A 13-week course to build emotional resilience, self-awareness, and tools for calm
with Jennifer Helmuth, Registered Psychotherapist, and Anne Michelle Doran
$295+hst Standard Rate | $345+hst Community Supporter
Subsidized Rate: 20% off the Standard Rate (for more information on how to access the subsidized rate, visit our Sliding Scale Pricing webpage)
This course invites teens and pre-teens to energize through movement, explore balance and strength, and settle into calming stillness. With a focus on nervous system regulation and emotional awareness, students will build a toolkit of techniques for navigating stress and anxiety with greater self-compassion.
Over the 13 weeks, participants will learn what happens in the body when we feel anxious, and what we can do about it. Each class will introduce evidence-informed, embodied practices for emotional balance, self-regulation, and working with difficult feelings—especially anxiety. The yoga offered emphasizes internal awareness and personal choice, rather than form or technique. Everything in class is optional, and the practice is beginner-friendly. Teens of all genders and neurotypes are welcome.
Classes will be held weekly, with special joint parent-teen sessions on:
- Week 1 (Sept 14)
- Week 8 (Nov 9)
- Week 13 (Dec 14)
The three joint sessions include some shared yoga practice and separate times for parents to learn about course themes and how to support teens at home. We’ll cover adolescent development milestones, signs of emotional distress, and how to build a more resilient and supportive home environment. Even independent teens take cues from their caregivers, and these sessions offer tools for the whole family.
Mental Health Disclaimer & Insurance Reimbursement:
This class is jointly taught by a licensed Registered Psychotherapist, Jennifer Helmuth, and a yoga instructor, Anne Michelle Doran, with each instructor leading half of the sessions. As such, 50% of the course fees may be eligible for reimbursement by some insurance companies as a "therapeutic group yoga class for mental health taught by a Registered Psychotherapist". Please confirm coverage directly with your insurer. While there may be invitations for reflection or brief sharing, the class is primarily yoga-based methods and not group talk therapy. We encourage participants to seek professional mental health care as needed—this course is designed to complement, not replace, that support.
Scope of Practice & Insurance: This class is taught by a licensed Registered Psychotherapist and the fees may be eligible for reimbursement by some insurance companies. You can submit a claim to your company as a "therapeutic group yoga class for mental health taught by a Registered Psychotherapist”. Please confirm coverage directly with your insurer. While there may be invitations for reflection or brief sharing, the class is primarily yoga-based methods and not group talk therapy. As an adjunctive therapy, it is not intended as a replacement for working with a qualified therapist. Participants are encouraged to seek adjunctive treatment with a therapist to support the process of healing as needed.
A Note for Parents: Except for the joint sessions, this is not a parent-child class. Parents are welcome to drop off their teens or wait in our upstairs lounge. Please avoid coming and going during class, as movement through the studio is disruptive. You may also consider registering for one of our adult Sunday evening classes (7:45–9:00pm), which run concurrently.
Accessibility & Behavioural Policies
Notification of Disabilities or Special Needs:
To foster an inclusive environment, please contact The Branches before registering to discuss your child’s needs. We are unable to provide:
- Personal care (e.g., administering medication, feeding, toileting)
- 1:1 behavioural support
- Support for violent or aggressive behaviours
If a child requires personal care or behavioural support, they may attend with a qualified 1:1 support worker. Please note that our classes are not alternatives to ABA therapy or social skills programs.
The Branches reserves the right to remove a participant (without refund) if necessary supports were not disclosed at registration, or if their care needs exceed what we can safely provide.
Unmanageable, Inappropriate, or Dangerous Behaviour:
Any behaviour deemed unsafe, disruptive, or harmful to others—by participants or their caregivers—may result in removal from the class without refund. Bullying, harassment, or aggressive conduct will not be tolerated.