THE PROGRAM

The Hard Cuddles organisation is an innovative mental health service that specialises in counselling, forensic counselling, life navigation, and peer support facilitated in an outdoor environment. Our focus is building trust and an emotional connection with our clients through sharing and understanding the power of our stories. The Hard Cuddles team harnesses our lived experiences and personal growth to provide workshops, presentations and keynote speaking designed to navigate the intricacies of mental health, emotional wellbeing, self-worth and leadership. Put simply; anyone can get caught up from time to time, Hard Cuddles delivers the support you need to find your way back home.

Where the Hard Cuddles team works:

  • Anxiety, depression, addiction, autism, behavioural disorders, ADHD, PTSD

  • NDIS, DFFH, Department of Justice, Child Protection, Corrections Victoria, Magistrates Court

  • Forensic, complex mental health & intellectual disability

  • Prison system, Education Victoria, Sporting organisations

  • Relationship & family counselling, group therapy

What We offer

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consultations

Our team connects with our clients through empathy, compassion and lived experience. Life navigation and sharing life’s load. It’s much easier to go into uncomfortable places with someone you know has been there themselves.

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public speaking

We pride ourselves on delivering the truth about mental health from a front line perspective. Conveying simple but effective strategies that compel audiences to ask themselves hard questions and understand one another from a compassionate lens.

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IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCES

Everything to do with Hard Cuddles is based on outdoor therapy. Getting back to nature and experiencing the elements has proven to be the catalyst for undeniable change. Into the Wild retreat is a jewel in the crown of the Hard Cuddles journey.

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HARD CUDDLES - THE BOOK

A graphic, authentic and often humorous autobiography of a young man’s journey into Melbourne’s underworld and nightclub scene in recent past. The “Hammer” was determined to carve out a career in a world of treachery, and intimidation.

This story gives the reader a rare insight into addiction, the dark art of violence and ego in the world of a drug dealer, debt collector and stand over man in Melbourne’s under-world scene.

An embracing family background and unwavering ability to believe he was destined for redemption allowed “The Hammer” to claw his way back from the darkness and use his hard-earned experience to assist men to break the cycle of addiction and crime to re-discover their own power and spirit.

“Nice work mate! Proud of you and glad to call you my friend.”

-Trevor Hendy AM

Testimonials

Testimonials

“Due to the huge response and success we have invited the Hard Cuddles team back and are working towards having Hard Cuddles present on a regular basis within Reintegration Services and we look forward to seeing what the future brings for James and Hard Cuddles within the Corrections environment as the passion he shows is astounding.”

Hayley Couwenberg
Transition Co-ordinator | Hopkins Correctional Centre

“Hard Cuddles has truly changed my life, the encouragement, wise words, constant support and loving energy has had such a profound impact on me, while under no illusion I have changed my own life. Having Hard Cuddles as my mentors, my counsellors & most of all my friend has been something so special its beyond words. To give you all an idea of where I was at before meeting James to put it simply I was a full time criminal, it was my job. I was 7 years deep into a daily heavy ice & GHB addiction and my future was not bright, since having Hard Cuddles in my corner I am currently now clean 6 months, at TAFE studying mental health, alcohol & other drugs, have my own place and life is truly going in the complete opposite direction it was less then a year ago.

Thank you so much Hard Cuddles.”

Scott Besanko

“Hard Cuddles helped my son to help himself and he is now helping other men. An alternative rehabilitation of coming to terms with addiction, with a team that have experienced their own hardships in a supportive, natural and healthy environment. It has enormously changed our family’s life for the better. Contact Hard Cuddles. I hope it will change yours.”

Heather Kline

Who we work with

INSTAGRAM @hard.cuddles

Vulnerability and emotion ❤️ lead by Danny Corsetti. Show not tell. The Hard Cuddles program @marnebekschool #counselling #counsellingservice #mentalhealth #speech #speaking #communication #wellbeing #cuddle #mentalhealthawareness #communication
When the whips are cracking, you want someone in your corner that knows how to drive through heavy traffic with a smile. 😊 That is what Hard Cuddles brings to the table. 💯🔨👊🏽❤️💣 #mentalhealth #mentalwellness #mentalhealthsupport #mentalhealt
Either way, it’s all learning. ✊ #counselling #counsellingservice #mentalhealth #connection #mentalhealthawareness #mentoring #understanding #anxiety #depression #learning #outdoortherapy #lessons #wegivehardcuddles #truth
Great moments are born from great opportunity. And that’s what you have here. That’s what you’ve earned here, today. -Herb Brooks 📷 by @hermankat1 aka the Hermanator #counselling #counsellingservice #mentalhealth #connection
WARRIOR!!! ✊🚀🚀✊ #counselling #counsellingservice #mentalhealth #wellbeing #endurance #connection #mentalhealthawareness #resilience #mentoring #support #selfcare #therapy #warrior #mentalhealthmatters #mentalhealthsupport