The idea for Snuggle Salon was 10 years in the making. In 2006, I became a certified Cuddle Party Facilitator after traveling to San Diego to take the Foundations of Facilitation course offered by REiD Mihalko, Marcia Baczynski and Len Daly, the founders of the international organization Cuddle Party. For the last decade, with the tireless help of a devoted support team ( aka Team Cuddle ), I have been offering the internationally recognized workshop called Cuddle Party. Cuddle Party taught me how to create a new culture where consent-based, non-sexual, non-romantic, physical intimacy could occur.
The first Cuddle Party I ever attended in 2005 left me feeling truly validated and appreciated as a human being — not for the way I looked or for anything other than that I was willing to share a simple embrace with someone else who desired it. The first person who asked me to cuddle was a 60 year old woman. Our interaction was sweet, friendly and affectionate. She and I became friends afterwards. The next person who asked me for a cuddle was an Asian guy. Being from the Southern US, I didn’t think I was attracted to Asian guys, and that experience changed my mind. Of course — I did not act on my attraction, but the experience taught me something new about myself.
Since 2006, I have facilitated over 100 Cuddle Party workshops in the San Francisco Bay Area. You can find my regional Cuddle Party website here: http://cuddle.theplayfulcircle.com. Former participants continue to tell me how the experience has changed their lives. While this appreciation is gratifying, over the years, there has been a sadness because there are always many more men than women, who are interested in attending these workshops. Trying to gender-balance these events has been difficult. I often have to turn men away or put them on a wait-list. I have always wanted to find a way to solve this problem. I hope by training women to be empowered Snuggle Partners, by continuing to offer Cuddle Party workshops, and possibly even by working for Snuggle Salon, I can begin to solve this problem. I believe Cuddle Party has gone a long way to address this issue for women, in giving both men and women, the opportunity, in a safe environment, to set and maintain boundaries around the kind of welcomed, consensual, non-sexual touch that they desire, and a laboratory in which to say no to requests for touch they would not enjoy. Cuddle Party offers some simple yet powerful rules to empower ourselves around intimacy and touch.
In addition to providing non-sexual snuggling, intimacy and basic human affection — the services we provide for men include:
relationship coaching for men on how to listen carefully to a woman’s boundaries
how to ask with confidence and clarity for specifically the kinds of desired non-sexual touch
how to get clarity around his own boundaries
how to hear no gracefully, without taking it personally
We also provide coaching for women around:
discovering and defining their boundaries
practicing asserting and maintaining boundaries
how to listen to their internal guidance system and change their mind when something is not working
how to stay present and ask for specifically what they want
Finally, we bring these services to under-served communities including senior centers, nursing homes, universities, corporations and other organizations that could benefit from a different perspective on human intimacy by creating a culture of welcomed authenticity, and the opportunity to create bonding based on trust.
For both men and women, we hope to be of service to the joy that simple human affection and intimacy can bring.
Hoping to snuggle with you soon!
Yvonne
Founder, Snuggle Salon
Linda Photos
Bridgette's Testimonials
From Jayesh, Los Gatos, 11/10/2022 “Bridgette is such a beautiful and positive person. It was my first snuggle session and she made me feel comfortable and loved. I would love to snuggle again with her.”
Melanie's Testimonials
from Danielle, Vista, 11/15/2022 “I enjoyed Melanie’s empathy, intuition and compassion for my initial apprehension and I immediately was comforted and felt safe. Melanie went above and beyond to make me feel special! I am so grateful for my initial appointment being such a safe experience.”
from John, Sacramento, 11/2/2022 “I booked my first snuggle session during a moment that I was extremely stressed in many parts of life, and when it felt like my nerves would not cam down. Melanie listened carefully, was warm, welcoming and helped me feel comfortable in letting go of the nervous energy and recovering a sense of well-being. I took the option to extend the session and left feeling more myself than I have in years! The warmth flowed strongly for several days and helped me navigate difficult moments from a place of being calm and whole. I highly recommend Snuggle Salon nurture therapy and Melanie as a practitioner.”
from V., Milpitas, 4/11/2022 “Snuggle session with Melanie was very good. She made me feel comfortable, and relaxed, asked good questions. It was a calming experience, and would like to schedule another session with her.”
