CUDDLE THERAPY IN NEW YORK
Immersive Cuddle Retreat
August 6-9, 2026 in Upstate NY
Sacred touch, communal healing. Be held in love. Be witnessed. In this sacred container, participants will experience platonic connection and have the opportunity to practice mutual consent and boundary-setting with four Certified Cuddle Therapists. In community, we will process any emotions or realizations that arise, share nourishing meals and space with one another, and have plenty of time for rest and relaxation.
This gentle and intense retreat is a memorable, long-weekend experience that will allow you to connect more deeply with others and tend to the parts of yourself that need more love.
Limited to 8 participants.
Includes shared accommodations for 3 nights, all meals and snacks prepared by our personal chef, four individual cuddle sessions, group and paired exercises, two energy integration sessions, and access to all amenities, such as heated enclosed pool, outdoor hot tub, fire pit, walking trails, and more. Rope play will also be available for anyone interested in exploring Shibari as a healing modality.
Two half-scholarships are available to participants in a season of financial need who are members of the BIPOC and/or LGBTQIA+ community.
CUDDLE THERAPY IN NEW YORK
Immersive Cuddle Retreat
August 6-9, 2026
Sacred touch, communal healing. Be held in love. Be witnessed. In this sacred container, participants will experience platonic connection and have the opportunity to practice mutual consent and boundary-setting with four Certified Cuddle Therapists. In community, we will process any emotions or realizations that arise, share nourishing meals and space with one another, and have plenty of time for rest and relaxation.
This gentle and intense retreat is a memorable, long-weekend experience that will allow you to connect more deeply with others and tend to the parts of yourself that need more love.
Limited to 8 participants.
Includes shared accommodations for 3 nights, all meals and snacks prepared by our personal chef, four individual cuddle sessions, group and paired exercises, two energy integration sessions, and access to all amenities, such as a heated enclosed pool, outdoor hot tub, fire pit, and more. Rope play will also be available for anyone interested in exploring Shibari as a healing modality.
Two half-scholarships are available to participants in a season of financial need who are members of the BIPOC and/or LGBTQIA+ community.
What’s the Schedule?
* Sacred integration time is woven throughout the long weekend. You can take a nap, immerse yourself in the enclosed heated pool (swimsuits are optional), meditate, soak in the outdoor hot tub, go for a brisk walk, cozy up with a book, or do whatever feels good to you. Rope play will also be available for anyone interested in exploring Shibari as a healing modality.
Individual energy healing and astrological guidance sessions with Katie Todd are also available for an additional fee.
Meet Your Circle of Care & Support…
Kelly L. Campbell (they/them)
Kelly has an unending capacity to love. A certified Cuddlist®, trauma-informed coach, retreat facilitator, and Reiki Master, they authored Heal to Lead: Revolutionizing Leadership through Trauma Healing (Wiley) in 2024. They live in New York and are engaged to the love of their life!
Jax Wren (she/her)
Jax is a CuddleSage™ and Cuddlist trained practitioner, Authentic Consent™ Trainer and Wheel of Consent® Facilitator-in-Training. In all of her work, Jax centers and uplifts Black, POC, Queer, and gender-expansive individuals, couples, and communities through the transformative possibilities of pleasure through embodied choice.
Michelle Renee (she/her)
Michelle is a Human Connection Coach, Certified Cuddlist® since 2015, and co-owner and Director of Training of Cuddlist®. A firm believer that love heals, Michelle offers a “nurturing mom” experience, and may be a good fit for those who want to soothe interpersonal wounds. She lives in San Diego, California.
John Ellsworth (they/he/she)
John is pure magic. A seasoned bodyworker for over 20 years who loves what he does, he works completely by referral. John is not only a certified cuddle professional but also serves on the leadership team of Cuddlist® as co-owner and Director of Operations. He lives in New York’s Hudson Valley.
Georgie Wells (all pronouns)
Our incredible personal chef, Georgie focuses on creating beautiful, nourishing meals for healing retreats. With a Masters of Landscape Architecture, she is passionate about connecting people with the natural world and transforming spaces into places for gathering, growing, recreation and retreat. She lives in New York.
