Therapeutic Intimacy & Cuddle Therapy in San Diego
Trauma-informed touch therapy for survivors in San Diego. Working collaboratively with your therapist for embodied healing.
Certified Cuddlist | Therapeutic Intimacy Specialist
Healing Through Consensual, Boundaried Touch in San Diego
If you’re a trauma survivor in San Diego struggling with:
Intimacy and connection after sexual trauma or childhood abuse
Feeling disconnected from your body and unable to feel at ease in physical closeness
Attachment wounds that show up in your relationships
Working with a therapist but needing somatic, body-based support
You don’t have to navigate this alone.
Therapeutic intimacy offers a path to healing through consensual, boundaried touch—working collaboratively with your therapist to create corrective emotional experiences in your body, not just your mind.
Therapeutic Intimacy Services in San Diego
In-Person Sessions (2-3 hours)
Consensual, boundaried touch therapy in San Diego. Sessions focus on nervous system regulation, boundary work, consent practice, and embodied healing at your pace.
Virtual Coaching (30-60 minutes)
Emotional processing, preparation, and integration between in-person sessions. Available for clients throughout Southern California.
Weekend Intensives
Immersive healing experiences for deeper work. Approximately 16 hours over 2-3 days for clients ready for intensive somatic therapy.
All sessions use a triadic model—I work collaboratively with your therapist to support your healing journey. This integrated approach ensures your care is coordinated, boundaried, and aligned with your therapeutic goals.
How It Works: The Triadic Model
1. Book a Free Consultation
Schedule a complimentary consultation call to discuss your needs and see if we’re a good fit. No pressure, just an open conversation about your healing journey.
2. Complete Intake Questionnaire
Before our consultation, you’ll receive a confidential questionnaire covering your goals, trauma history, therapist information, and what you’re hoping to heal. This helps me understand your needs and prepare for our conversation.
3. Design Your Plan
During the consultation, we’ll discuss how therapeutic intimacy can support your healing, answer your questions, and create a plan that works for you and your therapist.
4. Begin Collaborative Care
I stay in communication with your referring therapist throughout our work—coordinating sessions, sharing observations, and ensuring integrated support.
5. Boundaried, Trauma-Informed Sessions
Trauma-informed touch therapy at your pace. Every session centers consent, boundaries, and your nervous system’s capacity. No sexual contact—ever.
Serving San Diego and Surrounding Areas
I offer in-person therapeutic intimacy sessions throughout San Diego County. Sessions can take place in one of my dedicated studio spaces or in the comfort of your own home.
Studio Locations:
Rancho Bernardo - Private in-home studio in North County
Imperial Beach - Studio space in South Bay
Mobile Sessions Available Throughout:
La Jolla & UTC
North Park & Hillcrest
Downtown & Gaslamp
East County (El Cajon, La Mesa)
South Bay (Chula Vista, Imperial Beach)
And surrounding San Diego County areas
In-person sessions are available weekly in San Diego. Virtual coaching sessions are available for clients throughout Southern California who want support between in-person visits or who aren’t yet ready for touch-based work.
We’ll discuss location options during your free consultation to find what feels most comfortable and right for you.
Working with San Diego Therapists
I collaborate regularly with EMDR therapists, trauma specialists, and somatic practitioners throughout San Diego to provide integrated care for clients healing from:
Sexual trauma and childhood sexual abuse
Narcissistic abuse and complex PTSD
Attachment wounds and relational trauma
Dissociation and body disconnection
My work is EMDR-compatible and supports modalities including parts work, inner child work, somatic experiencing, and sensorimotor psychotherapy.
Are you a San Diego therapist? I’d love to connect about how we can collaborate to support your clients’ healing. Learn about referrals →
Accessible, Self-Determining Rates
In-person sessions: $130–$300/hour (standard rate: $250/hour)
Virtual sessions: $75–$200/hour (standard rate: $150/hour)
I use a self-determining rate structure so healing is accessible regardless of income. You choose your rate based on your financial reality—no questions asked, no proof required.
