Your guide to the heart of Litchfield County:
Discover local stories, hidden gems, and must-know events.

Summer is here and we have compiled a handful of day camps and sleep away camps in Litchfield County that your kids will love! Ranging from crafting to watersports to horse back riding, there is something for every kid. Here is a list of day camps in Litchfield County open for registration this summer:

YMCA Camp Mohawk

YMCA Camp Mohawk, located in Litchfield, typically a sleep away camp, is offering a day camp option this summer for girls ages 7 to 15. Campers will enjoy crafting, swimming, sports, adventures, and many more fun summer activities!

Ages 7 to 15
860-672-6655

Camp Cochipiannee

Camp Cochipiannee, located in Goshen, is dedicated to a safe environment for campers and staff. They have a fun summer schedule lined up for campers ages 4 to 12. Campers will engage in activities including tie dye, free swim, and pizza day while maintaining social distancing. This camp is open to Goshen residents, with a waiting list for non-residents. 

Ages 4 to 12
860-601-6089

Connecticut Watersports

Connecticut Watersports is located on Bantam Lake—Connecticut’s largest natural lake. They provide private charters and watersports insturction by the hour featuring various activities such as wake surfing, wakeboarding, waterskiing, tubing, and banana boat rides. They also offer a kids watersports camp.

Ages 8 to 14
860-295-4640

Eagle Rock Day Camp

Eagle Rock Day Camp, located in Washington, offers campers ages 4 to 13 a wide variety of things to do. They offer programs and special events such as aquatics, sports, adventure, and arts, and sciences. Campers are provided a balance of athletic and non-athletic activities to ensure there is something for everyone. 

Ages 4 to 13
860-868-9200

Flanders Nature Center and Land Trust

Flanders Nature Center and Land Trust, located in Woodbury, offers more than 60 summer programs for children ages 3 to 13. Children are immersed in nature, art, agriculture, ecology, cooking, and many more programs. Staff members will maintain a healthy and stimulating environment for campers while adhering to COVID-19 guidelines. 

Ages 3 to 13
203-263-3711

Northwest CT YMCA Camps 

Northwest CT YMCA Camps, located in Torrington, offers many programs where campers can learn skills, develop character, and make lifelong friendships. Campers will have the opportunity to engage in physical, social, and educational activities that challenges them to grow. 

Ages 3 to 13
860-489-3133

Pratt Nature Center

Pratt Nature Center Summer Day Camp, located in New Milford, offers a co-ed program for children ages three and up who have interests in the outdoors. This camp will provide campers with safe, fun, hands-on activities every day such as hiking, observing animals, gardening, arts and crafts, and more. 

Ages 3+
860-355-3137

ASAP Summer Camp

ASAP Summer Camp, located in Washington, is offering camp through online daily meet ups this summer. The theme is ‘Together We Connect,’ a reimagined way to experience summer camp. Children will use their Summer Connections Boxes to carry out art and engineering projects, send postcards, and take part in a collaborative mural project–with the online help of ASAP teaching artists. 

Ages 4.5 to 17
860-868-0740

Titus Tutors

Titus Tutors, located in Washington, is offering summer book clubs and a creative writing camp. Titus Tutors encourages children to read each day and take the role of being powerful in and outside of school. Children will engage in group discussions, journal responses, readers theater, and other activities to strengthen their skills and love for literature.

Ages 5 to 15
860-671-4474

The Village Music School

The Village Music School, in Cornwall, is offering four-week online music instruction sessions this summer. The lessons run about 40 to 45 minutes, ending with a virtual recital each session. The summer program is led by a master instructors where they will teach musicians how to make music through a customized instructional program.

Ages 5 to 12
860-212-6990

YMCA Camp Sloane

YMCA Camp Sloane is in Lakeville (Salisbury). All overnight and day campers are required to be vaccinated before arriving at camp. They offer day camp and sleep away camp for 3rd through 10th graders along with teen leadership programs for 11th and 12th graders. Each morning, the campers will have three elective periods that they’ve chosen prior to arrival. Each elective is taken for five days. One-week campers choose three electives while two-week campers choose six electives.

