Cuddling against loneliness: This is how Hamburg's therapy expert is fighting!

In Hamburg, Alexandra Ueberschär as a cuddly therapist offers a special kind of support for people who suffer from loneliness or psychological problems. Cuddly therapy focuses on interpersonal closeness and deliberately dispenses with sexual contacts. Your practice is equipped with softly padded surfaces and pillows to create a pleasant atmosphere.

overseed, the trained nurse is and has completed further training as a multilevel system coachin, notes that discussions are often not sufficient to provide mental help. Therefore, a therapeutic conversation takes place before each cuddly session, which serves to understand the causes of loneliness and the lack of touch. Many clients bring experience of separations or abuse, which can be designed individually.

The meaning of touch

The number of meetings required varies greatly; In acute mourning phases, an improvement can occur after just a few sessions, while long -term problems such as trauma or persistent loneliness can require a longer therapy process. It should be noted that the cost of treatment must be borne privately, since health insurance companies do not offer a takeover. Especially during Corona pandemic, awareness of loneliness and lack of contact has increased.

dr. Tobias Heinrich, a psychological psychotherapist in Hamburg, confirms that there is often a lack of contact in large cities. In scientific research, the physical reaction to touch is also examined: the hormone oxytocin, which is activated by touch, is the focus. The intensity of touch in cuddly therapy can vary depending on the patient, from simple hand holding to hugs. Interested that their clients will build up self -confidence by cuddling in order to feel closeness in other social contexts.

Health consequences of lack of contact

Lack of contact is a serious problem, since it is often difficult to recognize but concerns many people. As reported on the cuddly practice website, regular pleasant touches are essential for a stable hormone balance. A lack of touch leads to low oxytocin and increased cortisol value, which leads to loneliness and stress.

An American meta study shows that lack of contact can cause health damage that is comparable to the consequences of alcohol and nicotine abuse, fat and lack of exercise. It can have a negative impact on physical and mental health and significantly increase the risk of anxiety disorders and depressive moods. Experts, such as the haptic researcher Martin Grundwald, indicate that lack of contact can favor mental illnesses. In this context, cuddly therapy is often recommended as a first measure to counteract a lack of contact, since it usually has no side effects and can be used in addition to other treatments.