Summer 2025 · Arlington, MA

Summer Emotional Skills Intensive for Teens

A small-group week focused on emotional regulation, confidence, and real-life coping skills — in a supportive, engaging environment.

July 7–10, 2025 Ages 12–16 Arlington, MA $1,400
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A Small-Group Week Focused on Emotional Regulation, Confidence, and Real-Life Coping Skills

Helping teens build practical tools for handling stress, emotions, relationships, and everyday challenges — in a supportive, engaging environment.

Participants will be introduced to practical, evidence-informed skills drawn from approaches such as DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy), mindfulness, emotional regulation training, and interpersonal effectiveness work.

Topics may include managing intense emotions, reducing stress and overwhelm, building emotional awareness, improving communication skills, navigating friendships and conflict, mindfulness and grounding tools, distress tolerance and coping strategies, and building self-confidence and resilience.

"My daughter used the distress tolerance skills during her first week back at school. She actually told me what she was doing. That never happened before."

— Parent, Brighter Life Therapy community
Teens in a supportive group workshop setting outdoors during summer
4
Day Program
Who this is for

Who This Program Is For

This intensive may be a good fit for teens who:

  • Feel emotionally overwhelmed easily
  • Struggle with stress, anxiety, or shutdown
  • Have difficulty managing big emotions
  • Experience conflict with parents, peers, or siblings
  • Want stronger coping and communication skills
  • Could benefit from more confidence socially or emotionally

About this program

This is not a traditional "summer camp."

It's a small, structured, skills-focused experience led by mental health clinicians in a warm and supportive setting.

What teens learn

What Teens Will Learn

Participants will be introduced to practical, evidence-informed skills drawn from approaches such as DBT, mindfulness, emotional regulation training, and interpersonal effectiveness work.

Managing Intense Emotions

Practical techniques to get through high-intensity moments without making things worse — building a personal toolkit for when emotions feel overwhelming.

Reducing Stress & Overwhelm

Evidence-based strategies for bringing down stress and building resilience — so teens can approach challenges with more clarity and less reactivity.

Building Emotional Awareness

Identifying, naming, and understanding emotions — building a vocabulary for what's happening inside so teens can respond rather than react.

Improving Communication Skills

Strategies for asking for what they need, setting boundaries, and navigating conflict — skills that transfer directly to school, family, and friendships.

Navigating Friendships & Conflict

Practical tools for building and maintaining healthy relationships — understanding perspective, managing disagreements, and staying connected under pressure.

Mindfulness & Grounding Tools

Grounding practices and coping strategies for navigating difficult moments — building resilience through body awareness, breathing, and self-regulation tools.

Self-Confidence & Resilience

Building lasting self-worth and the inner strength to handle life's ups and downs — teens leave with a stronger sense of who they are and what they're capable of.

What the week looks like

What the Week Looks Like

The week is designed to balance:

The environment is intentionally: small, supportive, engaging, non-judgmental

🎯
Skills Practice

Hands-on exercises and real-world scenario work

🧘
Mindfulness

Grounding tools and breathing exercises throughout the day

🤝
Group Work

Collaborative activities that build connection and communication

💬
Discussion

Open, guided conversations about real teen experiences

🏃
Movement

Regular breaks and physical activities to stay energized

🌱
Real-World Application

Skills tied to challenges teens actually face at home and school

Program details

Program Overview

July 7–10, 2025
Monday–Friday, 9:00am–3:00pm
Ages 12–16
Limited to 8 participants
Arlington, MA
$1,400
Logistics

Food & Daily Structure

Participants should arrive having eaten breakfast. The program includes snacks and refreshments, a supervised lunch period, and movement and break time throughout the day. Participants bring their own lunch.

Time
9:00am–3:00pm
Ages
12–16
Cost
$1,400
Group Size
Limited to 8
Location
Arlington, MA
Lunch
BYO + snacks provided
Facilitators
Mental Health Clinicians
Parent Communication
Intake + onboarding info
Facilitators

Led by Experienced Clinicians

This intensive is facilitated by clinicians from Brighter Life Therapy who specialize in working with adolescents and young people.

Enrollment

Limited Enrollment

To maintain a supportive and personalized experience, enrollment is capped at 8 participants.

Request Information
July 7–10, 2025 · Arlington, MA · Limited to 8 participants

Request Information / Join the Interest List

Space is limited and early inquiry is encouraged.

Inquiry received!

We'll be in touch within 1 business day. If you need a faster response, email us directly at info@brighterlifetherapy.com.

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Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a clinical treatment program?
This intensive is an educational and skill-building program, not a clinical treatment program. It teaches practical coping and communication skills in a group setting. It is not a substitute for individual therapy, family therapy, or intensive treatment programs.
What if my teen is already in therapy?
That's great — many participants are. The skills taught in camp complement ongoing therapy. We coordinate with existing providers when appropriate, with parent permission. Let us know your teen's situation in the inquiry form.
What are the daily hours?
Program runs 9:00am–3:00pm, Monday–Friday (July 7–10). Participants should arrive having eaten breakfast. Snacks, refreshments, and a supervised lunch period are included; participants bring their own lunch.
Is there a payment plan or scholarship option?
We offer a two-payment plan (half at registration, half due two weeks before camp). Limited scholarship assistance may be available — inquire in the form or contact us directly.
What should my teen bring each day?
Comfortable clothing, a water bottle, and any personal items they'd need for a full-day session. Participants bring their own lunch. Snacks and refreshments are provided. A workbook is included.
Is there an age exception for 11 or 17 year olds?
The program is designed for ages 12–16. Exceptions are considered on a case-by-case basis. Contact us before submitting an inquiry if you'd like to discuss.