Ages 8 to 16
Teen program: 16 to 18
860-435-2557

YMCA Camp Mataucha 

YMCA Camp Mataucha, in Watertown, offers four sessions that last two weeks. Campers will experience new adventures, create close friendships, and make memories they’ll never forget. Activities such as arts and crafts, boating, climbing tower, swimming, and hiking will help build the character and social and emotional growth of each camper.

Ages 5 to 14
CIT- 15+

Fox Crossing Equestrian 

Fox Crossing Equestrian in Morris, offers 11 weekly riding sessions from 9am to 1pm on their trustworthy school horses. Campers of all riding levels will learn how to take care of horses, take riding lessons, participate in outdoor games, and more.

860-459-4523

Glazey Dayz

Glazey Dayz is a paint your own pottery and glass studio located in Watertown. They are offering four different week long sessions for two different age groups. Two sessions in July and two in August. Morning sessions will be for campers ages 7 to 10 and afternoon for campers 11 and older. The younger campers will learn the different techniques and mediums of pottery. Older campers will be creating functional pieces for different themes such as Christmas in July.

Group 1: 7 to 10
Group 2: 11+
860-274-9946

Buck’s Rock Camp

Buck’s Rock Camp in New Milford is a performing arts and freedom of choice camp for ages 10-17. Campers have the options of creative and performing arts. Creative arts options include ceramics, digital photography, bookbinding and more. Performing arts options include acting, lighting, dancing and sound design. Buck’s Rock also has a farm where campers can spend time with various animals and help grow fruits and veggies in the garden.

Ages 10 to 17
860-354-5030

Camp Awosting

Camp Awosting, in Morris, is an all-boys summer camp focused around developing brotherhood, independence, confidence, and experience. Campers will participate in an array of activities such as motocross, wake boarding, archery, and football.

Ages 6 to 15
860-567-4924

Camp Chinqueka 

Camp Chinqueka, located in Bantam, is an all-girls summer camp focused on developing sisterhood, empowerment, kindness, and growth in their campers. Campers have the opportunity to participate in martial arts, ceramics, paddle boarding, jewelry making, and so much more!

Ages 6 to 16
860-567-9678

Boulder Ridge Day Camp

Boulder Ridge Day Camp, located in Barkhamsted, offers campers a variety of activities, both athletic and non-athletic. Campers are put in small groups based on age with one counselor during each session. Activities include but are not limited to: swim lessons, basketball, robotics, zip lining, and performing arts.

Ages 4 to 14
860-379-6500

YMCA Camp Jewell

YMCA Camp Jewell in Colebrook, offers multiple programs such as overnight camp, day camp, and even ranch camp. Activities include arts and crafts, guitar, archery, swimming, and horseback riding.

Ages 7 to 14
860-379-2782

Camp Wah-Nee

Camp Wah-Nee, located in Torrington, focuses on positivity and encouragement as still campers step out of their comfort zone and learn new skills. They offer arts programs, various sports, water activities, and more—all in one 7 week session.

Ages 7 to 17
860-379-2273

Five Points Art Center

Five Points Arts Center Summer Labs will run for two weeks—July 11-15 and July 18-22. The summer labs will be free to financially support students interested in art making who would otherwise not have the means.

Looking for mouthwatering pizza? Delicious appetizers? A comforting atmosphere? Litchfield County has you covered. Whether you’re visiting or live here, we curated a list of our favorite pizza spots throughout the county.

By Zandria Oliver 

Looking for a fun, casual, and eclectic place for a night out? Try Bohemian Pizza and Tacos  in Litchfield. They have an assortment of food choices along with gluten free and vegan options. 

342 Bantam Rd., Litchfield
860-567-3980

Bantam Pizza and Restaurant has been proudly serving the community for 20 years. They offer a variety of flavors and are quick to serve your food. If you are in or near Bantam you definitely have to stop by for a slice, hot oven grinder, or even some wings! 

768 Bantam Rd. (Rt 202), Bantam
860-567-3357

Martino’s Pizzeria in Oakville (Watertown), is best known for their Brooklyn Style Pizza, World Famous Ordinary Joe’s Wings, and delicious fried pickles. Yes, you read that correctly, fried pickles!

