“I am continually inspired by watching young people participate in mindfulness-based exercises and how they begin to self-soothe, self-regulate, have insights, and are able to embrace their interconnectedness with others in a compassionate way. I am passionate about helping youths and families find ways to free themselves and embrace a transforming relationship with themselves, their families, and the world around them.”
MINDFULNESS FOR YOUTHS
Schedule a private session or Kids classes with Laurie Cousins at Unplug Meditation Studio
Invite Laurie to Your School or Community
Schedule a Private Session
Laurie is a secular mindfulness teacher and trauma-informed nonviolent parent educator. She is mentored by Susan Kaiser Greenland and is a founding member and teacher of the International Inner Kids Collaborative. Laurie enjoys teaching the ABC’s of Mindfulness for schools and communities throughout Los Angeles and the US.
Mindfulness In Education Introduce secular mindfulness into your school for students, families, or faculty either in person or online. Research supports that mindfulness skills can improve memory, organizational skills, cognitive performance, SEL, self regulation, compassionate cooperation as well as resilience to stress for both students and teachers. Contact Laurie directly for more information.
Mindful Parenting & Compassionate Parenting Parents and caregivers learn about mindfulness and compassion in an accessible, secular and inclusive way that can be easily utilized for even the busiest and most burdened of parents. When coming together in a community with other parents we can break the facade of perfect parenting, feelings of isolation, and cultivate the wisdom of present parenting while enjoying the support, humor, and connection of our shared humanity.
Laurie is the Mindful Parenting Facilitator for schools such as Campbell Hall and Carpenter Community Charter Schools in Studio City, Ca.
Wolf Connection Wolf Connection’s Wolf Therapy is an education and empowerment program with wolfdogs as the centerpiece. With the help of these magnificent animals, youth and adults from all walks of life learn about nature and conservation, work through the challenges in their lives, learn to be of service by responsibly caring for another living being, and work towards becoming the kind of person they want to be. Laurie is a lead program facilitator and specializes in programming for at-risk-youth at Wolf Connection.
"I liked how Laurie Cousins talked about putting worries into perspective. That really helped me because sometimes if I am really stressed or worried about something I can't stop thinking about it but this helped me learn to take a step back and put my worry into perspective. She also taught us about self-talk, which was helpful because I know if I am full of anxiety to say to myself 'I am safe, I am good enough, and I am loved." -Sophia, High School Student
"Laurie brought mindfulness into my classroom. Through mindfulness she helped both my students and me become more aware of moments where we can “drop it” and breathe. My students look forward to our mindfulness time, and always ask for more." -3rd Grade Teacher, Multicultural Learning Center
"My kids had zero interest in attending the unplug kids program. But after making all three boys take it I have to say that if Unplug burnt down tomorrow that would have been the best thing I got out of it. Though my kids definitely do not have a regular practice, they do have the tools to calm down on demand with the breath. My oldest uses it before testing, sports and when I drive him crazy. My middle to calm and center and my youngest for sports and calming! Thank you so much Laurie Cousins for changing my life!" -Suze Yalof Schwartz, Unplug Meditation Studio
The demands on kids, teens, and families in our culture are unprecedented. The pressures of academics, sports, peer-pressure, internet, social media, and the influences of consumerism and pop-culture can feel staggering and burdensome. How can we help young people strengthen their attention skills, self-regulate, and develop emotional balance, while treating themselves and others with kindness? How can we provide young people with effective, practical skills that help them navigate life and live purposefully, ethically, and authentically?
One way is through Mindful Awareness Practices.
Recommended Reading
The Mindful Child and Mindful Games, by Susan Kaiser Greenland
Parenting from the Inside Out, By Dan Siegel & Mary Hartzell
The Whole-Brain Child, by Daniel J. Siegel & Tina Payne Bryson
Planting Seeds of Mindfulness with Children, by Thich Nhat Hanh
The Stress Reduction Workbook for Teens, by Gina Biegel