I don't understand what you do. Tell me more?
I'm a movement specialist. I work with people who have sore muscles or joints to get them out of pain and moving so they can do the things they love. I'm "discipline-agnostic" — so after assessing your dysfunctions, I use whatever techniques will help: strength training, Yin yoga, Pilates, Yamuna Body Rolling™, and more.
What is My Body Couture?
My Body Couture is a private, one-on-one movement studio focused on helping you feel better in your body. I work with clients who have chronic pain, movement limitations, or simply want to reconnect with their bodies through a trauma-sensitive, body-first approach.
Who do you work with?
I work with people of all ages, from kids to seniors. I work with both men and women. Many clients come to me with chronic pain, injuries, or a sense that their body is holding onto stress or past experiences they can't quite name.
What is your approach?
I call it "discipline-agnostic" — I don't believe any single method has all the answers. I draw from everything I've learned to create a personalized approach for each client, addressing the whole body and rather than just the area of your complaint.
What does "trauma-sensitive" mean?
It means I recognize that the body holds experiences — including stress, grief, and trauma — in ways we may not be aware of. I create a safe environment where you remain in control. You never have to do anything that doesn't feel right, and you can stop at any time without needing permission.
Is this therapy?
No. I am not a medical doctor or licensed therapist. The work I offer is movement-based and body-focused. Only TCTSY is a trauma treatment on its own. If your needs fall outside my scope, I will always let you know and help you find the right support.
What are your qualifications to call yourself a Trauma Sensitive Movement Specialist?
My movement certifications include: STOTT Pilates Yamuna Body Rolling™ Yin Yoga Critical Alignment Yoga Leslie Kaminoff Yoga Forrest Yoga TRX Anti-Gravity Yoga Functional Synergy
I hold certifications in trauma modalities including: Compassionate Inquiry® (Gabor Maté) Trauma Center Trauma-Sensitive Yoga (TCTSY) Somatic Experiencing® International (candidate) Rhythms of Regulation (Polyvagal) Trauma-Sensitive Mindfulness
I am also certified in Precision Nutrition and Integrative Nutrition, and hold a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Alberta.
Do I need to be "fit" to start?
Not at all. Every movement is a choice. I meet you exactly where you are, and we work together to find what feels right for your body.
I'm embarrassed about my body's abilities and my body image to go to a gym or to exercise in public. and/or I have privacy needs, Can you help?
Absolutely. I give you a safe space — both emotionally and physically — in my private studio, where you can be honest about your body issues and challenges, and can work towards solving them.
I don't know what to expect from MBC appointments
At our first session, I'll listen to your concerns and assess your dysfunction, then get you moving (gently!) to establish some benchmarks. Thereafter, I'll work with you using a variety of movement techniques. Unlike a single-modality studio (such as yoga or Pilates), I use whatever techniques work for you — then give you homework and tools to take with you.
What do I wear?
Please wear comfortable clothing suitable for exercise. While exercising, you can be barefoot or wear socks — you do not need (or want) shoes. Most people find that shorts and a light t-shirt/tank top are ideal. Items with zippers and pockets are less ideal. There is no change room, but there is a small closet you can use.
What do I bring?
Nothing! All mats, balls, and equipment are provided. In future sessions, if you have purchased balls or small equipment, please DO NOT bring them — they tend to get mixed in and/or left behind.
How long is a session?
Sessions are typically one hour. Packages range from 3 to 18 hours depending on your needs and goals.
How much does a session cost?
Intro (new clients only) - 3 sessions, $495+ GST, 6% savings
Movement Intensive - 6 sessions, $954+GST, 10% savings
Movement Intensive Plus - 12 sessions, $1,848+GST, 12% savings
Therapeutic - 18 sessions, $2,688+GST, 15% savings
Packages expire 12 months from purchase.
What am I committing to as a client?
All new clients are required to purchase a package of 3 sessions: this gives us time together to best assess the problem(s) and offer you directed and effective solutions on the path to resolution. Please note that that there are no refunds on the intro package, so if something untoward happens, let me know and you can pay a single session fee of $225. You will be getting a home program in order to help you get you the results you desire so please ensure you have some time to commit (2 hours a week) in the first few weeks of starting. All sessions thereafter are sold in packages.
