Stone Kraushaar, "The Hug Doctor," is a firm believer that all people share a profound human connection. The Hug Doctor loves working with people ((in the space of a hug)) for them to focus in on what really matters to them and be more deeply connected with their friends, family and beyond. Drawing on academic and professional experience as a psychologist and a therapeutic coach, a nurturing and supportive family, and a passion for helping people live powerful lives, The Hug Doctor sees relationships through the lens of hugging. To him, a hug, whether real or virtual, is a metaphor for lowering walls and bringing people together. He has devoted his life to developing the skills, tools, and attitudes to become a world-class hugger. A warm and affectionate person, the Hug Doctor is not only comfortable hugging complete strangers he loves nothing more than connecting with groups of people. His focus is on inspiring them about the power of hugging to live a more deeply connected and vital life. He is an expert resource for educating about longer hugs, 21-second hugs, and even coaches people to "get lost in the hug." He has created a powerful movement based on people going on 21-day hugging journeys about which he is extremely passionate. Prior to launching the 21-day hugging movement, Stone spent eight years as a staff psychologist with the Student Health Services at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. Before settling in St. Louis, he worked with children, adolescents, individuals, couples, and families in a group psychological practice. He graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Denver with his B.S. degree and also earned his master's and doctoral degrees in clinical psychology at the University of Denver. His doctoral dissertation explored how effectively a heterosexual therapist can provide therapy for male couples. His American Psychological Association (APA)-approved psychology internship was at the UCSB Student Health Services at the University of California-Santa Barbara. He completed his post-doctoral work at Yale student health services. Most recently The Hug Doctor was excited to be invited to speak as a hugging expert at the 32nd annual National Hugging Day event at Agape Spiritual Center in Los Angeles. He was honored as a founding member of The Hug Alliance http://www.thehugalliance.net/ to be a part of bringing together people of over 40 different nationalities and leading them in the world's largest 21-second hug. The Hug Doctor has also been pleased to be able to present his views on the power of hugging in the United States and Europe. He welcomes the opportunity to speak about the impact of longer hugs, going on 21-day hugging journeys and living in ((the space of a hug)).
