Breakthrough at Caron to Launch in April
Intensive therapy program designed to help adults unlock their pain and live fuller lives
Wernersville, PA – March 26. Caron Treatment Centers will launch a revised version of its renowned intensive five and a half day therapy program. Formerly the Caron Center for Self Development (CCSD), the revamped program will be called, Breakthrough at Caron and will launch on the Caron Wernersville campus in April, the nonprofit announced today.
Under the personal supervision of Breakthrough Executive Director Ann W. Smith, MS, LMFT, LPC, Caron’s experienced team of professionals guide clients through the experiential Breakthrough process with integrity and compassion in a safe, supportive environment. A pioneer of codependency treatment, Smith was instrumental in developing and overseeing the first version of this program at Caron from 1984 to 1991. During this time, she was involved with treating more than 14,000 people. After leaving Caron in 1991, Ann continued to evolve the Breakthrough program to where it is today.
Breakthrough at Caron offers participants an intensive group residential experience to help them unlock the pain and emotions from past trauma that prevent them from living full, engaged lives. Although addiction may be a contributing factor to their dysfunction, addiction in one’s family is not a prerequisite for participation in the program.
“We are thrilled that Ann Smith has rejoined the Caron family,” said Doug Tieman, CEO and President of Caron Treatment Centers. “She brings with her the in-depth knowledge and skills to truly help people transform their lives.”
The Breakthrough program is intended as a supplement to outpatient counseling. Reasons for people to attend the program include: Their childhood experiences have left them feeling handicapped today; Childhood memories are repressed; They feel "stuck" (not growing), or emotionally blocked; They need to release anger or grief; Compulsive behaviors continue to disrupt their life (food, work, love, sex, etc.); Despite hard work, they are still in dysfunctional relationships.
“We provide participants with the tools and support to help them breakthrough to the next level of personal growth,” said Smith.
“After a week with us, they are ready to return home and delve into work with their therapist.”
As part of Breakthrough’s unique offering, skilled therapists are specifically trained in experiential group techniques, which provide access to buried feelings and memories. Nurturing, safety and an absence of shame are built into every aspect of the program. Planning for continued progress and re-entry into the world is also a priority.
Breakthrough at Caron’s clinical programming will be held in a recently restored 8,500-square-foot, 19th Century historic home adjoining the Caron Wernersville campus. The three-story building features group rooms and lounges for participants as well as the program’s administrative and clinical offices.
During their participation in the program, clients will reside on campus in Harmony House. The 7,000-square-foot residences are comprised of single, double and triple bedrooms and each has its own bathroom. The residences also have two lounges where participants can spend time together between or after the day’s sessions. Meals will be eaten together at Caron’s main dining hall.
