The Bittersweet Reality of a Client's Growth
I’m about to get incredibly real for a moment. No matter how much we love what we do, no matter how much we’re invested in our clients’ journeys, there comes a point when they no longer need us. And yeah, it stings a little. I recently had a client tell me they wouldn’t be continuing sessions because they found two new professional cuddlers—one who’s closer to where they live, and one who cuddles with them as friends, which likely means no charge.
At first, I did what many of us do: I blamed myself. Was it something I said? Did my recent price increase push them away? That’s where my mind went, but then I got the full picture. The truth is, this client has simply found what works for them, and that’s a beautiful thing. It’s bittersweet, yes, but there’s also a deep sense of pride because I was their first experience with cuddle therapy (or, as I now call it, bidirectional therapeutic touch).
I taught them what nurturing, positive touch could feel like. I was their guide through that first step of emotional and physical intimacy. I showed them how human connection could look and feel, and now they’re taking that knowledge and spreading it. They’re even teaching their new practitioners some of the poses we worked on together. How cool is that?
This isn’t the first time a client has moved on, and it won’t be the last. I’ve had clients who started seeing a therapist, or who decided to focus on their romantic relationships, and our work together naturally came to an end. Here’s the thing: this is what I want. It’s a reminder that my work isn’t meant to last forever. The goal is for them to heal, grow, and eventually move on. That’s what this client has done. They’re now able to access regular touch, which I could only provide once a month.
I’d be lying if I said it didn’t hurt a little. Of course, it does. I’m human, after all. I can feel both sadness that our work together is over and pride that they’re moving on. They are not mutually exclusive and can exist at the same time. What they’re moving on to is the ability to love themselves and to be comfortable in their skin. That’s worth celebrating.
For fellow practitioners: it’s okay to feel that bittersweet mix of emotions. You might feel sadness, hurt, or even offended, but you can also feel pride and joy for your client’s next steps. This is the natural progression of working in therapeutic or clinical settings—clients graduate, and that’s what we want.
For clients who may be navigating similar transitions or are curious about working with someone like me: remember, your journey is your own. You can adjust, move, or change practitioners if that’s what feels right for you. Whether it’s with me or someone else, the most important thing is that you’re growing and healing.
I’d also love to hear from other practitioners, therapists, or clients—have you experienced something similar? Let’s talk about it.
