Chill & Spill is a therapeutic curriculum and hands-on approach developed by Seattle-based Art with Heart that teaches creative expression as a tool to reach reluctant youth, as well as to engage groups. The program also helps youth increase self-awareness and manage difficult emotions; encouraged coping skills, as well as social and emotional learning (SEL); and provides a “heal the healer” opportunity for youth care professionals.

Adults who directly deal with teens and would like to be trained in this creative way to aid in their mental health are invited to participate in a workshop being offered at Newtown Congregational Church. Sessions are planned for Friday, October 4, from 3 to 7 pm, and Saturday, October 5, from 8:30 until 5:30 pm.

Cost is $50 per person, which covers meals, art supplies and books. Participants are eligible to receive 11 Continuing Education Units (fees apply), and a limited number of scholarships are available.

Chill & Spill is an evidence-based curriculum that supports youth in distress by combining best practices of cognitive behavioral, narrative, and art therapies. Led by Anne McCall, MA, LMHC, co-founder of Youth & Family DBT of Seattle, and Art with Heart Executive Director Steffanie Lorig, also co-author of Chill & Spill workbook, the workshop teachers how to use the healing arts to help teens.

The intensive 1½-day course prepares participants to bring the program to adolescents and will teach them the benefits of the program as demonstrated by a yearlong evaluation study, including the conceptual and research base for the role of creativity and its application in mental health promotion; hands-on artistic experience in a variety of media including creative writing, collage, painting, and poetry; the basic skills necessary to strengthen relationships with youth through creativity.

Space is limited and registration is required. For more information or to register, call 206-362-4047 or visit www.ArtwithHeart.org/events.

Art with Heart is nonprofit that uses creativity to support the emotional well-being of children adversely affect by hardship, leading them to inspired possibilities. The October 4–5 Chill & Spill training is being co-sponsored locally by Connecticut Counseling Association, in partnership with HealingNewtown, Newtown Congregational Church, The Taunton Press, and Newtown Cultural Arts Commission.