23: Personal Growth through Cuddle Therapy, with Keeley Shoup

Welcome to Life Lessons with Social Leopards, where hosts Bea and Beth explore the current landscape of loneliness and highlight pathways to human connection and healing. In this compelling episode, they introduce listeners to Keeley Shoup, a prominent figure in the field of cuddle therapy and an advocate for boundary setting and consent education.Keeley shares her journey into the world of platonic touch, inspired by her early experiences and a desire to integrate human touch with therapeutic practice. Listeners will discover the intricacies of cuddle therapy, from its foundational importance of trust and communication to the many ways it can facilitate healing and long-term benefits, including social connection. Keely emphasizes the role of cuddle therapy as a supportive space for isolated individuals and those experiencing social anxiety or depression, offering them tools to forge self accepance and authentic relationships in their lives.The episode delves into screening processes for clients, the essence of matching a client's needs with the appropriate professional, and the variety of specialties within this field. Keely also highlights the unique features of her practice, including its applications for neurodivergent communities and the LGBTQIA+ population, while explaining learning and techniques involved in setting and respecting boundaries. Wrapping up, the hosts and Keely discuss the misconceptions around platonic touch, the dynamics of emotional regulation, and the importance of fostering genuine social connection in an increasingly isolated world.Listeners are left with a profound understanding of the transformative possibilities cuddle therapy can offer.ABOUT KEELEY:Owner, Chicago Cuddle TherapyCo-Owner & CEO – CuddlistBoard of Directors – Cuddle PartyWebsites: cuddlist.com and keeleyshoup.comAll socials: @cuddlist or @yourcuddletherapist CONTACT US AND ACKNOWLEDGMENTS: Many thanks to Anthony Church, who composed the music featured for Season Two. Please check out his content here: https://linktr.ee/anthonychurchmusic  Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/social-leopards-navigating-social-life-in-adulthood--6890039/support.Stay connectedIf you’d like more reflections, behind-the-scenes thoughts, and gentle reminders, you can find me on Substack: substack.com/@bethbutramYou can also follow along on Instagram. My handle is @PodcastsByBeth.If this podcast brings you a sense of calm or support, and you’d like to offer a small thank you, you’re always welcome to do so here: ko-fi.com/bethpodcastBetter yet, join the Supporters Club for a forever ad-free experience and more: spreaker.com/podcast/affirmations-for-calm-confidence--6925310