213 Davis St., Oakville
860-417-6111 

Dine in, take out, or even have an event catered with Milestone Wood Fired Pizza, located in Thomaston. Uniquely enough Milestone offers a food truck that can be booked for all different events! If you enjoy New Haven Style thin crust pizza, then stop by Milestone for a slice!

68 East Main St., Thomaston
860-880-8212    

Fino Wood Fired Pizza and Bar is influenced by the traditions of Pontelandolfo, Italy. It is located directly on Main Street in Watertown. They are known for their wood-fired pizza and countryside rustic decor. Fun fact, Fino was featured on Barstool Sports’ One Bite pizza review. 

663 Main St., Watertown
860-238-5080

Cozzy’s Pizzeria in Kent has been using the same family recipe since 1972. Artisan pizza, regular pizza, and flatbreads are offered at this location. Cozzy’s offers over 20 toppings and gluten free and vegetarian options. 

6 Kent Green Blvd., Kent
860-927-1551

Kent Pizza Garden in Kent, has been family owned and run for over 30 years. Many of the items on their menu are special recipes that have been in the family for generations. Try out their pizza that is allowed to double rise and then baked in their stone oven.

17 Railroad St., Kent
860-927-3733

If you are looking for a community oriented place with great food and even better prices then Deano’s Pizza in Lakeville is the place for you! Deano’s is known for their New York Style pizza and offers up a favorite pie to try, barbecue chicken. Fun fact, they had a customer travel twelve hours from North Carolinas to try out the barbecue chicken pie!

24 Millerton Rd., Lakeville
860-435-2299

Upper Crust Cucina is all about atmosphere. Enjoy a meal on the wrap-around porch or stone patio, or cozy up under the space heaters and the cozy fireplaces! Stop by and enjoy a Prosciutto and fig pizza or a classic margherita pie! 

373 Litchfield Rd., New Milford
860-350-0006

Sasso’s Coal Fired Pizza in Torrington describes themselves as “combining artisan pizzas with rustic industrial atmosphere to create a unique dining experience.” Opened in 2016, Sasso’s was created from their family’s love and passion for food. Sasso’s uses coal ovens to give their pizza its unique taste and signature look.

52 Main St., Torrington
860-618-7162

Ollie’s Pizza, located in Litchfield, is all about quality ingredients and comfort foods, such as pizza, burgers and Italian entrees. It is a family owned business that offers a casual atmosphere for the whole family. 

19 West St., Litchfield
860-361-9400

Our summer interns put together a list of their favorite places to grab ice cream in Litchfield County. When you’re out and about this summer, cool off with a sweet scoop of ice cream at one of these spots!

By Maddie Mallon

Bantam

Arethusa Dairy
Made with fresh milk from Arethusa Farm’s dairy cows, Arethusa Dairy serves “ice cream like it used to taste”. Enjoy your ice cream on the benches outside, or on the go!

Arethusa Dairy 
822 Bantam Rd., Bantam
860-361-6460

Canaan

Caddie Shack 
Caddie Shack is more than just ice cream! They offer mini golf, batting cages, an arcade, and food! They have both a picnic area and a pavilion. 

Caddie Shack
316 Ashley Falls Rd., Canaan
860-824-8476

Berkshire Country Cafe
The Berkshire Country Cafe offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner options as well as desserts. They have locations in Norfolk and Canaan.

Berkshire Country Cafe
85 Main St., North Canaan
860-453-4448

Colebrook

The Colebrook Store
The Colebrook Store is the longest operating general store in Connecticut! In addition to ice cream, they also offer daily special sandwiches. 

The Colebrook Store 
559 Colebrook Rd., Colebrook
860-379-5031

Cornwall Bridge

Cornwall Country Market
The Cornwall Country Market offers ice cream, bakery options, provisions, and local products. Enjoy breakfast, lunch, or shop for dinner!

