A Message for Therapists Considering Breakthrough for Caron as Another Resource for Clients:
Why Breakthrough at Caron May be the Answer

Breakthrough at Caron is an important adjunct to a clients' ongoing outpatient therapy and an integral part of a therapeutic plan for personal growth and positive change.  Using intensive group experiential techniques, lecture and play, Breakthrough at Caron can help patients who have been "stuck" despite regular therapy treatments to "breakthrough" old patterns and destructive thinking.  They return to their on-going therapy armed with a clear sense of hope and direction, and are strongly motivated to work even harder.  Those who may fall back into old patterns are able to see their pattern, and get back on course more quickly.

Clients are urged to continue working with their personal therapist after attending Breakthrough at Caron.

After attending Breakthrough at Caron, you can expect immediate and long-term changes from your client including:

• A significant shift in perspective
• A new foundation of awareness and self-esteem
• A degree of relief from the pressures of painful emotions

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
• 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 intimac
  • 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

Our Philosophy:
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.

Feel free to contact Ann Smith personally with any questions at (800) 268-6259 or AnnSmith@Caron.org.

You may also download a copy of the Breakthrough at Caron clinician's brochure - click here.