This sliding scale model is rooted in anti-oppression values: those with more resources subsidize access for those with less. Everyone deserves embodied healing, not just those who can afford standard rates.
About Michelle Renee
I’m a therapeutic intimacy specialist and certified Cuddlist practitioner helping trauma survivors heal through consensual, boundaried touch.
As Co-owner and Director of Training at Cuddlist and Co-chair of AASECT’s Somatic Intimacy Professionals SIG, I help set standards for ethical, trauma-informed touch therapy in the field.
My approach integrates training in cuddle therapy and surrogate partner therapy, meeting clients in the non-sexual middle space. I use:
Certified Cuddlist methodology and triadic model
Trauma-informed somatic practices
EMDR-compatible techniques
Consent education and nervous system regulation
My work has been featured in the New York Post and Mirror, and I host two podcasts: The Intimacy Lab and Finding Ourself.
I serve clients in San Diego, Los Angeles, Baltimore/DC, and Pittsburgh, with plans to expand throughout the Southwest, Southeast, and Pacific Northwest.
What Clients Say
“Michelle at Human Connection Lab is a truly gifted professional. In my practice as a Certified Sex Therapist, Michelle is my first thought for anyone considering working with a platonic intimacy coach. Respected and adored by both clients and colleagues, she is a leading advocate in the fields of Platonic Surrogacy and Surrogate Partner Therapy, where she educates the public and other intimacy/sexual health professionals about the important healing work she does with clients. Michelle is intuitive, communicative, gentle, hardworking, and a skilled expert in the field. She also cares deeply about her clients’ wellbeing. Expect to feel safe, seen, accepted, and empowered.”
— San Diego Psychologist, Eric van der Voort, PsyD, CST
“Michelle is incredible! She made me feel so safe and comfortable, with great communication throughout our session. After our session I felt more connected with my own body and more calm in intimate settings. I highly recommend her if you want to feel more connected to your body and more at ease with touch.”
— San Diego client
“To the best of my knowledge I haven't done anything particularly different look wise, but I've had friends and strangers alike be very engaging and comment about how happy I look. The only thing I can attribute it too is working with you, it's the only more recent thing I've been doing in my file. I've noticed a difference in myself as well in being more present and listening attentively when people are talking and making more eye contact, which I didn't notice that I tended to look off or away when people spoke to me. I really appreciate and value your time and presence and the change you've made in my life.”
— Southern California client
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be working with a therapist?
Most of my clients work with a therapist, and I prefer the triadic model for integrated care. However, I’m open to working with clients who aren’t currently in therapy, depending on your goals, trauma history, and what you’re seeking. We’ll discuss this during the consultation.
How often do clients in San Diego typically meet?
Most San Diego clients schedule sessions every 1-3 weeks, depending on their needs and what their nervous system can integrate. Some clients prefer intensive weekend work. We’ll design a rhythm that works for you.
Is this covered by insurance?
No, therapeutic intimacy and cuddle therapy are not covered by insurance. However, my self-determining rate structure makes this work accessible across income levels.
What makes your work different from traditional therapy?
I offer body-based, somatic healing through boundaried touch—something traditional talk therapy can’t provide. My work complements therapy by creating corrective emotional experiences in your nervous system, helping you find ease and connection in your body.
How do I know if this is right for me?
If you’re struggling with intimacy, connection, or feeling at ease in your body after trauma, and you’re open to somatic healing, this work may be a good fit. The free consultation will help us determine if we’re aligned.
What if I’m not in San Diego?
I serve clients in Los Angeles, Baltimore/DC, and Pittsburgh in addition to San Diego. Virtual coaching is available for clients anywhere. I’m also planning expansion to Phoenix, Albuquerque, Atlanta, and Portland in 2026.
Ready to Begin Healing in San Diego?
Book your free consultation, and I’ll respond within 24 hours to schedule our call.
Whether you’re working with a San Diego therapist or seeking somatic support on your own, I’m here to help you find ease, connection, and embodied healing.