from Ben M., San Mateo, 2/6/2022 “I enjoyed the way Melanie listened, asked great questions, shared her own thoughts and listened some more! Her warmth and kindness was so welcoming and made me at ease. She is a great snuggler and a deep soul. Melanie was so warm, open and friendly. She showed real care and nurturance. and YES, she’s very snuggly, kind and FUN! I also liked the space. It, too, was warm and welcoming and conducive to cuddling! Even received excellent directions to the location and felt well cared about…Thanks!”
from Matthew, Stanford, 2/9/2022 “I enjoyed our snuggle as well. I didn’t know what to expect going into it, but your relaxing vibe and sense of humor quickly put me at ease. It honestly felt more like reuniting with a longtime friend than a first meeting. (I’m glad I was able to book an extra half hour at the end of it.) My one regret is that I forgot to ask to hear some of your opera singing. 🙂 See you next time!”
from H., San Jose, 11/23/2021 “I booked a session for my birthday evening because I had no other plans, but can’t be happier about my decision. Melanie was great, I felt our hugs calming down our hearts after a long day, the tight snuggles and the different cuddle positions felt like comforting massages. I felt worth being born on my birthday in Melanie’s arms. :)”
from H., San Jose, 11/20/2021 “I had a great snuggle session with Melanie. It was the first time I ever cuddled with anyone, and it felt so relaxing and peaceful. I still feel hugged even after the session, and the warmth of the tight hugs Melanie gives makes one forget anything they might be going through. Highly recommend 10/10.”
from Bharat, Fremont, 11/6/2021 “I enjoyed every moment of it. The tight snugs were very special to me and enjoyed a lot. Would like to come again and experience more.”
From Yvonne: Bharat also called me to tell me how much he enjoyed the session with Melanie. He said it was really, really good and he wants more snuggle experiences.
from Kevin N., San Jose, 9/22/2021 “It was nice to meet you. Thank you for your time today, I feel so much more relaxed after the snuggle session. I’m glad you liked and were ok with hearing from the audiobook. Wishing you the best of luck at the opera tomorrow!”
from Ivo C., San Jose, 9/9/2021 “I felt truly I good hands & understood & taken care of. The verbal communication was also splendid. Highly satisfied with the professionalism.”
from Sean H., Los Gatos, 7/1/2021 “Melanie is very inviting, open to different cuddle positions, and can give a good massage. She is also a good listener and a lighthearted conversationalist.”
from Alexander, San Mateo, 3/21/2021 Go For a Walk Appointment “It was a blast to share oooh’s and ahh”s while meeting for the first time. It was fun! All while getting some sun, exercising and just having good company. As it was a fun happy place! Thank you and look forward to another fun session !”
from R.dlP., Hollister, 12/16/2019 “Melanie, I want you for myself and your snuggles are better than therapy. How’s that for a testimonial? You’re beautiful and I’ll see you in a couple months.”
from R.D., Campbell, 5/11/2019 “There’s so much that this kind of connection offers. I know I feel strengthened and validated after my session. I also feel the benefits are best understood on a subconscious level. My first session was with Melanie and she was a delight. Not only was she nurturing and non-judgemental, but she was very easy to converse with. The best things though were her hugs – I couldn’t get enough of that and I’m sure I’ll schedule with her again.”
Boundaries Sensitivity Training Class from C.L., Santa Clara, 5/21/2019 “Melanie helped me to understand the step-by-step process of snuggling session and I enjoyed every moment of it 🙂 She even helped me with my confidence and really focused on the meaningful intimacy.Thank you Melanie for your snuggling session and your insights about it. I am happy to say that I have a snuggling partner like Melanie.”
From K.B., San Jose, 1/26/2019 “I have only one word for Melanie at Snuggle Salon: Awesome! No wait, I will cheat a bit.. add super fun and friendly to that! My time with her just flew, which I think speaks volumes! Enough said…”
From N.T., San Jose, 10/16/2018 “My day for a snuggle session was finally here and when Melanie greeted me with a hug, I got the warm fuzzies all over and knew this would be an awesome experience because she is so deliciously hug-able. She is a warm healer, very snuggle-able and displays the sweetest and most accommodating personality. I felt totally comfortable in her presence, like I have known her for years. In her sessions, she offers a musical serenade on her keyboard and it was like having my own private concert. I loved it and her voice is amazing. I totally enjoyed her singing, it really felt special.
