Nurturing Connection
About Me
In 2018, I went to my first cuddle party and discovered the world of platonic and consensual touch. I began practicing communication and boundary setting skills in community and my life hasn’t been the same since.
This was the setting where I was finally able to integrate and practice so many of the skills I had learned over my more than fifteen years of various combinations of participating in individual therapy and group therapy, reading self-help books and listening to podcasts, and attending multiple meditation retreats and healing workshops. This was where being close to people started to feel safe, for the first time in my life.
My earliest and most formative years were marked by exposure to domestic violence, eating disorders, parental alcoholism, drug addiction, childhood sexual abuse, and undiagnosed and untreated mental illness. This all meant that excessive amounts of trauma have lived in my body all of my life.
And then the corrective real-life experiences started to come. I found myself in a community where I could practice saying no in a container that was held and supported by a skilled facilitator, how to identify my yesses and my nos, and how to assert boundaries and have them not only respected, but even celebrated.
After just a few cuddle parties, I knew I wanted to immerse myself deeper into the world of healing touch so I could share all that I had received with others. I imprinted, like a baby duck, on the facilitator whose events I attended, received training to run my own events, and begin to transition from my work as a early childhood educator and parent coach into the world of healing touch.
I continue to educate myself about trauma healing so I can keep extending as much support as I can to everyone who comes into my orbit.
Offerings
Online Coaching
As a graduate of the Martha Beck Wayfinder Life Coaching Training program, my skills are in supporting you in examining the areas of your life where you feel stuck, whether in regards to personal goals or your relationships with others. My particular area of strength is in asking unique questions, ones that will guide you toward determining your own creative next steps in your process. From there, strategies for transforming stagnant energy begin to emerge and we can brainstorm additional ideas for moving forward. I practice active, empathic, and reflective listening, and offer exercises to gain deeper insights.
Private Cuddle Sessions
During a private cuddle session, I prioritize meeting you exactly where you are and offering open-hearted acceptance, while also supporting you in exploring your growth edges at a pace that fits for you. I am clear and communicative with my boundaries and can help you get clear with yours. I have plenty of personal and professional experience creating safe environments that are conducive to connection. Every session is unique based on the needs and goals of each client. Sessions take place in Campbell or I am available to come to your location.
Note: I am vaccinated against Covid-19 and only meet with clients that are also vaccinated.
This workshop and social event offers participants opportunities to learn about and practice communication skills, explore consent, and discover the power of platonic touch. Attendees will have opportunities to identify and ask for what they want, say no to what they don’t want and yes to what they do want, and experiment with platonic touch in a safe, inclusive, and nurturing environment.
Workshops are held one-two times per month in Sunnyvale and other Bay Area cities on a rotating basis (currently Santa Clara and Oakland). There is often a waiting list to attend, so you are advised to purchase tickets early.
Testimonials
“Autumn facilitated the first platonic touch workshop I ever attended: by the end I felt like the breaking of a dam and a thunderclap of revelations rolled into one. The revelations centered around consent concepts (like interpreting maybe and the absence of a yes, as no; and de-horriblizing giving or receiving a no). I thought I understood consent pretty well, but the insights and skills Autumn introduced me to, empowered me in ways I've relied on hundreds of times since. The breaking of the dam: I attended at a touch-deprived time of my life, and sharing consensual touch released so much fear and tension in me, replacing it with a flood of assurance and openness. I felt like there should be platonic touch workshops held in every neighborhood!
And the community I met there, people invited and curated by Autumn, were so warm and open, and a handful became friends who are still regularly in my life three years later. I'm so grateful for Autumn and her work!”
-Brad
“Autumn is such a warm, kind person. She is very comforting and patient so it helps me tremendously with any anxiety I have. Even into the next day I feel very relaxed and will be booking again soon.”
-Anonymous
“Our session resulted in the most peaceful feeling I’ve had in many years. It is not an exaggeration to say that I felt a sense of euphoria. I hope to schedule another session soon!”
-Dave
"Cuddles can be hard to find for physically affectionate asexuals. Autumn has hosted events where I could safely practice platonic physical intimacy, including the informed consent and communication to make it feel good and safe for myself and others. She cultivates a welcoming community and caring atmosphere in which I find it easy to be myself."
- Aer
“Autumn's platonic touch workshops are incredible! Everything was very professional without losing the warm and welcoming gentleness. I felt safe to explore at my own pace without pressure or fear of being "left out" if I needed a break. It was a wonderful day of cozy cuddles, yummy snacks, and deep conversations! Can't wait for the next one!"
-Fin
“Autumn's workshops have helped me learn about myself, grow skills, connect with others, and just be cozy and rest in myself. She creates a warm space in the room and makes things accessible and fun with her stories and spontaneous jokes!”
-Jamie
"Autumn facilitates platonic touch events with a welcoming, upbeat and playful energy and a strong foundation of integrity and focus on safety. I've been able to practice saying "no," which as a survivor of sexual violence, is very important for my healing and safety. I've also been able to practice saying "yes" and asking for what I want, which is empowering and works to thaw the patriarchal influence that pushes me and people assigned female at birth to always be giving, never "selfish" or focused on our own desires. I've met some of the most important people in my life at Autumn's events. If you are looking for safe platonic touch, community, new skills on navigating consent, and a lot of laughs, look no further than Autumn's platonic touch events."
-Anonymous
“I was very scared and overwhelmed attending my first cuddle party, and I am so grateful that Autumn was able to support me in processing afterward. Autumn was attuned to my emotions and needs and gave me the support I needed to feel heard and safe. Thank you!"
-CB
Let’s Connect
Interested in working together? Fill out some info and Autumn will be in touch shortly.