Pillwillop Therapeutic Farm
Pillwillop Therapeutic Farm is the newest program of Community Counseling of Central Connecticut Inc. Pillwillop Farm, as it was known until the end of 2011, has been a family run farm since the 1860s. It has had many incarnations. It has had animals, vegetable crops, timber and Christmas tree sales as well as a host of other uses. Originally covering hundreds of acres, the farm is currently around 50 acres including hard and soft woods, a community garden and hiking trails. Pillwillop has been the home of several local businesses over the years including the Sharp Shop, which sharpened most anything that had a blade. Though the Sharp Shop is no longer in operation since Clarence Atwood’s retirement, his sign remains on the property, as does much of his original equipment that we hope to put back into operation as part of an occupational therapy program in the future.
Most workers on the farm are volunteers. Upgrades to the land and buildings rely for the most part on volunteer labor and donated products. For more information on volunteering at the farm, click here.
The farm offers all the services offered at the Bristol location, but also offers the following services as remodeling and additional staffing allow.
Counseling Services: Services include: Individual, couples, and family therapy for children, adolescents, and adults.
Art Therapy Based Services: Individual art therapy sessions for adults and children may be scheduled by appointment. Check the facebook page or call for scheduling details.
Group Therapy: Therapy groups is offered to reflect the current needs of our clients. Groups are planned for children, adolescents and adults on such issues as anxiety, depression, stress management, grief and loss, recovery, etc.
Therapeutic Garden: The therapeutic garden is up and running. We offer several field crops as well as two large Seasonal High Tunnels (greenhouses), Buggy Jack's tunnel is located west of the car park and offers year round running water, lights and electricity in a 30 by 72 foot space. Stephie's Peace garden in north of the car park (behind the main building) and offers year round running water, electricity and lighting in a 30 by 96 ft space. Lighting allows even those that cannot work in the sun a chance to participate.
Open Studio: Periodically we offer "open studio" events and days at the farm. At these events, people who have an interest in art can meet with like minded individuals to talk art, life and general issues while also displaying art techniques, art work and related items. Demonstrations are common.
Public Seminars and Activities: Periodically, we will offer public seminars and community activities at the Main farm building (Big Red Barn). Topics vary. Activities are free, unless otherwise noted.
Working Farm Museum: The Clarence L. Atwood working farm museum offers the opportunity to see antique working farm machinery close up. Unlike other museums, the equipment we have on display is currently in use. Our prize piece of equipment is a 1940 9N tractor that was bought by Clarence's (Clancy to those who were close to him) father in 1940. It remains in active use today. Farming related equipment donations are encouraged. BY APPOINTMENT ONLY.
Occupational Training: Training in farm based practices as well as tool sharpening, equipment maintenance, wood working, metal working and related activities. Donations of goods and equipment are encouraged. Offered on a very limited basis.
Passive Recreation and Hiking Trails: Enjoy the trails at the farm. Walk on trails, some of which date back to the original owners in the 1860s or before. Explore streams, a pond, wildlife, and various types of plants and trees. Nature that nurtures.
Community Meeting Room: Our community meeting room is for use to various organizations to help assist the needs of the community. COMING SOON!
Memorial Benches: Improve comfort and enjoyment by adding a memorial bench to the farm and trails. For a $300.00 donation, the farm can add a bench with a small brass engraved plaque with the message of your choice. Each bench is made of pressure treated lumber for years of enjoyment.
Farm-based Classes: To include (once funds are raised for a well and septic which will allow for a kitchen) such topics as canning, jam and jelly making, pickling, preserving vegetables, cooking demonstrations and related topics.
Other future plans include a reading room/ library, raising animals, barbecues, and miscellaneous gatherings.
Our goal is to provide a safe place for people in the community to meet and share knowledge. While you can expect to receive the same high quality mental health services that Doc Warren and Community Counseling have been providing for years, this new venue gives us the opportunity to offer so much more. Please contact us if you have a program you would like to bring to the farm.
