International Hugs Day: meeting with Madline, cuddle therapist

“It’s a tactile approach, always secure, caring and platonic. The interest is to be able to provide people who want or need it with tactile contact, but in a setting where people will be comfortable,” explains the specialist.

On the occasion of International Hugs Day, it is good to remember their benefits. Meeting with Madline, cuddle therapist.

The sessions consist of a few questions before moving on to breathing exercises. The watchword of these exercises is: consent, which occupies a central place in the process. “It is always a practice devoid of any sexual or romantic connotation.”

To date, the practice is not very widespread, and Madline is the only one in French-speaking Belgium. According to her, physical contact has several benefits: “On blood pressure, it has an impact on the cortisol level, it can have an impact on sleep…”

■ Reporting from Bryan Mommart, Kim Gaudaire, Guillaume Bruwier and Laurence Paciarelli