One thing I had asked her to help me with when first contacting her was with some stretching and yoga exercises. Her background in ring gymnastics led her to remind me to flex my hip more with some pressure she applied. It definitely helped my tight muscles. She even gave me a massage with tennis balls and a hand roller. I was ready to melt in her arms at that point. That was surely a cool warm up.
In order to present as safe container and overall feeling, we went over the rules because it was my intention to fully respect this woman and her boundaries. And for the next few hours we snuggled and cuddled close like being tied in a knot, it was such a warm, intimate and calming feeling; one that I have been missing in my single life.
When it was time to go – and I didn’t want it to – it was just clearly evident to me that Melanie simply enjoys being available for this basic type of human touch connection for those who are missing it in their life. Thank you sooo much Melanie and I cannot wait to snuggle with you again.”
From R.K., Mountain View, 8/31/2018 “I very much enjoyed Melanie’s company, conversation, and kindness.”
From C.M., San Jose, 8/31/2018 “Melanie is super awesome and incredibly sweet. I wasn’t afraid to spoon with her even though she showed up in full clown make-up.OK maybe shouldn’t write that … how about this?Melanie was super cool and very relaxing to be with. She carries herself well and I found her incredibly articulate regarding a range of differing subject matters.”
Autumn's Testimonials
From Eric, Milpitas, 10/18/2022 “I enjoyed the conversations with Autumn. I think we hit it off. We talked about really personal stuff. She was very warm and honest. Her body really felt good and warm. Autumn was really nice and accommodating and friendly. She gave me a friendly kiss on my forehead and she allowed me to kiss her on the cheek. I was very nervous before the meeting but very comfortable at the end of the session. The only regret is that I can’t say for another 10 hours. :-)”
From Tim, Mountain View, 9/27/2022 “Cosy room setup, clear communication, and an absolutely splendid experience with Autumn — such a wonderful soul, great conversationalist, and outstanding cuddle guide/partner!”
From Anonymous, 2/8/2022 “Autumn is such a warm, kind person. She is very comforting and patient so it helps me tremendously with any anxiety I have. Even into the next day I feel very relaxed and will be booking again soon.”
From Dave M., Los Gatos, 11/18/2021 “Our session resulted in the most peaceful feeling I’ve had in many years. It is not an exaggeration to say that I felt a sense of euphoria. I hope to schedule another session soon!”
Belle's Testimonials
From D.C., Danville, 9/21/2022 “Belle is very easy to work with, she makes me feel relaxed and is open to hear any ideas I might have, and if I ask her to give some ideas she’s ready and willing. I like the fact the she is open to sharing in conversation, it makes it easier for me to want to open up as well. She creates a safe and yet fun atmosphere. Belle made me feel well cared for, I felt her affection was genuine and she allowed me to touch and hold her as well. Thanks.”
From Paul, Peninsula, 7/02/2022 “Belle was excellent. I liked the relaxed and easy going demeanor of my snuggle partner, Belle. Since I am pretty new I feel a little unsure and akward , She guided us through in a friendly manner that made me feel at ease. She provided cuddle positions for me to see, she was patient, yet she also was willing to provide leadership since I didn’t know what positions I wanted to try, and she was fun to be with, easy to share personal things that I needed to get off my chest, and she was soothing to me. I was very satisfied.”
From K.F., Castro Valley, 12/30/2019 “I greatly enjoyed my snuggle session with Belle yesterday. Belle was very warm and affectionate. I was slightly nervous about coming in, but Belle‘s kindness and understanding put me at ease right away. The snuggle space was very comfortable and relaxing. I think I am likely to return to Belle in the future.”
From B.J., San Ramon, 10/4/2019 “I enjoyed Belle’s openness to snuggling with me. She is a good conversationalist and she listens and pays attention to what I have to say. She is very present in the moment. She dresses very modestly, yet very attractively. I look forward to our next session.”
Felicity's Testimonials
From AC, Oakland, 08/07/2022 “On top of being empathetic and good company, Felicity is such a cool person who is comfortable in her own skin. It helped me do the same; I felt comfortable with her almost immediately I look forward to booking with her again.”
