If you’ve lived in NYC long enough, you know that there are times where you simply just need to let out a substantial sob. And while literally no one would even bother to steal a second glance at the sight of you letting the waterworks flow, there are definitely better places to cry in NYC than in public.
So allow us to introduce Sob Parlour, NYC’s first pop-up ‘cry spa’ that offers New Yorkers a refuge to have a full blown meltdown.
The idea comes from founder Anthony Villiotti, who brought Sob Parlour to NYC in November of last year (2023). Across various locations in Manhattan–from office rental sites to art galleries–Villiotti invites those in need of a good cry to swing by and do exactly that.
To clarify, this isn’t therapy. Guests must even sign a waiver acknowledging they won’t receive any counseling during their cry sesh (though there is a licensed therapist on-call if you begin to experience a mental health crisis). It’s merely a place to undergo an emotional detox by letting your tears flow.
Villiotti told The Post:
New Yorkers are so used to struggling through the daily grind, making lemonade out of lemons — without a safe and healthy space for them to cry it out.
Whether you’re undergoing stress from work (or life in general) or you’re getting over a bad breakup, Sob Parlour doesn’t discriminate–it simply just allows you to let those tears flow.
Those in need of a cathartic release can join Villiotti’s next Sob Parlour sesh on Sunday, March 24th.
Nestled within the serene ambiance of an art gallery at 114 West 71st Street, the SobSession includes inspiring art, music, journaling tools, and a personal space to sob and embrace your emotions in private.
Learn more online here.