By Anne Basham, Art with Heart Volunteer

When Kristi Conner, a therapist at Sound Mental Health, began using Chill & Spill with some of her teenage clients, she was thrilled to see it working right away.

“I was originally drawn to Chill & Spill because I have a bachelor’s degree in arts,” says Kristi. “Whenever I can, I like to tie art in as a different form of expressing yourself.”

Kristi found out about Art with Heart through some of her colleagues. After attending a training, she began using Chill & Spill with some of her younger clients, and is planning on trying it out with some of her adult clients as well. She likes that the book offers both structure and flexibility.

During the activity “I Really, Really Feel…” Kristi gives her clients the option to write their own mission statement, make a collage, write a poem, or use another form of creative expression. She told me the story of one teenager who was struggling to find the motivation to do well in school.

“When she started circling words that surprised her, it was like it flipped a switch in her head,” says Kristi. “With one word, she was able to see her take on school in a much different way.” Kristi is happy to report that her client is now doing fine and has not had the need to return to therapy.

We are thrilled to continue to hear stories like this of the transformational power of our books and hope to hear from you as well!

Tags: Chill & Spill