Cornwall Country Market 
25 Kent Rd., Cornwall Bridge
860-619-8199

Kent

Kent Coffee & Chocolate Co
Kent Coffee & Chocolate Co offers a variety of sweet treats in their picturesque storefront on Kent’s main street. Browse the store or order at the front counter for the perfect pick-me-up!

Kent Coffee & Chocolate Co 
45 N Main St., Kent
860-927-1445

Litchfield

Espresso 59 
Espresso 59 specializes in gelato, as well as serving coffee and other cafe classics! Located in the heart of Litchfield, grab a treat and enjoy perusing the nearby shops! 

59 West St., Litchfield
860-361-6038

Peaches n’ Cream Litchfield 
Peaches n’ Cream has a flavor for everyone! Their large menu is accommodating, offering sugar-free and dairy-free options in addition to traditional ice cream. 

Peaches n’ Cream
632 Torrington Rd., Litchfield
860-496-7536

Morris

Popey’s Ice Cream Shoppe
Popey’s is a local favorite, open seasonally only minutes from Bantam Lake. They have both hand-scooped and soft-serve ice cream, as well as flurries, milkshakes, and floats. Enjoy outside in their spacious dining area!

Popey’s Ice Cream Shoppe
7 West St., Morris
860-567-0504

New Hartford

Summertime Sno-Balls
Summertime Sno-Balls offers a variety of flavors including blue razzberry, blue bubblegum, cherry, orange, pina colada, root beer, lime, and more! 

Summertime Sno-Balls
95 Cottage St., New Hartford
860-370-7775

New Milford

Tasty Waves 
Tasty Waves serves build-your-own frozen yogurt. Located on the New Milford Green, enjoy inside or take it to go and explore Bank Street!

Tasty Waves
7 Main St., New Milford
860-799-6363

New Preston

The Smithy 
The Smithy Market & Cafe offers sandwiches, groceries, and delicious treats! Enjoy seated inside or on their outdoor tables. 

The Smithy
10 Main St., New Preston
860-868-9003

Norfolk

Berkshire Country Store
The Berkshire Country Store offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner options as well as desserts. They have locations in Norfolk and Canaan. Norfolk serves pizza!

Berkshire Country Store
6 Station Pl., Norfolk Historic District
860-542-7176

Plymouth

The Sweet Tooth
The Sweet Tooth offers outdoor seating and a barn style storefront. Not only do they serve ice cream, but they also have a large selection of candy. 

Sweet Tooth
655 Main St., Plymouth
860-283-4566

Riverton

Riverton General Store
The Riverton General Store serves breakfast and lunch, as well as 21 flavors of ice cream! They offer a quaint outdoor seating area to enjoy. 

Riverton General Store
2 Main St., Riverton
860-379-0811

Roxbury

The Roxbury Market and Deli
The Roxbury Market serves food and Ferris Acres ice cream. They have an abundance of ice cream flavors as well as sorbets!

Roxbury Market
26 North St., Roxbury
860-355-0733

Salisbury

Sweet William’s Coffee Shop and Bakery
Sweet William’s offers freshly baked pastries and desserts as well as fresh coffee! They even have ice cream sandwiches! 

Sweet Williams
17 Main St., Salisbury
860-435-3005

Sharon

Le Gamin
Stop by Le Gamin for some French-style ice cream. Open everyday from 1:00 to 9:00pm. 

Le Gamin
10 Gay St., Sharon
860-397-5382

Thomaston

Scoop It Up
Scoop It Up has a thorough selection of flavors! Their colorful interior matches their cookie monster flavor and they are open rain or shine!

Scoop It Up
102 E Main St., Thomaston

Torrington

The Nutmeg Fudge Company 
The Nutmeg Fudge Company is the perfect stop to satisfy your sweet tooth! They serve Canton Creamery ice cream, and even have vegan options! Be sure to try some of their fresh-baked fudge.  

Nutmeg Fudge Company
20 E Main St., Torrington
860-201-4303

Cafe Joie
Cafe Joie serves rolled ice cream in a variety of flavors as well as coffee. Stop by for ice cream like you’ve never had before!