Boundaries Sensitivity Training
from C.L., Santa Clara, 5/21/2019, Boundaries Sensitivity Training Class delivered by Melanie “Melanie helped me to understand the step-by-step process of snuggling session and I enjoyed every moment of it 🙂 She even helped me with my confidence and really focused on the meaningful intimacy.Thank you Melanie for your snuggling session and your insights about it. I am happy to say that I have a snuggling partner like Melanie.”
From Chakra, Santa Clara, 5/16/2019, Boundaries Sensitivity Training Class delivered “I am profoundly grateful, humbled by the experience and honored to have connected with a pure soul, Yvonne. My blockages were something I was aware of but Yvonne put a lot into perspective for me. She took me on this journey and visited true self of me that needed affection and healing attention. This process taught me how to connect to my highest true self. Investing in your health and well-being is the greatest act of self-love.”
Testimonials from Snuggle Partners
From Melanie, Santa Cruz, 10/17/2019 “I love working for snuggle salon. Most of my clients have been delightful, a few have been challenging, and the latter have been the best learning experiences. I already knew many of my boundaries and how to communicate them lovingly, and this work is helping me discover more subtle boundaries and get even better at communicating them.”
“I think it is important that I share about my time working with Snuggle Salon. If you are looking for an experience that will help you grow as a person really consider investing in yourself with a professional cuddle session. Having been on both sides of the experience – both being snuggled and as a professional snuggler, I have learned a lot about myself and how I choose to connect with other people. You will experience boundary sensitivity and experiment with platonic intimacy. You will experience touch without the pressure of having to “make it happen”. Your snuggle partner cares about you. They want you to have a productive and organic experience.
Snuggle Partners are not ordinary employees. It takes something very special to share your time with someone in this way. Don’t expect everything to be perfect because every time will be new and different. Be prepared to meet parts of yourself you didn’t know existed. Yvonne is the Goddess of the Snuggles. Trust her to guide you gently through a new way of seeing the world.”
— Sage decided to begin working full-time on her blog. I will be forever grateful for her contribution and I will miss her!! — Yvonne
From Layla, Sunnyvale, 7/12/2018 “Working as a Snuggle Partner has been an amazing personal growth experience. Although I’ve so much more to learn and explore regarding the human condition, the framework of Snuggle Salon provided a solid foundation to understanding the essential human need for touch, closeness, connection, acceptance, empathy and compassion. These needs expressed by clients have introduced me to a new awareness: the realization of the insurmountable pain each of us carries. I feel evermore motivated to continue learning, developing and strengthening the skills I’ve acquired as a snuggle partner, and hope to nurture current and future relationships over time. My snuggle partner experience has opened my heart in ways I never thought possible. I have witnessed true emotional and spiritual healing for myself as well as my clients.”
— Layla decided that her primary relationship needed attention and decided to take time to focus on it. I will be forever grateful for her contribution and she will be missed!! — Yvonne
Marie's Testimonials
From Jorge, South Bay 3/12/2020 “It was awesome! I didn’t realize how much I needed this until I had my appointment, I loved everything about it. It felt so refreshing and it went beyond my expectations. Marie is very professional, I was a bit nervous at first since it’s the first time I do this, but she immediately took over and led me all the way through and made me feel very comfortable and so peaceful. I feel like my anxiety is pretty much gone. This was so worth it. I will definitely continue to book appointments on a regular basis now. Thanks again Marie for being so amazing! It was a great time, I’m so glad we met and I truly enjoyed your presence and genuine kindness. Can’t wait for next time :)”
From Les, East Bay 3/10/2020 “I experienced a session with Marie last night. Our session began with some hand holding in each other’s arms as the sun went down. Pleasant from the very beginning. As we enjoyed a few basic “go to” poses, we enjoyed some like minded philosophical discussions as we lightly caressed each other. I was in need of some substantial nurturing and healing and got it. Marie is a caring, refreshing little bundle of loving energy. She has a healthy outlook on life and a welcoming smile. I could not recommend her more.”
From B.C., San Jose 2/19/2020 “Spending time with Marie was a wonderful, relaxing experience. She has such a friendly, warm personality and I really enjoyed our time together. I feel so lucky to have had a chance to meet such a great human and spend a few precious hours with her!”
