6 Week Online Class
Yes! You Can Earn Money Helping People Feel Loved and Cared For!
Now enrolling for Program September 6 – October 11, 2025! (apply below)
Even if you’ve never given a professional cuddling session before in your life and just have a dream…
Learn more about our programs and apply below.
One-on-one mentorships are available now.
Join our mailing list to learn when future group certification programs are announced:
HAVE YOU EVER THOUGHT TO YOURSELF…
“I’m an empath. I really want to use my gifts to make a difference in people’s lives.”
“I know that human touch has such power. The world needs more kindness and compassion – the pandemic has made that need even more urgent.”
“I know people might not understand what I’m even doing, but I feel called to do this. I want to be a professional cuddler!”
I feel you!
I laugh a lot these days, but it wasn’t always like that.
For years I was single, independent and yet knew I was missing something.
One time I was on a business trip and feeling lonely. I picked out a man and cornered him into a date. It was a miserable experience.
I wasn’t being honest with him because I was actually confused. I thought I wanted a sexual experience (and that’s a perfectly valid thing to want), but that wasn’t it at all.
It took me a long time to figure it out.
My needs for affection were not being met.
I had heard of the concept of adults cuddling non-sexually but I couldn’t find anything like that in Los Angeles. Years went by until I finally found an event. It was worth the wait! I was amazed how much better I felt. At that point I didn’t even know about the science behind it all.
I just knew in my gut that I needed more cuddling in my life, and I wanted to share it with the world.
And so I started Cuddle Sanctuary and that changed everything. Now I make a contribution to my community that I can be proud of and see deposits in my bank account that make me feel valued.
I have the connection, intimacy, meaning and fun I’ve always wanted, and it just keeps getting better.
Unfortunately, there are people who dearly want to do this work yet give up on their dream.
They struggle because the people around them don’t understand this calling and they don’t have the support they need. The whole endeavor begins to feel impossible. I don’t want that to be you! Let me break it down for you now.
There are three elements a professional cuddler needs to thrive:
Craftsmanship
Community
Business Skills
Craftsmanship
Professional cuddlers need skills and experience. I know, you may be thinking, “People always tell me what a great hugger I am – I’ve got that part handled.” And yet it requires so much more than love for people and comfort with touch. Craftsmanship includes knowing cuddle position sequences, safety protocols, being trauma informed, having the experience to offer different kinds of caresses, nuanced boundary setting skills and much more. Craftsmanship is the know-how to provide sessions that clients rave about and return to.
Community
Professional cuddling is a relatively new wellness service which means the people in your life may have never even heard of it and think you’re crazy. Entering into the field at this moment makes you a pioneer; being a pioneer takes fortitude, courage and support. There’s nothing like getting help from other professional cuddlers who’ve already been there and done that. Without community support, I wouldn’t have made it. It’s a life preserver.
Business Skills
Massage therapists can get their certification and then hope to get hired at a spa or big massage company. Professional cuddling isn’t like that! The industry is only in its adolescence. The main way you’re going to get clients is if you find them and that means skills in running your own small business. Without developing your business skills, your dream may die.
I’m Jean Franzblau – The Founder of Cuddle Sanctuary. I’ve been running small businesses for over ten years and have been a professional cuddler for over seven. I can get you access to the most active, generous communities of professional cuddlers on the planet.
There’s no need for you to reinvent the wheel. Avoid the pitfalls and learn from me!
Student Testimonials
I’m a better human being
“I have learned things that not only benefit me professionally, but personally as well. I am a better human being for having taken this course, and I am beyond excited as I dare to dream about what’s next on the horizon.”
Elizabeth Anne Douglas
More to Professional Cuddling Than I Realized
“There is more to professional cuddling than I realized and I am glad I educated myself… I feel more confident in terms of knowing what I need to do and the questions I need to ask myself to get started. Knowing I have guidelines to follow helps me take steps to move forward more confidently. I feel a greater respect and seriousness of the work as a profession. I am excited to practice and explore what kinds of cuddle services I want to offer and which skills I want to hone and expand!”
Kimberly A. Delisle
Earn a Professional Cuddler Certification
It was amazing!
“It was amazing! I highly recommend this course and the insightful, compassionate instructors at Cuddle Sanctuary.”
Shawn Coleman
I Have More Confidence
“I loved how interactive, informative, clear, and fun it was. I enjoyed the flow, it made so much sense. I appreciate how much thought and insight went into this course…I have more confidence in the areas of listening, having difficult conversations and cuddle positions.”
Jo Brook
Get Started On the Path to Being a Professional Cuddler
The Cuddle Sanctuary Professional Cuddler Certification Program is a live online course designed to help you deliver cuddle sessions with professionalism and self-assurance. Let’s change the world together!