Cafe Joie
11 Main St., Torrington
860-618-5555

Washington

Marty’s Cafe 
Marty’s serves breakfast and lunch as well as their mouth watering pastries. Be sure to head to the back counter for a scoop of ice cream! They offer a cozy indoor seating arrangement as well as an outdoor area.

Marty’s
4 Green Hill Rd., Washington
860-868-1700

The Po Cafe
The Po serves breakfast and lunch, as well as pastries and desserts including ice cream sandwiches! Eat in or enjoy their beautiful outdoor area. 

The Po Cafe
5 Kirby Rd., Washington
860-868-1879

Washington Depot

The Pantry
The Pantry has a delicious dine in menu, as well as prepared meals to heat up and a deli counter! They now offer a selection of house made ice cream.

The Pantry
5 Titus Rd., Washington Depot
860-868-0258

Favorite 
Stop in to Favorite and elevate your closet while browsing their chic boutique selection. Or, enjoy one of their new ice pops!

Favorite CT

11 Titus Rd., Washington Depot
615-775-2248

Woodbury

Dari Delite 
Dari Delite is located in the Middle Quarter Mall. Stop by for a scoop and explore the shopping center.

705 Main St. S, Woodbury
203-263-4450

Housatonic Valley Association’s (HVA) Explore-a-thon event gets people outside to help support a healthy environment during the entire month of June!

Explore any part of the nearly 2,000 square mile, tri-state Housatonic River Watershed by doing things like hiking, biking, walking, taking photos, or just enjoying the scenery.

Go it alone or form a team and participate in fun competitions like most miles hiked, best team name, or best bird photo for prizes like REI and Patagonia gear, a guided overnight trip on the river, hiking boots, a private chef’s dinner for six at Troutbeck Hotel in the Hudson Valley, and more.

You can also visit one of our partner breweries and toast to the environment! All proceeds go toward HVA’s work in keeping our waterways, lands, and wildlife protected. Register today!

ASAP!’s spring fundraising gala, ASAP! Celebrates Community, will be held on Saturday, June 4 at The Frederick Gunn School in Washington.

Actor and arts advocate Tim Daly will host this festive evening of local food, cocktails, and dancing celebrating the ASAP! community, and honoring longtime board member Rob Parker. Rob’s passion for education and arts-infused learning has propelled ASAP! to where they are today.

ASAP! Celebrates Community host Tim Daly (Wings, The Sopranos, Superman: The Animated Series, Madam Secretary) is board president of the Creative Coalition, which tackles issues of direct importance to the arts and entertainment community, including First Amendment rights, public funding for the arts, and arts education in the public schools. He has also spoken at the White House in support of the arts in education. ASAP! is thrilled to have a passionate advocate speak about the impact that ASAP! has in the CT community, and the vital importance of arts practices and creative expression in the development of all young people.

Founded in 1999, ASAP! is a social profit institution recognized for its high-quality, portable, immersive learning experiences. What began as a small after school arts program has evolved into a wide-ranging education organization whose arts-infused programming is brought into schools and community spaces throughout northwest Connecticut. During his tenure, board member Rob Parker was instrumental in enabling ASAP! to broaden its reach to more schools in northwestern Connecticut, and helped establish Celebration of Young Photographers.

He says, “I’m very proud to have been part of ASAP!, whose mission—to inspire kids through creative hands-on learning—is a fundamental imperative for our community.” Rob’s powerful support has allowed ASAP! to expand its programs and continue delivering creative spaces for exploration, collaboration, and discovery vital to a journey of joyful learning.

Two ticket tiers for 5pm and 7:30pm are available. Ticket sales will support ASAP!’s mission to foster hands-on learning through the arts.

To learn more, please visit their website asapct.org.

ASAP Community Party – June 4

ASAP!’s annual fundraising gala celebrates community with a festive evening hosted by actor and producer Tim Daly. There will be live music, beautifully crafted local food and an open bar.

Great Country Mutt Show @ Lime Rock Park – June 5

Free and open to the public, the Great Country Mutt Show is a Westminster-style Dog Show that celebrates all breeds. Held rain or shine at Lime Rock Park.

Music Mountain Concert – June 5

Don’t miss Music Mountain’s 93rd Season Opening Benefit Concert featuring the Rolston String Quartet and Paul Neubauer on viola. There will also be German food trucks!

