Workshops designed to help adults unlock their pain and live fuller lives will take place this this week.

Ann W. Smith, executive director of US-based Breakthrough Caron , will conduct the three workshops.

Breakthrough Caron offers participants an intensive experience to help people 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 programme.

Caron Bermuda regional vice president Gita Blakeney-Saltus said: "We are thrilled to have Ann Smith with us in Bermuda for these important workshops.

"She brings with her the in-depth knowledge and skills to truly help people transform their lives."

Mrs. Blakeney-Saltus added: "The first workshop will focus on finding practical solutions and approaches to balancing relationships and family life with financial pressures, job stress, and the unending 'To Do' list at home.

"The second workshop for professionals will offer a model for helping couples to heal relationships negatively impacted by addiction or other forms of dysfunction.

"It will include the stages and process of couples work from the point of intervention to emotionally healing."

The last of the three workshops takes place on the weekend and Mrs. Blakeney-Saltus said: "It is geared towards anyone who has ever struggled with recurring problems in their personal relationships.

"This will be a positive, practical and sometimes humorous approach to identifying relationship patterns and learning the secrets that can bring lasting change for the better."

The workshops include:

¦ A public presentation today from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. called 'People First, Things Second: A Practical Approach to Family and Relationship Well-Being in a High Stress World'. It will be held at the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute (BUEI). Cost is $20.

¦ A professional workshop tomorrow from 8.30 a.m. to 4 p.m. called 'Second Chances at Love: Working with Couples in Recovery' at Elbow Beach Hotel. Cost is $100.

¦ A personal growth workshop on Saturday from 9.30 a.m. to 3 p.m. called 'Making Healthy Connections: The Secrets to Successful Relationships'. It is being held at the BUEI. Cost is $50.

For more information, visit www.BreakthroughAtCaron.org. To register for any of the workshops, please contact Bernadette Ingemann at Caron Bermuda via email at bingemann@caron.org or via phone at 236-0823.