What’s Included?
- 15 hours of live training with a master professional cuddler
- For the group course – fellow students/colleagues with whom you will be training
- Lifetime access to online course materials
Here Are the Tools and Skills You Will Learn In the Cuddle Sanctuary Professional Cuddler Certification Program:
Module 1: Beginning the Journey
In this exciting opening lesson, we’ll share our stories of how our lives brought us to this work. Next, we’ll explore the role of the professional cuddler and then you’ll get to observe a real session in real time.
Module 2 – Anatomy of a Cuddle Session
We’ll break down and practice the Warm Welcome, Check-in and Opening Ritual. You’ll learn some guided breathing exercises that you can do with your clients. Then you’ll participate in a role play to help you lock in what you learned.
Module 3 – Cuddle Position Deep Dive
In this challenging module, you’ll have the chance to work with a partner of your choosing. You’ll practice ten cuddle positions and consider their functionality and how you might use them in “sequences.”
Module 4 – Session Finesse and Finality
We’ll complete our breakdown of the “The Cuddle” and dissect the Closing Ritual and Fond Farewell. We’ll also practice caressing and attuned listening – both tools to make your sessions nuanced and delicious.
Module 5 – Safety and Boundaries
Module 5 is the session that helps your loved ones feel confident that you’re taking great care of yourself. You’ll have a chance to practice vetting clients and consider what safety protocols are right for you. We’ll discuss how to avoid codependent client relationships and deepen your skills in navigating challenging conversations.
Module 6 – Completing the Journey
We’ll explore the nuts and bolts of starting and running a professional cuddling business. You’ll have a chance to ask your business-related questions. We’ll finish with a flourish – with a memorable “Closing Share-a-mony.” Plan to complete this course feeling nourished and inspired.
ENROLL NOW AND GET THESE FIVE BONUSES
Some courses provide good information but then leave you hanging when it comes to follow up. Cuddle Sanctuary’s Business Boosts can be your perfect post-training solution. Each Boost provides business tips, tricks and techniques written exclusively for professional cuddlers. The information is presented in a digestible format with achievable goals. Your Business Boosts will be delivered to your email inbox weekly and will keep on supporting you for three months after your training is complete.
Value: $99
This online class is the meat and potatoes of the program and a prerequisite for Certification. It has the foundational information that you need for a successful practice. This online, self-paced class has over 20 lessons and more than 25 videos. It includes demonstrations, sample forms, business documents and quizzes to keep you on your toes. You’ll have unlimited access to this class so that you can refer to it throughout your career. (If you’ve already purchased this training, your investment is safe. The amount you paid will be deducted from the cost of your tuition for the certification program.)
Value: $129
It’s inevitable, once you launch your practice, you’ll have questions. Our monthly practitioner call is a forum where you can get the answers you need while relaxing in the presence of your peers. Join these Zoom calls with your phone, tablet or computer. If you can’t make it, you’ll have a whole week to watch the recording and see what you missed. These calls can be a place to not only get support but also to celebrate your successes. Together, we can do anything.
Value: $299
Having your services posted on the Cuddle Sanctuary site is a badge of honor. Only certified professionals appear here. This is a great place for clients to find you and request a session from you. Once you complete your certification, you’ll qualify for this bonus. We’ll ask you to send your photo and a write-up. We’ll take care of the rest.
Value: $117
Though virtual cuddle sessions will never replace your soothing physical presence, they can create a surprising level of depth, meaning and value for clients. This online class includes instruction, a demonstration, an intake form, and a guide with a plethora of activities. Another tool for your toolkit!
Value: $19.95
Bonuses worth more than $663.
Tuition
Which path is right for you? The tuition for a one-on-one mentorship is:
$3,997 + homework items
The tuition for our group program is:
$1,997 + homework items
Payment plans, partial racial equity scholarships, and financial aid are available for the group program.
Application fee: $25
(This fee is nonrefundable. If you’re accepted into the program, the application fee will be applied to your tuition.)
This program may sell out!
What If You Have a Change of Heart?
If need be, you can change your mind, cancel your enrollment in the course, and get 80% of your money back – as long as it’s 30 days before the first class. If you need to postpone attending the course, I can accommodate you in a future one as long as space is available. You must attend the course within one year of purchase. On my end, if a session has low enrollment, I reserve the right to postpone it.
Here’s What Previous Students Have Had To Say:
I was changed
“Cuddle Sanctuary training has permanently changed the way I think, speak, and treat other people…thank you, for teaching me. I promise I’ll use the knowledge well.”