Kent Fireman’s Ball – June 11

Enjoy a night of dancing, dinner, food, and community at the Kent Volunteer Fire Department’s annual ball. There will be raffles with a variety of prizes and a live DJ. Tickets and further information are available at kentfire.org

Gunn Memorial Library Annual Fundraiser – June 11

Start your evening with cocktails at the Gunn Memorial Library then head to a private dinner with engaging conversation and the company of a 2022 Library Luminary.

Art Tripping – June 11

Art Tripping brings the Litchfield Maker’s Market to the Litchfield Green. The weekend-long event will feature artists, craftspeople, demonstrations, and family-friendly activities.

SHAG Festival – June 16-19

Celebrate with SHAG at Spring Hill Vineyards and immerse yourself in four days of nature, creativity, and collaboration. This year’s festival features a great lineup of performers, food, and drink vendors.

Books & Blooms – June 17

The Cornwall Library’s biggest fundraiser of the year is the annual garden tour known as Books & Blooms. This year, the renowned garden writer Page Dickey will kick off the festivities with a presentation entitled “Bringing Meadows into the Garden.” On Saturday, the fun continues with some truly magical gardens to inspire visitors. A special addition to the mix this year are the gardens of the legendary Cornwall Castle which has been featured on the cover of Litchfield Magazine. Following Page Dickey’s presentation, there will be a Cocktail Reception outside the library under a tent, for ticket holders of the talk and sponsors of Books & Blooms.

Ticket Information:
Tickets $30 for the talk, $30 for the garden tours or $50 for both.
Please register and purchase on the website or contact the library.

Ripley Waterfowl Annual Benefit – June 18

An evening filled with live music, cocktails & hors d’oeuvres, featuring a catered summer dinner, open bar, and auctions in support of the Conservancy’s mission.

If you’re a garden lover, then get your tickets for this Saturday, May 14! That’s when Trade Secrets™ moves to its new home at Lime Rock Park in Lakeville. With more than 50 of the finest growers, dealers, and artisans from across the country and around the Northeast, you’re sure to find that unique treasure for your garden.

This year, the Trade Secrets garden tour boasts six gardens—three private and three public gardens. The private gardens include Bunny Williams and John Rosselli, Michael Trapp, and Clove Brook Farm. In addition, there will be three public gardens on tour—two in New York, Wethersfield in Amenia, and Innisfree Garden in Millbrook, and Hollister House Garden in Washington.

Regenerative treatments for skin, hair, and body

By Clementina Verge

After long winter months, it is time to walk confidently into the increasing sunshine, and Byrde + the b is the beauty destination for all your spring sprucing, from luxurious hair, to rejuvenated skin, and an energized body.

The award-winning Washington Depot luxury salon offers an impressive array of services to prepare you for the summer ahead. Whisk away winter reminders from your hair, whether with a fabulous new style and color by stylists Lucy Callaway and Angela Zweifel, or with a flattering haircut by James Serra, voted “Best Barber” for three consecutive years. Now entering his fourth year with BYRDEMAN at Byrde + the b, Serra is a longtime expert in the art of classic barbering, but with modern touches. 

In addition to its own line, Byrde + the b features haircare products such as Davines, free of synthetic additives, silicones, petrochemicals, phthalates, or artificial fragrances. Instead, an appointment with any of the stylists ensures that what touches your hair is infused with natural goodness—such as organic red celery extract. Equally important are the Aura hyaluronic acid smoothing treatments that speed drying, reduce frizz, and hydrate. 

Along with healthy, shiny tresses, skincare is especially important since the body’s largest organ has endured through many cold, dry days. From acne to wrinkle removal, shake off the winter blues with personalized facials and treatments by Danielle Occhialini, a former beauty advisor and resident artist at luxurious labels including Lancôme and Chantecaille. 

Occhialini custom-blends peptides and creates individual serums for each client, while Fon-Lin Nyeu, a practitioner of Chinese medicine, stimulates sensory nerves under the skin and in the muscles using acupuncture and Gua Sha massage.

