about maria
your therapist
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I’m originally from Portugal and have lived in the UK for over 30 years. I’m a mother, grandmother, and someone who has seen firsthand how powerful human connection can be. Sometimes the simplest gestures, a warm embrace, a held hand, or simply being present with someone, can bring comfort when words are not enough.
Through Embracing Moments Therapy, based in the Maidstone area, I offer a calm, supportive space where people can slow down, feel safe, and reconnect with themselves. My aim is to create an environment where you feel respected, heard, and gently supported.
With a background in nursing, counselling, and hypnotherapy, I bring a holistic understanding of emotional wellbeing to every session. I understand how life can sometimes feel stressful, overwhelming, or isolating because we all experience those moments. That’s why every session is designed to be safe, respectful, and fully clothed, always guided by your personal comfort level and boundaries.
As a certified cuddle practitioner, I provide professional, platonic touch therapy designed to support emotional wellbeing and reduce feelings of stress, anxiety, or loneliness. Sessions are centred around consent, trust, and clear boundaries, offering gentle, comforting human connection in a completely safe and professional setting.
Whether you’re curious about cuddle therapy, experiencing loneliness, or simply seeking a peaceful moment to relax and recharge, I’m here to provide a space where you can feel genuinely supported and cared for.
what is
cuddle therapy?
Cuddle therapy (or platonic touch therapy) is a gentle, supportive form of touch-based therapy that focuses on compassion, connection and emotional wellbeing.
In a session we might:
Hold hands | Sit close with grounding support | Share a gentle, fully consensual embrace
Every session is completely personalised to your comfort level, and your consent guides everything that happens.
how cuddle therapy can help
It’s about supportive human connection.... nothing romantic, nothing rushed, just presence and warmth in a safe, respectful space. Cuddle therapy may:
reduce stress and anxiety
Support emotional healing
Help with feelings of loneliness
Help reconnect with your body
Promote relaxation and calm
Boost your mood and wellbeing
In today’s busy, disconnected world, many of us go long periods without meaningful touch. When we feel stressed, anxious, overwhelmed or alone, it affects how we see ourselves and how we connect with others.
what to expect in a session
Your first session starts with a friendly chat. No pressure, just getting to know each other. We’ll talk about what you want to get out of the session, whether that’s comfort, calm, grounding or connection.
Then, we’ll create an environment that feels soothing for you, soft lighting, gentle music or aromatherapy if you want. We start with simple grounding techniques, like breathing together or holding hands, before moving into a hug or cuddle that’s entirely led by YOU.
Everything happens at your pace, you stay fully clothed and your comfort always comes first.
Advanced booking and consent are required.
what people say
Absolutely amazing and talented lady! She has the gift to instill a positive mental attitude to an individuals mindset. Supportive and non judgmental. I highly recommend her!
Lorraine
Maria gave a wonderful treatment. Never thought such a simple thing as a cuddle when given by someone so trained in how to give this treatment can be so beneficial. Shall definitely book regularly. Russell.
Russell
The therapy session with Maria was very calming and very comforting, felt completely at ease, albeit shy in the beginning not knowing quite what to expect. But a cuddle certainly calms the nerves