Summer Creativity & Mindfulness Workshop Series
A Maker Therapy Experience
A Maker Therapy Experience
Orientation Session
Tuesday, July 7, 2026
6:00-6:30 PM ET
Free | Virtual
(Strongly encouraged for all registered participants)
Weekly Sessions
Thursdays, July 9, 16, 23 & 30, 2026
9:30 AM – 12:00 PM ET Virtual via Zoom
A Maker Therapy Experience
Orientation Session
Tuesday, July 7, 2026
6:00-6:30 PM ET
Free | Virtual
(Strongly encouraged for all registered participants)
Weekly Sessions
Thursdays, July 9, 16, 23 & 30, 2026
9:30 AM – 12:00 PM ET Virtual via Zoom
What's Included
Free one-hour orientation session on July 7th
Four two-and-a-half-hour weekly virtual sessions
All session handouts and mindfulness guides
Access to downloadable activity resources from the Maker Therapy resource library
A materials list sent in advance of each session — all supplies are simple, inexpensive, and easy to find at home or a local craft store
What to Expect
Each session follows a consistent rhythm:
Opening mindfulness practice — to arrive and settle in
Content — framework concepts, neuroscience, and therapeutic themes
Making — hands-on activity tied to the week's theme
Reflect — group sharing and closing practice
No artistic experience required. No prior knowledge of Maker Therapy or mindfulness needed. Just a willingness to show up and make something.
Who This Is For
This series is open to mental health practitioners looking to deepen their creative and mindfulness practice, and to individuals who are curious about the intersection of making, mindfulness, and wellbeing. Participants must be 18 years of age or older. Please note this series is an educational experience and does not constitute therapy.
Session Overview
Orientation Session —
Tuesday, July 7 | 6:00-7:00 PM ET | Free
An introduction to the series, the facilitator, and one another. We will cover what to expect, complete a brief mindfulness practice, and try a simple making activity together. Attendance is strongly encouraged for all registered participants.
Week 1
Thursday, July 9 | 9:30-11:30 AM ET
Arriving: What Is Maker Therapy?
Introduction to the STIIR model, creativity myths, art bias, and the neuroscience of creativity. We explore the first two stages of the STIIR model — Space and Tinker — and what it means to approach making with curiosity, safety, and a beginner's mind.
Week 2
Thursday, July 16 | 9:30-11:30 AM ET
Ideate: Creativity, the Brain, and the Body
We go deeper into the neuroscience of creativity — neuroplasticity, neurogenesis, embodied making, and the whole-brain nature of creative thinking. Participants are introduced to the Ideate stage of STIIR and experience a full MBSR-informed mindful making practice.
Week 3
Thursday, July 23 | 9:30-11:30 AM ET
Innovate: Making Through Challenge
We explore the Innovate stage of STIIR — the learning zone model, working through frustration, and celebrating setbacks as part of the process. Participants practice staying present during difficulty and discover what happens when we lean into the challenge rather than away from it.
Week 4
Thursday, July 30 | 9:30-11:30 AM ET
Reflect and Integrate: Taking It With You
In our final session we bring everything together — the STIIR model, the mindfulness practices, the making, and the community we have built. We explore creative self-efficacy and how to sustain a creative and mindful practice beyond these four weeks.
Cancellation & Refund Policy
A full refund is available for cancellations made up to 24 hours before the orientation session on Tuesday, July 7, 2026. After that date and time, no refunds will be issued. To request a cancellation, please contact the facilitator.