Do you offer virtual sessions?
Yes. I see clients both in-person and online. However, my insurance company requires that I limit my virtual clients to those who are in Canada.
Where is the studio?
The studio is at #210, 908 17th Avenue SW, Calgary, AB. It's on the 2nd floor of the Devenish Building. When you enter, go up a set of stairs, which takes you to the first floor. Keep going up the stairs until you reach the 2nd floor.
Where do I park?
2-hour free parking is available on the street on 15th between 8th and 9th. There is paid parking around the building but please adhere to parking hours to avoid ticketing or towing.
When can I come?
Please make an appointment for in-studio or virtual sessions. I work M-F 9-5.
How can I pay?
You can pay by cash, cheque, or credit card. Debit cards are not accepted. You can also direct an e-payment to janis@mybodycouture.com. A 4% fee applies to credit card payments. All products and services must be pre-paid unless otherwise arranged.
I’m a studio client. How do I book or change sessions?
All sessions should be booked through the email (janis@mybodycouture.com) or text (514-804-0504). For the intro package and all sessions going forward, you must provide 24 hours notice on all cancellations or you will incur a full session fee. You will receive appointment reminders so you will have a update of your booking time.
What is your cancellation policy?
Please provide 24 hours' notice to cancel or reschedule. This allows me to offer the time to another client. Cancellations with less than 24 hours' notice will incur a full session fee.
What's my responsibility regarding payment?
You are responsible for checking and paying for sessions you have attended. That sounds obvious, but if you pay for 5 sessions and attend 6, you have to pay for the 6th. You need to pay for product that has left the studio and for online programs (whether you did them or not).
Oops. I bounced a cheque. Now what?
Any NSF payments will be assessed the bank fees we incur.
I need a receipt. How do I get one?
Please ensure your details are up to date in case we need to reach you and that your sessions and payments are accurate. Receipts are readily available via your account, so if you didn’t get one or need one re-issued, please text or email.
I was a regular client but haven't been in for a while. What happens to my regular time?
If you have a regular booking slot, you will forfeit your spot after two weeks if you do not attend your appointments (unless you are sick, on vacation, or have otherwise provided notice).
What is expected of me between sessions?
We'll devise a program you can complete at home. We will compose an email during our session (so if my face is in the iPhone, I am composing your notes!). I am available for reminders if you forget but it's best to bring a camera/iPad/iPhone if you need visual reminders. I will not be able to provide detailed notes, photographs from my personal archives, drawings (you don’t want to see me draw!) or pages from my teacher training manuals, as these are copyrighted materials (sorry!)
I have a fear of needing endless sessions or depending on a practitioner. How is this different?
I not only give you relief from pain and tension, I help you understand why you might be suffering. And I give you a program, tools, and techniques that you can replicate at home.
I'm worried about appointment flexibility and being trapped into a contract
I limit my workload to fifteen clients per week, so I can be flexible with appointments and give each client the time and attention they deserve. After your first three sessions, you can purchase packages of six and renew as needed — there’s no long-term commitment.
What do I need to communicate about my health and/or what happens if I'm concerned about an injury?
It is your responsibility to communicate current pain or injury — whether in-person or online — as well as any chronic injury, past surgery, accident, or medical condition that could impact your physical health or your ability to exercise.
Do you use client testimonials or photos?
Yes. You will release quotations and comments for promotional use. I will offer you the ability to mask your name or identity, but all comments and compliments may be subject to promotional use. I will check with you prior to releasing photographic images.
I don't want my Yamuna Body Rolling ball anymore. What can I do with it?
If your ball is unused and in resellable condition, I will return it within 30 days with a restocking fee of 20%.
My Yamuna Body Rolling ball is broken. Now what?
All Yamuna Body Rolling products are sold with a 60 day manufacturers warranty against defects. Please report and return damaged product or discrepancies of quality within this window for a return or replacement ball!
(All information updated April 2026)