Certification Qualifications: “A+7C” Model

The “A + 7C” Model is the method that helps Cuddle Sanctuary decide whether we can certify a student. Read on to see what we’re looking for.

Attendance – Mandatory

You must attend all classroom hours to qualify for certification. You’ll need to be in a private place and eliminate distractions such as driving, childcare or other work. If you have to miss a class, you’ll need to make it up by reviewing the recording of that missed class within seven days. In order to be certified, you may not miss more than two classes.

Content

You’ll need to complete your homework before class begins (unless we’ve made a special arrangement) and do the assigned homework in between classes. We expect you to know the material that we cover in class well enough to deliver satisfactory sessions to your clients.

Container 

When working with clients, you have a professional intake process and do a solid job of keeping track of time, the environment, your own boundaries, and your client’s needs.

Clarity

During your cuddle sessions, you provide clear guidance to your client.

Confidence

You’ll have the opportunity to build your confidence throughout the training with opportunities to role play and practice.

Connection – Mandatory

It’s crucial that your clients feel seen and appreciated. Being able to connect with your clients is important enough for us to make it mandatory for certification.

Completion of Practice Sessions and Client Sessions (During and After Training) – Mandatory

During the course of your training, you’ll have the chance to practice giving sessions. It will be up to you to recruit your own clients for your practice sessions.

After the training is over you’ll be required to set up and complete five client sessions. These client sessions will help you gain more experience and receive feedback.

In class we’ll discuss the timeline for having these sessions completed. Working with your practice partners and conducting the post-training client sessions are mandatory for certification.

Code of Ethics – Mandatory

Our Code of Ethics helps create standards for our growing industry. Signing our Code of Ethics is a requirement for certification. Contact us if you have any questions or concerns about it.

How Are Students “Graded”?

Cuddle Sanctuary uses a Green/Yellow method to evaluate your work. Green means Good Enough for Certification. (It can also mean Great!) Yellow means that this is an area that we suggest you work on.

You’ve probably noticed that several elements listed above are “mandatory.” Of the items that are not mandatory, you can still be certified with one Yellow.

If you don’t get certified, you can request to return for a future training and try again. (As a courtesy, former students get 50% off of tuition.)