A Day in the Life: How Lifestyle Therapy Shapes Growth at Eva Carlston Academy

When a young person enters a therapeutic program, every detail of her daily life has the potential to shape her healing and growth. At Eva Carlston Academy, our Lifestyle Therapy approach goes beyond traditional treatment, integrating therapeutic principles into every moment of a student’s day. This unique model helps students internalize healthy habits and foster personal transformation in real time.

What Is Lifestyle Therapy?

Research consistently shows that the most impactful treatment approaches are those that seamlessly integrate therapy into daily living. At Eva Carlston, Lifestyle Therapy builds on this principle by weaving therapeutic practices into every aspect of a student’s routine. From the environments they live in to the skills they practice, every moment becomes an opportunity for growth.

This approach rests on three foundational pillars that set Eva Carlston apart:

↳ Urban Location: Learning Through Real-World Experiences

Unlike programs in isolated settings, Eva Carlston Academy is situated in the heart of vibrant Salt Lake City. This urban location gives students access to enriching cultural and recreational opportunities. Weekly outings include theater performances, art exhibits, culinary classes, and volunteer experiences, all of which encourage students to explore new interests and develop a sense of connection to the world beyond the program. Outdoor activities, like hiking, skiing, and nature photography, complement these cultural outings, helping students build confidence, resilience, and a sense of accomplishment.

↳ Elegant, Homelike Setting: Creating a Foundation of Comfort and Safety

The residences at Eva Carlston are thoughtfully designed to evoke a sense of warmth, belonging, and value. Students live in beautifully decorated homes featuring original art, cozy furnishings, and personalized spaces that feel safe and nurturing. This environment communicates to students that they are respected and worthy, reinforcing the foundation for healing. Feeling safe and valued allows students to let their guard down, process their emotions, and focus on their personal growth.

↳ Family-Style Living: Practicing Life Skills and Building Relationships

In small, close-knit groups of 12–16 students, girls participate in routines designed to foster personal responsibility, teamwork, and meaningful connection. Whether it’s planning meals, completing chores, or resolving household decisions, these daily interactions teach students critical life skills while building their confidence and independence. Over time, they develop healthy patterns for communicating, problem-solving, and navigating relationships—skills that will serve them for years to come.

Growth Through Daily Life

Beyond these core elements, Lifestyle Therapy incorporates structured opportunities for students to practice skills that support their healing and personal growth:

• Daily Exercise: Morning workouts such as yoga, strength training, or cardio help students regulate emotions, improve focus, and manage stress, laying a strong foundation for mental and physical health.
• Nutrition Education: Guided by a dietitian, students learn to plan, prepare, and enjoy balanced meals, developing a healthier relationship with food while gaining practical skills for independent living.
• Family Meetings: Daily community meetings provide a space for students and staff to discuss decisions, resolve conflicts, and share encouragement. These meetings foster leadership, cooperation, and social-emotional growth.

Through Lifestyle Therapy, students experience a comprehensive therapeutic model that seamlessly integrates personal development into their everyday lives. By the time they leave Eva Carlston Academy, they have developed habits, skills, and passions that empower them to thrive long after their time in the program.