By Yana Shenker, LCSW-R
Founder, Resilient Mind Psychotherapy – Brooklyn, NY
Summer should be more than just play—it’s also the perfect time for growth.
While many families look for traditional camps, sports, or enrichment classes, there’s an increasing demand for programs that focus on social emotional learning (SEL). At Resilient Mind Psychotherapy in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, we offer exactly that—an engaging, drop-off summer program that helps kids build confidence, improve emotional regulation, and strengthen social skills.
Designed for children ages 5–7 and 8–10, our Feelings Explorers group coaching series supports emotional growth in a fun, creative, and age-appropriate way.
What Is Social Emotional Learning?
Social Emotional Learning (SEL) refers to the process through which children learn to:
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Identify and manage emotions
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Build empathy and relationships
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Communicate effectively
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Make thoughtful decisions
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Set and achieve goals
These are foundational life skills—and yet, they’re rarely taught directly in schools or traditional summer programs.
Our summer coaching group bridges that gap.
Why Emotional Coaching Matters
Kids aren’t born knowing how to name their feelings or navigate tough social situations. Just like reading or riding a bike, emotional skills must be taught, modeled, and practiced.
Without support, children who struggle with big emotions may:
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Act out or withdraw socially
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Feel overwhelmed by frustration or sadness
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Have difficulty making or keeping friends
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Experience low self-esteem or school challenges
By integrating SEL into structured summer programming, we give kids the tools they need to thrive—emotionally, socially, and behaviorally.
What Makes This Program Different?
This is not a therapy group. It’s a coaching-based, play-driven summer program led by a licensed clinician with expertise in child development and emotional skill-building.
Here’s what sets it apart:
🎨 Hands-On Activities
We use art, stories, imaginative play, and games to help kids explore feelings in a way that’s fun and accessible.
👩🏫 Small Groups by Age
Children are placed into age-specific groups (5–7 and 8–10) to ensure developmental alignment and meaningful peer interaction.
🧠 Guided Emotional Growth
Each session has a focused SEL theme such as:
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Recognizing emotions
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Expressing feelings with words
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Managing frustration
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Building confidence
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Navigating friendships
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Practicing empathy
🕒 Flexible Schedule
The group runs twice per week, in 2-hour drop-off sessions, allowing families to maintain other summer plans while still prioritizing mental wellness.
Benefits for Kids (and Parents!)
✔️ Confidence Building
Kids learn to believe in themselves, try new things, and speak up for their needs.
✔️ Better Communication
Children build a vocabulary for emotions and practice asking for help, sharing, and resolving conflict.
✔️ Social Development
Group games and team activities foster cooperation, turn-taking, and inclusive play.
✔️ Calmer Behavior at Home
As kids gain self-awareness and emotional regulation tools, they’re better able to manage meltdowns and transitions.
“We’ve seen kids leave the program more resilient, more expressive, and more connected to others,” says Fabia DeMartino, LMSW, group facilitator at Resilient Mind Psychotherapy.
Program Details
Program Name: Feelings Explorers – A Social Emotional Coaching Summer Group for Kids
Location: Resilient Mind Psychotherapy
📍 541 Bay Ridge Parkway, Suite LL, Brooklyn, NY 11209
Age Groups: 5–7 & 8–10
Schedule:
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Runs in summer cycles (late June through August)
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Two sessions per week, 2-hour drop-off format
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Small group format for safety and attention
Cost: $480 per cycle (includes materials and snacks)
Note: This program is not therapy and is not a substitute for individual or group therapy services.
Who Should Join?
This program is ideal for:
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Children with mild social or emotional challenges
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Kids who are shy, sensitive, or big-feeling
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Children who would benefit from extra structure and emotional guidance during summer
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Families seeking screen-free, growth-focused activities with real-life impact
It’s also a great supplement for kids who already receive therapy or special education support during the school year.
Why Summer Is the Right Time
During the school year, children are focused on academics and often overwhelmed by structure. Summer gives them the mental space to explore themselves emotionally—without pressure or grades.
By enrolling your child in a social emotional summer program, you’re helping them:
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Feel seen and supported
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Strengthen their relationships
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Return to school more emotionally prepared
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Have fun while building real-world life skills
About Resilient Mind Psychotherapy
Resilient Mind Psychotherapy is a Brooklyn-based mental health practice offering therapy for children, adolescents, and adults. The practice is dedicated to trauma-informed, culturally responsive care in both in-person and virtual formats. Its group coaching programs are designed to provide age-appropriate emotional learning opportunities for children in a safe and nurturing environment.
✍️ About the Author
Yana Shenker, LCSW-R is the founder and clinical director of Resilient Mind Psychotherapy in Brooklyn, NY. With more than 15 years of experience, she specializes in treating anxiety, trauma, and emotional regulation in children and adolescents. Yana’s mission is to help families build resilience from the inside out.
📚 References
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Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) – https://casel.org
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Harvard University – Making Caring Common Project: Social Emotional Learning Resources – https://mcc.gse.harvard.edu/
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American Academy of Pediatrics – The importance of building resilience in children – https://www.aap.org/
