Keeley Shoup
Cuddle Therapy • Consent & Boundaries Educator
“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a
listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.'
Leo F. Buscaglia
ABOUT ME
ABOUT ME
In 2015 I dedicated my life to bringing platonic healing touch to the world when I became a Cuddlist and Certified Cuddle Party Facilitator. My cuddle therapy practice has grown since then to include becoming Director of Development at Cuddlist, one of the co-creators of CuddleExpo, a practitioner for over 600 clients across 6 states, and a leader in the industry of cuddle therapy.
Touch is a powerful, essential need for all humans to live healthy fulfilled lives. Oxytocin, the neurotransmitter produced when cuddling, can decrease stress, boost the immune system, fight insomnia, relieve symptoms of depression or anxiety, increase our ability to feel connected, and help many of us feel valued. We store trauma in the body in ways that cannot be addressed by talking alone. I've seen this work change my client's lives in amazing ways and my goal is to give that opportunity to every client I see.
Sometimes touch and cuddling can feel intimidating, vulnerable, and unsafe. Good communication, clear boundaries, and active listening are the keys to making platonic touch accessible to everyone. I practice and teach these skills in every session and in independent workshops. Clients also get my undivided attention and unconditional love. I work hard to create a completely judgement-free, custom tailored experience to everyone through individual or group work.
EDUCATION
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Ball State University, 2011, BA
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Certified Cuddle Party Facilitator #00107, 2015
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Certified Cuddlist, Consent Expert Award, 2016
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Cuddle Sanctuary Certification, 2018
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Certified Cuddlers Training, 2019
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Like A Pro Course, Betty Martin, 2019
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Foundations of IFS, IFS Institute, 2021
SPECIALTIES
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Individual Client Work
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Couples Touch Reintegration
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Trauma Processing*
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Symptom Relief from Depression & Anxiety
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Boundaries & Consent Coaching
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Internal Family Systems
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Wheel of Consent
* Trauma Processing is done in conjunction with a licensed counselor or clinician.
CONTACT ME
Please reference what service you are seeking. You may also ask me any question you might have. No question is ever off limits. Feedback and testimonials are always welcome.
PHONE
317.441.4549
ADDRESS
Chicago, IL 60626