Coming Soon!

Nope! This will not be a therapy group— we will not be focusing on or actively processing feelings and experiences. Instead, we will be working on skills that help participants feel more grounded in their day-to-day life, which can be a supportive foundation for other therapeutic work outside of the class.

Good question! Drawing from the literature on teaching mindfulness to young people, as well as years of experience as a play therapist, and experience of personal mindfulness practice, Lauren has created a different class curriculum for each of the age ranges.

Class structure will consist of a BRIEF check in, a series of moving and still mindfulness activities, breathing skills practice, a kindness activity, and some yoga before wrapping up. The wrap up activity will include caregivers for the younger kids, and teens can invite their caregivers if they wish. Participants will each have their own yoga mat station, and we will move between yoga mat stations and moving around the room or coming together for games.

Kids or teens who struggle with anxiety, mood, mindset, focus, calming, sleep issues can all benefit from mindfulness practice in a supportive environment. If any of these symptoms are severe, the child or teen should be in therapy or have participated in therapy recently (with Lauren or with any other therapist). Kids and teens with mild symptoms can attend class without having participated in therapy before.

Kids who are struggling with aggressive behaviors or difficulty keeping hands to self are not a good fit for this class. They are always welcome to individual therapy to work on skills that would help them participate in future classes.

Participants who have been formally diagnosed with OCD should get clearance from their OCD-competent therapist before participating. Mindfulness practices are sometimes not helpful for OCD.

Mindfulness practices have been extensively researched and have been shown to have positive impact on anxiety, mood, emotional regulation, self-acceptance, and pro-social behavior.

For children 5-12, Caregivers will be required to participate in the closing activity in the last 5 min of class. For teens, this participation is optional based on the teen’s preference.

If enough folks sign up, I would like to separate the teen groups in ages 13-15 and 15-17. If we have fewer sign ups, the teen group will be ages 13-17.

YES!

Buy a class package card, and drop into classes on days and times that work for you! There will be 2-3 classes offered per week for each age group, for 8 weeks.

8 classes: $165

10 classes: $180

12 classes: $190

Unlimited: $195

Location TBD, will be in St. Louis Park or nearby.