A note from Ann Smith about what makes Breakthrough special:

Since 1984 when I first designed a residential program for adults from painful families, I have consistently observed something very special and unique about the people who take advantage of this challenging process. Yes, they are wounded and hurting in some way, but they also demonstrate a degree of strength and personal motivation rarely seen in our day to day lives. They are determined to get to the roots of their dysfunction and refuse to give up until they achieve the quality of life they believe they deserve. They come to our program at great personal sacrifice, in time, cost and major inconvenience in their work and personal lives. They fight their fears, confront their own resistance and sometimes face conflicts with well-intentioned friends and family who question the need for such a radical approach. They are to be admired and respected for their resolve.

These amazing individuals have challenged me and my staff to find better and better ways to help them to achieve this freedom. The design and approach of Breakthrough are the product of their needs, their feedback, and the great learning experience of working with the best clients a therapist could hope to encounter. I feel personally responsible for every client who comes to Breakthrough and have continually dedicated myself to creating and maintaining a level of quality that responds to the individual needs and goals of each person we have the privilege of meeting.

BREAKTHROUGH FORMAT:

The Breakthrough program has been designed in a five-day format because we believe that the process of trust and intimacy within a group is best achieved when participants are away from familiar surroundings and immersed in the experience of interaction with others addressing similar issues. Weekend programs do not allow sufficient time for defenses to fall gradually as trust develops. In the context of privacy and safety, participants experience amazing willingness to reveal their authentic selves and to accept and support from others as they face their deepest pain.

PROGRAM STRUCTURE:

During the five days in a small secluded environment, distractions are eliminated and therapy time is maximized. Groups of 12 or less spend each day with two skilled therapists in an intensive experiential group with a total of 26 or more hours of actual group therapy. (Not including lecture or break times) Evenings are spent in a loosely structured peer group, and periodic gender groups where participants encounter their patterns in relationships and begin to practice new, healthier ways of interacting. Breaks are taken as needed and scheduled periods of play and "quiet time" help to balance the intensity of the group process. There is no "fluff" or wasted time at Breakthrough. Every moment of the program has been consciously designed as part of the healing process and an opportunity for growth. .

THE STAFF

My role is to open each week with an intimate experiential group designed to begin the bonding so essential to lowering defenses and establishing trust. At the end of their experience, I return to assist in grounding and re-entry, providing specific tools to prepare participants for a smooth return to reality. Throughout the week I am available to staff for consultation and have joined the group in times of special need. I have complete faith in my staff and am delighted when each Friday they say again, "This was the greatest group!"

Breakthrough therapists are chosen based on their level of personal growth, their passion for this work, their expertise in the art of experiential therapy, and their training and education, in that order. Their backgrounds include Ph.D. candidate and Master's Level therapists, Certified Experiential Therapists, Certified Reiki Master and Body-Centered therapists, Marriage and Family Therapist, Certified Addictions Counselors and Certified Sexual Addiction Therapists. All have been doing this work for a minimum of five years, most for more than 15 years.

The core Breakthrough staff includes Marilyn Hawn, Joanne Vizzini, Jackie Saylor, Nancy Zink, Genelle Sweetser and Ralph Binney.  Several other therapists with long term experience working in our programs substitute when needed. We do not utilize interns, trainees or therapists who have not had extensive experience in residential group work with family of origin. My policy is to cancel a group before using an unskilled therapist. As our program grows, we will be training new therapists who will work as the third person in groups during their training period.

All therapists work as independent contractors, most having a private practice in addition to their Breakthrough weeks. Working a maximum of one Breakthrough group per month, they have the benefit of variety and flexibility in their work, and come to each group refreshed and enthusiastic. Our evening counselor, often referred to as the "mouse in the house," works every evening to provide a sense of security and emotional support from dinner to bedtime.

THE INTAKE PROCESS

The first telephone contact is intended to make a positive connection with each potential participant. I am available to personally answer questions, and a trained intake therapist, Nancy Zinc, speaks directly to each attendee, addressing clinical concerns immediately, as part of the intake process. Screening is done in a phone interview and any special needs are identified. If necessary, the staff and I consult about areas of concern and include the client's therapist in decision making. Decisions are made quickly and a reservation is set. In rare cases, where we feel a client is not ready or appropriate for this experience, a referral and treatment plan is developed. Throughout the intake process, clients report feeling cared about and connected from the beginning.

THE ENVIRONMENT

Harmony Farm is a single home on 102 acres near the Mason Dixon Line. Breakthrough clients have full use of the house for five days with no outside interruptions. Because Harmony Farm has the feel of a safe family residence, guests make themselves at home very quickly, whether sitting in front of the fireplaces or relaxing on the patio. Complimentary limousine service is provided one way, to the program from Baltimore's airport or train station.

GROUP COMPOSITION

With the small size, there is increased intimacy and a sense of family. In our experience, people appear to develop trust faster, and get more out of the experience when they feel safe and know everyone they are with. The therapists, who usually stay at the facility during the week, are also very comfortable with this relaxed intimate environment and come to each group anxious to work.

PAYMENT ARRANGEMENTS

Due to low overhead, the cost of the program has been kept reasonable. Most participants have no difficulty paying the full amount for their treatment and feel they get more than their money's worth. In special cases, payment plans are arranged and discounts have been provided. Due to the small size of the program, we cannot offer full scholarships and still meet expenses. We do pride ourselves on flexibility and are willing to discuss any special circumstances. Our goal is to make it possible for everyone who wants the program to be able to come. A $200 discount is offered to all alumni who return, and to family members who live with them. (Some restrictions to number may apply)

THE QUALITY

I am extremely proud of several aspects of the program, which although not necessarily visible, are consistently felt and expressed by participants. They include:

A thorough screening process assists clients in making appropriate choices for their therapy. Often we recommend something other than Breakthrough as a first choice. As a result, all clients are ready to do their best when they arrive.

Flexibility puts emphasis on individual needs rather than the "system" or "rules." We allow people to make their own choices about their behavior while supporting a healthier path. Breakthrough has been described as "user friendly."

A warm and friendly atmosphere is provided by Harmony Farm and the Breakthrough staff. From the caterer to the caretaker and therapy staff, the passion for quality and respect for our guests is a priority.

A personal touch, where staff, including myself, are human and available, before during and after Breakthrough, to ease fears, offer guidance and assist in a smooth transition back to their own therapy.

Breakthrough remains committed to a dream, born in 1984, that individuals from painful families need a haven where they may leave their anger, grief and shame. With support and safety they are given an opportunity to move from survival to healthy living, discovering their "essence" and taking a leap toward full recovery.

We hope to see you at Breakthrough. Please share this information with others who may be considering this or other comparable programs.

Ann Smith