the ethics of touch in therapy, including partnerships with the Pro-Touch Movement.