The Original Cuddle Workshop with Wilrieke & Shanice
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Description
A cuddle workshop teaching loving, platonic touch, hosted by the creator of The Original Cuddle Workshop, running strong for over 15 years. Through gentle, consent-based exercises at your own pace, you'll lower stress, connect with yourself and others, and experience touch without the pressure of "next steps."
➡️ EVENT SOLD OUT? QUESTIONS ABOUT PRACTICALITIES? THE FAQ TELLS YOU WHAT TO DO AND WHERE TO GO: www.exploringdeeper.com/faq.
Cuddling isn't just nice, it's genuinely healthy. Touch lowers stress and boosts happiness. But it's also a way to get to know yourself better. Do I dare make my boundaries and desires clear?
A few proven benefits of cuddling:
- consensual touch lowers stress in your body
- it strengthens your immune system
- it balances your nervous system
- it strengthens your heart
- it lowers feelings of fear and loneliness
- and beyond that, a workshop like this can help you process trauma and become more confident
A cuddle workshop is a structured workshop focused on loving touch. We work through exercises aimed at connecting with ourselves and with others. We start gently, without touching each other, and slowly build up the intensity for those who want that, so everyone can follow along and nothing moves too fast for anyone — though you never have to do anything you don't feel like doing.
We always begin with a moment to settle in and let go of the hustle and bustle of daily life. From there, we connect with ourselves and with others through exercises, like taking turns stroking each other's hands. The exercises range from playful to more intense, but you always choose your own pace. If you don't want to do something, you don't have to. The exercises are varied and change every time.
The evening centers on loving attention and touch. We stay away from sexuality — not because sexuality is wrong, but to experience platonic touch without "next steps," letting go of the hierarchy of touch so familiar in our society.
Elements that you can expect in this cuddle workshop: meditation, mindfulness, dance, massage, breathing exercises, somatic awareness, The Wheel of Consent and neo-tantric aspects.
FOR WHO IS THIS EVENT:
This workshop is for both experienced and starting cuddlers. When you feel anxious or insecure about connecting with other people – this is for you. But also if you want to recharge and indulge in a night of abundant cuddles you are very welcome! There are usually people coming alone, and coming together. Newcomers, and folks who have been coming for years. There are always people a bit nervous - which is absolutely okay and we take into account.
This event welcomes folks from all walks of life. We are LGBTQIIA+ informed (Wilrieke and most of their team identify as such), slut-friendly, trauma-informed, and non-monogamy informed. White folks are overrepresented in our team and life experiences are colored through that lens. We do come from different social backgrounds and have different life experiences when it comes to health, wealth, neurodiversity, gender, sexual orientation, etc.
We welcome people with specific needs as much as able-bodied folks. Feel free to reach out if you have specific needs that you wish to share with us.
FACILITATORS:
👋 Wilrieke Sophia (they/them)
Sex & intimacy educator, (TEDx) speaker, advisor & coach for creative makers and scientists, author, and founder of Exploring Deeper and Cuddle Workshops International.
Wilrieke’s work focuses on empowerment through self-knowledge, radical self-inclusion, trauma awareness, and neuroscience-informed practices woven into experiential spaces. They champion boundaries, consent, and embodied play as foundations for healthy connection.
Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Fetlife:
👋 Shanice Christina (she/her)
Shanice is a workshop facilitator, speaker & coach for recovering people pleasers who are ready to become the main character in their own (love)life.
After her life fell apart 3 years ago and she had to rebuild it, she realized she had been living her life for others and had no idea what she wanted. This process led her to look for a deeper connection, both with herself & with others.
Her work is centered around self-acceptance, consent, FUN, and wellness.
She completed the Exploring Deeper Touch-based Facilitator training in 2025 and has been assisting in the Exploring Deeper team ever since.
Instagram: @shanicechristina
INCLUSION & VALUES:
Our workshops are LGBTQIA+ informed, trauma-aware, body-positive, and neurodiversity-welcoming. Partnering is never based on (assumed) gender. You are welcome to come solo, with friends, or with partners — and stay together or explore with others, always with choice.
PRACTICAL INFO:
The week before the workshop, you’ll receive an email with full details on what to bring, where to go, and how to prepare. Sign up with your correct email and check your spam folder if you don’t see the mail three days before the event.
📌 Questions about practicalities? Check the FAQ here:
https://www.exploringdeeper.com/faq
📝 Our terms and conditions apply to all events:
https://www.exploringdeeper.com/terms-and-conditions/