"It's just meant to help them relax. Getting them to the point that they're comfortable, that's really the gospel for me," she said. "If they're not comfortable, there's no point in doing it."

Mergenthaler said she can tell when someone is completely relaxed when their body softens and they begin breathing deeply. She has about 20 or 30 steady clients, many of them repeats.

"I've never had one complaint," she said.

Her clients are younger adults compared with the older clientele she had in Washington. She said many are lonely or stressed and need security and she said the younger generation seems more open to alternative therapy.

While cuddling and massage are her two most popular services, Mergenthaler does offer companionship for those who maybe don't want to go alone to see a movie, or go to dinner or a party.

"I love taking care of people; it's just my thing," she said. "For me, it's giving me. I love to make people's day better."

Mergenthaler comes to clients homes for the time being. She would like to open a shop where people could come for a session, maybe even on their lunch break. She and one other employee offer services by appointment between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m., seven days a week.