FEEDBACK: CHILL & SPILL

“I’ve had Chill & Spill since it came out and have used not one, but two. There are days when things are really bothering me – physically or emotionally – and the book gives me a good place to put everything down. The book asks you to think about things in your life. It makes you think about changes you need to make.” ~ Diana, 18-year-old foster care alum, 2006

“So, like here’s where I live now, but everything’s just out of place; but when I come to Chill & Spill, it’s like I’m in heaven or something because it’s so peaceful and stuff.” ~ Joquaesha, 12-year-old residential treatment patient, Ruth Dykeman Children’s Center, Seattle, WA

“Chill & Spill helped me through a lot of stuff. It wasn’t just an ordinary journal where you just write your feelings down. It talked back to you. Instead of just writing stuff down and reading it over, it actually had some stuff to tell you after what you told it.” ~ Kayla, 18-year-old, Independent Living Program, Ruth Dykeman Children’s Center, Seattle, WA

“It’s a great outlet for kids to express themselves in, especially a lot of kids who don’t do well with reading or writing or are tired of talking about their problem. It gives them a sense of autonomy and control, and that’s really important.” ~ Ivy, Youth Counselor, Ruth Dykeman Children’s Center, Seattle, WA

“The change we see in the kids because of Chill & Spill is extraordinary. The only problem is that we don’t have enough! The book has become our number one priority in our list of things to do with the kids and to find funding for.” ~ Crystal, MSW, Renaissance Home For Youth, Alexandria, LA

“I wish I had had something like this during my own adolescence. I wanted to be artistic but wasn’t confident in my abilities, I wanted to get my thoughts out in writing but was too embarrassed to keep a diary or a journal. This book provides space for both without the guilt of either, as well as fun, interesting exercises to build confidence and a positive self-image without sounding ‘cheesy’ or ‘lame’ to youths. If there is a teen in your life – a niece, a nephew, a grandchild, student, son or daughter, whatever – that may be going through a rough time or shows an interest in writing or art, I highly recommend giving this book as a gift.” ~ Laura Solo, amazon.com customer

“I use the book to break the ice, facilitate self-expression and open up communication in my girl’s group. Many of the pages really compliment and strengthen activities I already use.” ~ Shauna Rumsey, Prevention & Education Specialist, King County Sexual Assault Resource Center

“We use this book with those displaced by the Hurricanes in Louisiana. It has made a difference in the way they perceive their plight and are more understanding that they are not hopeless. It has given them a better understanding and a resolve to deal with the current situation and work towards improving their outlook on life. They are coping better because of it.” ~ Linda Bordelon, The Orchard Foundation, Alexandria, LA

“Chill & Spill is a well-researched and very usable resource for working with teens and young adults who are suffering from depression, trauma and stress. I would recommend it to anyone wanting a hip, creative way to help kids deal with their emotions and channel their feelings in appropriate ways.” ~ Judy Ginsburgh, Arts & HealthCare Coordinator, Arts Council of Central Louisiana

“Thank you so much for your donation. The refuge I worked at in Chile was so excited to receive them and translated the pages immediately so they could put the books to use. Chill & Spill was absolutely perfect for these girls – teenage mothers who have nowhere to go – who don’t really like to talk about what they are feeling and going through.” ~ Kelsey, volunteer and college student, Santiago, Chile

“Chill & Spill will provide practitioners, parents, and teen influencers a tool to give ‘voice’ to a teenager’s thoughts or concerns. The wonderful illustrations and teen-friendly exercises are well-developed and helpful for sparking creative thought.” ~ Kevin Carroll, Speaker, Author “Rules of the Red Rubber Ball”

“Chill & Spill is a resource that can help people of all ages learn to heal themselves and their lives by eliminating destructive feelings and finding acceptance as it helps them open their hearts and minds to their inner wisdom.” ~ Dr. Bernie Siegel, MD, Author

“Chill & Spill is the best kind of therapy. This book provides the instrument that many teenagers need to externalize their feelings so that they might better understand themselves and resolve the issues that so often trouble them. It encourages the best kind of reflection and is destined to make an impact for good among young people going through a difficult time of life.” ~ Dr. Tony Campolo, PhD, Sociology, Eastern University, Pennsylvania

“There are days when things are really bothering me and Chill & Spill gives me a good place to put everything down. It asks you to think about things and the changes you need to make in your life to make it better. I use it a lot to write about things that make me frustrated. Sometimes doctors do or say things that make me really mad, but instead of being mad, I can just write in Chill & Spill until I feel better. That way I don’t lose friends because I’m grouchy.” ~ Diana, 18 year old foster care and Children’s Hospital patient, Seattle

“Chris, our male educator who works with a middle school boy’s group, took Chill & Spill with him for the first time. The day before, we had brainstormed about various scenarios that might happen and how he could facilitate the process. And, truth be known, he was preparing himself for the worst (in case the boys didn’t like the book). Well, he came back AMAZED and DELIGHTED. The boys were thrilled from the moment they laid eyes on the book. They quickly took them out of the shrink-wrap and commented on every picture. Some of the kids started the first activity before Chris was even done handing them out. Chris had to shove the guys out the door because they wanted to stay and write, but if they did, they would have been late for class. He had to force them to shut the book and promise not to take it out in their next class!” ~ DeAnn Yamamoto, MA, Director of Client Services at King County Sexual Assault Resource Center, Seattle

“The Chill & Spill program gives our residents a safe place for complete total expression, freeing them from being defined by their circumstances but encouraging them to rise to their possibilities. It helps them communicate difficult issues and emotions, reduce stress, and normalize feelings, opening doors to healing. It is an excellent support to our mission at the Ranch.” ~ Sue Rolando, Cultural Diversity and Healing Arts teacher, Morning Star Boy’s Ranch

Heidi, a volunteer youth worker in Cleveland, Ohio, gave Chill & Spill to “Casey” to work on at home. Casey was a 16 year old student dealing with severe mental health issues. When Heidi sat down with her to discuss the book, Casey was in tears. She showed Heidi her drawings and it was immediately clear that she was in significant danger of hurting herself and others. She said it was too painful to discuss her drawings. Casey had used the book to draw her feelings instead of act on them. Heidi commented, “The book was a valuable tool in keeping Casey safe. I told her that she could use the book unconditionally, that she did not have to discuss her drawings with me,” she continued, “I have since spoken with her case manager, and she is now taking the book with her to therapy sessions to help her deal with some of the more serious issues in her life.” Heidi continues, “After seeing her drawings, I had a much better understanding her strengths and weaknesses. I was able to implement changes in the structure of her participation in our program which will make the experience safer and more productive for her.”

Alicea Rieger, MEd ESA, works in a school setting in Bellevue, Washington. After working through Chill & Spill, “Chris” told her that she has been able to make new friends because she feels more confident in herself. Chris uses the book to express her feelings without being judged by others. Says Alicea, “I have found it valuable to have copies of Chill & Spill on hand. It is a great tool for students that need a safe outlet for their feelings. The book also gives students ideas on how to continue to help themselves in the future. I’ve received positive feedback from all the students I have given the book to. I plan on using the book in future groups as well as with individual students.”

Write to us and share your photos or experiences using Chill & Spill…
See the GALLERY section for some letters and returned surveys…