Kristine Deer (she/her)
Playing a vital support and sous-chef role, Kristine blends her training as a certified Trauma-Informed Coach and RTY200+ certified Barkan Method Hot Yoga teacher. She was the founder and CEO of K-DEER, a social impact activewear brand that cultivated a community of kindness and self-expression. She lives in New Jersey.
Katie Todd (she/her)
Katie is an empath and intuitive channel, a therapeutic body and energy worker, and an artist. She has trained hundreds of individuals and groups, incorporating a clear and grounded energetic mind-body focus (called The Flow of Grace). Katie holds degrees in Psychology, Fine Art, and East Asian Studies. She lives in New York’s Hudson Valley.
Past Participants Have Said…
Aminta S.
Most importantly, the immersive cuddle retreat was so much fun! The retreat experience also far exceeded any hope I had that I would learn new things about myself and my relationship to touch and intimacy. Within the course of just a few days, I was able to identify lifelong myths I had held about myself and then simply watch them wash away in the warmth that was created by the Cuddlists and the other participants. I would strongly recommend this retreat to anyone looking to take that next step into a more liberated and authentic relationship to self and others.“
“I have done many different types of workshops and retreats over the years that have been very powerful. But this was something new and deep for me that I am still integrating and taking in a couple months after. It was such a gentle container that allowed for adjustment of the needs of each individual in the group, and allowed for the holding of a range of experiences. For me I was allowed to so softly land into intimacy and connection with others, in a way that I left this experience profoundly changed and more alive.“
Nevine S.
The cuddle retreat was truly groundbreaking. I was nervous going in since it was my first experience of this kind, but I left feeling like a new person. It was so empowering to voice my wants and needs, to feel them honored, and to practice navigating yes and no within my body. The retreat brought me closer to myself, emotionally and physically, in a way that’s hard to put into words but deeply felt.
What Questions Do You Have?
How should I prepare for the retreat?
Pack loose or comfortable clothing, pajamas, a bathing suit and toiletries. Bring a water bottle, a journal and a pen, a book if you like to read during free time, and anything else that may feel good to you (i.e. meditation cushion, yoga mat, or favorite shawl or blanket).
Our chef will be able to accommodate all dietary restrictions, allergies and preferences; however, if there is something specific you’d like to bring for yourself, please do.
What is my energetic and financial investment?
The investment for this experience is $2,500 and may be paid in full; in two equal parts (50% upon acceptance and 50% one month prior to the experience); or in 5 monthly installments between now and the retreat. If you’re able to “top up” your investment to help offset the cost for someone else, that equitable act is greatly appreciated.
Includes:
• shared accommodations for 4 days / 3 nights
• 4 individual cuddle sessions & group exercises
• 2 communal energy integration sessions
• all meals and snacks prepared by our chef
• all amenities (enclosed heated pool, outdoor hot tub, fire pit, and more)
Two half-scholarships are available to participants in a season of financial need who are members of the BIPOC and/or LGBTQIA+ community. Please note this when sending the form near the bottom of the page.
Who is this long-weekend retreat for?
This retreat is for those seeking platonic intimacy, loving connection and healing in community.
Between the certified cuddlists and participants, the container will be an inclusive, supportive space for all genders, identities, and body types.
All are welcome to apply.
What happens if I experience arousal?
Arousal is a natural, physiological response of the human body, characterized by increased heart rate, rapid breathing, and heightened bodily activity.
While we will not pursue or encourage sexual arousal, there is nothing to be ashamed of or embarrassed about should arousal occur during a session. We simply name it and collaborate on how you’d like to proceed with the session or pause. Everything is just a conversation.
Where is the retreat being held?
The retreat location is in upstate New York (approximately 2 hours from New York City). Photos are seen above. The address will be provided to participants once they are approved and paid.
If it feels like a fit, apply below.
Each applicant will be invited to a 1:1 Zoom call. Once confirmed, location details will be provided once payment is received. We will also gather as a group for a pre-retreat Zoom call on July 23, 2026 at 12:00pm EST to meet one another and answer any remaining questions. Those who wish to carpool can connect at this time as well.