My view: very basic and it’s nothing to do with hug or therapy
program are provided by Cuddle Sanctuary (main) and Certified Cuddlers (sounds like they are the students)
https://certifiedcuddlers.thinkific.com/courses/take/consent-workshop/texts/5900625-introduction
Introduction
- Presenter: Samantha Hess
- Master Cuddler and owner of Cuddle Up To Me and Certified Cuddlers
- Not a mental health professional
Let's Check In
- create comfort and safety by introducing some vulnerability to build connection
- introduce yourself by first name or pseudonym
- include one or two brief things to help us get to know you
- use “I feel” statements when offering opinions
- FREE
- Freely given
- given without manipulation, expectation, or pressure
- Agreeable
- If I’m willing to try something I believe that’s enough to grant my consent, not necessarily have to be enthusiastic
- Informed
- honest, reliable, clear, specific
- Reversable
- I am open to the situation changing at anytime for any reason or for no reason at all
- Freely given
- Pay attention to body language, tone, facial expressions
- learn what the signals are that someone gives when they agree to things they aren’t a full yes to
- the No Thank You Exercise
- To Work on saying no out loud (if we can)
- Embrace the discomfort of a no and waiting for a potential no
- And empower each other to be honest by offering praise for held boundaries without guilt or shame
- wait for 5 full seconds before responding with some version of No thank you
- Do your best to only answer honestly, take your time to consider what really makes sense for you
- take at least five seconds to consider your response before answering
Here’s a couple of examples for yes responses:
May I have a hug? …………..wait 5 seconds…………..Yes, and can we take 3 breaths together during?
- May I have a hug? …………..wait 5 seconds………………….Yes, and may we hive five after? Or Yes, and I’d also like to do something else fun after, is there anything you’d be open to as well?
- Here are some no examples:
- May I have a hug? …………wait 5 seconds………………No, but how does a handshake sound
- May I have a hug? ……………………wait 5 seconds………………No, but I’d be open to a non touch greeting, do you have any suggestions you’d be comfortable with instead?
- it’s okay for you to read through other’s situations first, and add yours later, or any combination or order of participation you feel comfortable with
- not everyone is open to a greeting that involves touch
- give folks the time and space they need to decide how they feel without pressure