Dave Jorgensen
Grateful
“It boosted my confidence…Thank you!”
Katrina Jean
I’m Jean Franzblau, and I’ll be your instructor.
I’m the Founder of Cuddle Sanctuary – the Los Angeles destination for professional cuddling since 2014. I have a warm, upbeat teaching style honed by my 18 years as a corporate trainer. I studied facilitation with Cuddle Party and the Association for Talent Development. I’m a Certified Professional Cuddler and am a cum laude graduate from UCLA. I’ve continued my professional development with the Connection Institute. You can find my writing in the Consent Guidebook or look up my appearances on BuzzFeed, Good Mythical Morning, Dr. Phil, LA Times, and Rolling Stone.
A note about my intersecting identities: I am a white skinned, able bodied, straight, cis-woman with Eastern European Jewish ancestry. I share this in hopes that you can decide for yourself if my background will be a comfort or distraction from your learning experience. I’m in an ongoing process of educating myself so that my inevitable blind spots do less harm while dedicating resources towards social justice and anti-racism. This course includes content and resources to further the cultural shift towards racial equity.
FAQ
Certification, Schedule and Attendance
Q: How is this online course different from other online cuddle classes?
A: Cuddle Sanctuary’s online certification is the most vigorous program of its kind. Our standards to achieve certification are high. Choosing to study with Cuddle Sanctuary is a meaningful investment in yourself and your profession.
Q: How long is the course, when does it start and when are the live online classes held?
A: The course is six weeks long. We meet each week online for 2.5 hours at 8:00am PST. Our next group program dates are September 6 – October 11, 2025. For those receiving a one-on-one mentorship, we collaborate to find class times that work for your schedule.
Q: What if I miss a class?
A: We understand that life happens. We will record each class so you can “catch up” if you miss one. (You can miss as many as two classes and still get certified.) We encourage you to do what you can to attend every class so you get the best learning experience possible.
Q: Besides the homework and attending the 6-week live online course, what else does it take to get certified?
A: We use a Green/Yellow method to determine if we can certify a student. You can learn more about the Green/Yellow method and the requirements for certification here.
Homework
Q: Is there homework I need to complete before the first day of class?
A: Yes. If you’re accepted into the program, we’ll send you your homework so you can get started right away. Your “before training” homework includes receiving a cuddle session, attending a cuddle event (if you can find one in your area), reading articles, watching videos, and taking an online class. Prepare to spend several hours over several days to complete your homework before class begins.
Q: Is there homework during the six week course?
A: Yes. You’ll have up to five hours of homework each week. We think you’ll find your homework challenging, interesting and sometimes fun. And don’t worry – you’ll have time to go about your normal schedule including work, childcare, self-care and sleep. But, please don’t also choose these weeks to remodel your kitchen, entertain out-ot-town guests or take on extra projects. Carve out the six weeks of this class as sacred for your professional development. You’ll thank yourself.
Q: Is there homework after the six week course?
A: If you’re hoping to be certified, yes. After the training is over you’ll be required to set up and complete five client sessions. This will help you gain more experience and receive feedback. You’ll also read a book to continue your education.
Application and Money Questions
Q: What’s the application process?
A: Your first step is to pay the $25 application fee and fill out the application form. Once you do that, we’ll reach out to you within five days. If your application moves to the next level, we’ll set up a call to learn more about you and answer your questions. If you’re accepted into the program, we’ll discuss tuition payment options with you and then send you course materials.
Q: I prefer to pay for tuition monthly. Tell me about your payment plans.
A: Students who pay monthly must be paid in full before the first day of class. We work with each student individually to create a payment plan that works.
Q: What if I don’t want to become a professional cuddler, but I still want to take this course?
A: There are some people who decide to study with us for their own personal growth. If this is you, you are welcome to apply.
Q: I already paid for the Self Guided Course for Professional Cuddlers. Can I get a discount on the tuition for certification?
A: Yes. If you’re accepted into the program, the amount you paid for the Self Guided Course for Professional Cuddlers will be discounted from your tuition.
Q: Besides the application fee and tuition, are there other costs I should know about?
A: Yes. Some of the homework items have a cost. Here’s a link to learn more.
Q: Are there any scholarships for this course?
A: Yes. We have a Financial Aid Program and Racial Equity Partial Scholarships to students who qualify. To apply, click this link. Or to sponsor a student, click here.
Q: What if I change my mind?
A: If need be, you can change your mind, cancel your enrollment in the course, and get 80% of your money back – as long as it’s 30 days before the first class. If you need to postpone attending the course, we can accommodate you in a future one as long as space is available. You must attend the course within one year of purchase. On my end, if a session has low enrollment, I reserve the right to postpone it.