From K.L., San Jose 2/6/2020 “I’m really happy that I dove into this experience with you. I believe that this was def. a stepping stone in my personal growth as a human. On top of the open vulnerability and conversations of life, I walked away with greater knowledge of various cuddling positions and what works best for me and the given partner. Marie has both a warming and inviting personality. To sum things up, Marie is awesome at what she does and a great cuddling partner for someone looking to dive into the the give and receive nature of cuddling.”
From Garvin Hung, Los Angeles, 12/29/2019 “Nice conversation, touch felt great! I enjoyed holding hands and hugging, felt very safe!”
From K.B., Foster City, 4/16/2019 “I totally enjoyed our cuddle session as I told you and I guess the best thing I can say is: “I can’t wait for our next session!”. ❤️ You have a very warm personality and demeanor which really put me at ease… keep it up dear lady. Look forward to seeing you again soon!”
From “Snuggle-Guy-In-Stockton”, 3/20/2019 “There is no better feeling than that of being welcomed and cared about and that’s exactly how Marie made me feel. From the moment we met, to the cozy cuddling environment she had prepared for us; and then, to her nurturing embraces and gentle caresses: everything she did gave me the sense of belonging that I so very much needed. Our time was over all too soon and saying I did not want to leave speaks volumes for how I feel about Marie as a snuggle partner. I can’t wait to see Marie again!”
From Joshua, San Jose, 3/9/2019 “Marie was very kind and welcoming, which quickly put me at ease. She’s very snuggly, and has a real talent for giving light touches that feel amazing and leave you feeling very relaxed. I really look forward to snuggling with her again!”
Yvonne's Testimonials
From Chakra, Santa Clara, 5/16/2019, Boundaries Sensitivity Training Class “I am profoundly grateful, humbled by the experience and honored to have connected with a pure soul, Yvonne. My blockages were something I was aware of but Yvonne put a lot into perspective for me. She took me on this journey and visited true self of me that needed affection and healing attention. This process taught me how to connect to my highest true self. Investing in your health and well-being is the greatest act of self-love.”
From G., San Jose, 11/4/2016 “I had my second session with Yvonne, and it was even better than our first session. She is simply so snuggable! As before, she greeted me with a big hug and very genuine and sweet smile. I like how I just melt into her arms when I see her and immediately feel a sense of calmness, connection, comfort. We tried several different snuggle positions again, most of which involved us holding each other very closely, wrapping our arms and legs around each other. And then she helped me discover my favorite position, and it was pure bliss for a long time. Yvonne is so genuinely loving and compassionate about what she does for her clients. I can’t wait for my next session with my snuggle expert!”
From M. Leonard, San Jose, 5/15/2016 “Yvonne is a wonderful snuggler! She immediately put me at ease during our first session and effortlessly balanced professionalism with warmth and compassion. She encouraged me to ask for the type of snuggling I needed, but also had many creative and delightful suggestions that enhanced the experience. Despite never having met before, we were able share ideas, laughter, and even vulnerability — all through the medium of affectionate touch. I am so glad I decided to schedule an appointment with Yvonne, and left feeling happy, refreshed, and looking forward to our next session!”
From E. Harbinite, San Jose, 2/18/2016 “Yvonne was extremely gracious and welcomed me with a nice hug. Her smile and warmth towards me was incredible. We talked a little and hugged and snuggled throughout the 90 minute session. She made feel quite relaxed and at ease. She confidently explained the policies at the beginning of the session, and asked me if had any boundaries. I felt comfortable enough with her to open all the session renderings. Such a warm and caring experience. I look forward to my next session with her which would only be constrained by the amount of dollars per month allocated for self-care :-). Kudos to you Yvonne for having the insight and thoughtfulness to pursue your dream.”
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Haven's Testimonials
From C.K., Petaluma, 4/20/2018
“Haven was very easy to talk to. She made me feel at ease and paid attention to my requests. I look forward to a future session.”
From DJ, East Bay, 9/20/2016
“Haven is such a sweet, affectionate person. She wears her heart on her sleeve and you will immediately notice how caring she is. Our cuddle time just flew by. Do yourself a favor and schedule a session with her!”
