About the Program
Breakthrough is strongly based on attachment theory and research supporting the concept that inadequate or inappropriate attachment in early childhood negatively impacts adults in many areas of functioning. These areas include self esteem, relationships and parenting, to name a few. The program does not view adult dysfunction in a linear - cause and effect - manner, as in "my parents made me what I am and it's their fault that I have problems."
Although painful feelings about childhood or traumatic events may be expressed during the process, such expression in itself does not bring about change. The intent of experiential group therapy is to provide many avenues for a client to confront and appreciate the negative patterns and defenses that developed as a means of survival in their painful family experience.
The program focuses on processes and patterns rather than problem solving. The role of Breakthrough is to help the client step back from a sometimes chaotic daily life and view the connections and repetitive nature of some of their behaviors and feelings. The program is more about how they conduct themselves in the world and less about why they do what they do. With a resulting new perspective they are better equipped to use ongoing therapy and support to solve problems, and make decisions from a place of self esteem and empowerment.
Breakthrough at Caron may be right for clients who:
- Feel stuck and unable to move forward or break out of negative patterns despite long term efforts
- Need to overcome trauma, pain or losses from the past, and their negative impact on present-day living
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Have dysfunctional relationship patterns:
- Unable to commit to long-term relationship
- Tend to choose or attract unavailable, under-functioning or abusive partner
- Feel emotionally shut down or distant from loved one
- Spend too much energy taking care of others, neglecting personal needs and avoiding intimacy
- Continue to struggle with compulsive behaviors such as overeating, spending and working
- Find it difficult to let go problems of spouse, adult children, parents or other loved ones
- Feel shame, guilt or just generally bad about themselves, even when there is no reason
