Yakap Therapy is a Manila-based presence and cuddle therapy service with an intent to connect and heal. It provides professional services related to alternative healing and holistic wellness.

The first step for ALL new clients is to have a FREE 15-minute phone consultation. Using the booking button, choose the consultation option. Over the phone we can discuss any questions you may have about me or my practice, I will also be asking questions to better understand your needs and goals as well as make sure we are on the same about my services.

If we mutually decide that we are a good fit and that my services would be beneficial for you, you may book your actual session using the same method.

The answer to this question will vary from professional to professional. The main guidelines are to stay in platonic territory, and to take responsibility for our boundaries as we go along.

Read the Client Agreement page for further details, and don’t be afraid to ask questions.

In western culture cuddling tends to be a precursor or post sex activity, many minds/bodies have been conditioned to respond with arousal to cuddling. The good news is it’s perfectly normal and also a sign of good health.

We can work together to responsibly and respectfully redirect the energy. There are few different ways we can navigate this situation.

1) Breath. The simplest method for redirecting focus. Before trying the others, try simply taking a few deep breaths and doing some self-soothing. Gently remind yourself why we are here, to connect on a platonic level.

2) Change positions/ activity. We can simply take a deep breath and suggest to one another that we move into another position or activity so as to redirect our energy and attention. There is no need to declare or have a conversation about it if you prefer not to.

3) Center ourselves in the heart. If you want my help, I can guide you through a heart centering mediation where we will refocus our attention back to platonic intimacy.

I am on a mission to learn about the various ways that I can cultivate platonic intimacy in its 4 forms; physical, emotional, energetic, and intellectual.

We can do things like; breathwork and meditations to encourage relaxation, various authentic relating games, light massage, learn about consent by playing The 3-minute game, cry, laugh, chat, listen to an audio book and so much more!

I am very open minded and love trying new things, so please don’t be shy to make recommendations!

The session will take place in our The Healing Matrix Studio in Makati City, Metro Manila.

It is a modern and calming studio used by both mind and body therapists. The space is perfect for therapy - cozy, warm and welcoming.

Standard Sessions: it is required to wear full length bottoms with underwear underneath, and minimum a t-shirt. I recommend wearing breathable cotton clothing. Onesies are a fun option too!

Clothing choices must remain appropriate for platonic cuddling- avoid revealing, transparent, or otherwise sexual clothing.

Please come with fresh clean clothes, free of odor or animal hair.

I do not take requests to wear specific garments.

First time clients should arrive 20 minutes early (one time intake P500 fee) to go over both the Client Agreement and Practitioners Code of Ethics, learn more about your needs and wants, and do some short simple activities to practice using language and techniques around communication and boundaries.

I will send you an email after your FREE 15-minute Phone Consultation that includes more information on session logistics.

I can listen and hold space for you to externalize what is on your mind. Being seen and heard is essential to healing. I am trained to be an excellent listener, provide empathy, and validate your experience without trying to solve anything.

I can offer advice as a friend would- this is to be taken as a perspective, not as professional advice. With permission, I can guide you to come to your own insights with guided self-inquiry.

Cuddle therapy is not a substitute for seeing a psychologist.

I invite you to imagine how would you cuddle or touch a grandparent, cousin, or even your own child. Likely, in a wholesome, mindful, non-erotic, yet connective and caring way.

Intention, boundaries, and self-awareness are key in staying in the platonic realm. If sexual arousal or attraction is being cultivated, especially intentionally, it is no longer platonic and a pause can be taken to re-center the intent and balance the energy.

So much bonding can occur during a session which can leave some not wanting it to end there. However authentic our connection grows to be, we must remember that our relationship is professional.

Chatting/ emailing outside of our sessions must be kept to a minimum and relevant to cuddle therapy.

Asking out your professional cuddler is not welcomed.

At the moment, this service is for women only.

I welcome women of all ethnic backgrounds, cultures, sexual orientations, ages, beliefs/ religions, etc.

As long as you are seeking services that are within the bounds of my practice, (platonic touch therapy or companionship), then you are eligible.

Your therapist is of the same gender (a woman).

An adult age 40+ years who had been certified to do professional presence and cuddling.

Nervousness is normal and to be expected to at least some degree. Maybe you aren’t sure what to expect or what is appropriate. Maybe this is your first time being close to someone in a while- or maybe ever. As for cuddling with an unfamiliar person, scientific studies have shown that cuddling- even with a stranger- will still result in an oxytocin increase, the “trust” or “love” hormone, and reduce cortisol, the stress hormone.

Throughout our session I am responsible for communicating if I require an adjustment due to discomfort or preference, as well as saying no to anything I am not willing to do during or prior to any activity. I promise that I will take care of my needs, preferences and boundaries so that you may relax and not have to. 

As long as you agree to respect my needs and boundaries if/ when I directly communicate them to you without taking it personally, pushing or convincing, or demanding an explanation - then we can co-create an experience based on trust and safety.

—Ask & Wait Method—

Can help strengthen understanding of consent, especially in the first session.

If we want to touch the other- we'll ask: May I hold your left hand? Keeping body language neutral so that the other has the physical and emotional space to say Yes or No. If we are holding the others hand and want to caress it, we would ask again: May I caress your hand? 

Payment can be received in cash, credit card or e-payments. Payments are to be done in full before the session begins.