Personalized facials in tandem with medical-grade Celluma and POLY LED light therapy, and the salon’s plethora of superior skin care products—such as the Vitamin A-infused Environ line, scar-reducing Mederma lotions, and melasma, acne, and anti-aging treatments—enhance overall skin health rather than merely concealing superficial signs of aging, notes owner Scott Bond. Expect brighter tone, reduced sagging, restored muscles, and increased collagen and elastin. 

The benefits of a salon visit extend to the entire body, especially when using the lymphatic compression drainage suit—a contactless massage that breaks down and discharges toxins, waste, and excess fluids from the body, along with promoting weight loss and cellular rejuvenation, and improved circulation.

Likewise, the salon’s BEMER devices use pulsed electromagnetic fields and are a groundbreaking innovation in modern preventative medicine. A session improves circulation by 30 percent, notes Bond, and supports the body’s natural healing and recovery processes. 

“We stand for more than just great hair and skin,” he assures. “We are committed to all-over health.”

Whether you want to shake off the winter blues with a hot shave, a scalp treatment, a gentle laser or Botox treatment with Dr. Jeffrey LaFrance, or an anti-aging LED light therapy session, give Byrde + the b a call. Jessie Edholm, the salon coordinator who seamlessly organizes and orchestrates appointments, will make sure you’re ready to stand in the spring sunshine with confidence and beauty.

byrdeandtheb.com
10 Titus Rd., Washington Depot
860-619-0422

Holistic Mental Health and Development

By Clementina Verge

Whether caused by traumatic events, significant life changes, an accumulation of stressful situations, or our increasingly complex society, mental pressure is mounting in people of all ages. For some, the tension becomes unmanageable, resulting in overwhelming thoughts and emotions. Help, however, is readily available.

With locations in Bantam and Torrington, Challenging Minds LLC was established in 2019 by Andrew Matusiak, a licensed clinical social worker. After working in human services with various mental health organizations for 12 years, Matusiak failed to see many clients improving. The reason, he explains, is that while traditional treatments help some people, most need a holistic approach that does not treat symptoms in isolation. Motivated by the desire to integrate various coping methods, he opened Challenging Minds.

While providing therapeutic support for a variety of mental health conditions, the Wellness Center also offers homeopathic alternatives for those who prefer to avoid allopathic medicine. Some of the treatments include Reiki, massage, reflexology, and an infrared sauna by Sunlighten. 

“When a client’s whole self is considered, the outcomes are always better and more sustainable,” remarks Matusiak, who is also certified in Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART). “Through a holistic approach to mental health needs, clients often feel more empowered, especially as they learn techniques that they can practice on their own, such as meditation and breathwork. Complex anxiety features and chronic conditions involve the body, mind, and spirit, and if we leave any of those elements out, we’re incomplete, so the healing is incomplete.” 

The clinical group includes a licensed marriage and family therapist, licensed professional counselors, and licensed clinical social workers—who are all proficient in diverse treatment specialities. Three clinicians are trained in ART, one of the best treatments for anxiety, depression, trauma, and phobias, Matusiak informs.

“Each of our providers has years of experience and provides the treatment options in a setting that was designed to be very relaxing,” he assures. 

Clients represent all stages of life, whether new parents or aging adults, and the group is highly committed to working with teens, especially as the community rebounds from the Covid-19 pandemic. 

Unfortunately, many teens are already “in a desperate phase when someone finally listens. We want to be proactive,” he explains, noting the group’s recent involvement with Litchfield High School students and participation in an upcoming mental health day at Torrington Middle School. “We want to teach them how to take care of their mental health, how to meditate, how to identify problems and correct what’s happening. There is no need to go into a state of fear as a default state.” 

“It used to be that trauma only existed in war time or after a terrible event, but we now know that this is not true,” Matusiak informs. “It can feel and look like anxiety, like depression, and neither makes people feel good. But it’s important to know that trauma can be dealt with, and no one is destined to live a life of endless suffering. We also promote healing methods that can minimize the need for medication-only interventions. Individuals can achieve healing and personal freedom.”

Challenging Minds
860-361-6204