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The Women & Girls Fund provided critical seed money for the project.

“For All Seasons wants to share the therapeutic expertise of our staff with the broader community. This book provides a therapy-based activity for parents and caregivers to engage in during their leisure time. The book is universal — whether a family has experienced trauma or just wants to connect — it offers a wonderful exercise for everyone,� said Katie Theeke, vice president of marketing and communications at For All Seasons.

According to Gordon, coloring is a universally loved activity that can be very fun and relaxing for participants.

“Adding the special element of coloring with someone on the same page can promote a beautiful connection. Creating together inspires and reinforces a closer relationship,� Gordon said.

“I originally came up with this concept while working with elementary school clients who, at times, were hesitant to engage in therapy, and had difficulty expressing their concerns and feelings. This activity almost immediately set their minds and hearts at ease. Sharing this positive experience with me sparked communication and began the development of rapport and trust,� she added.

“Heart to Heart: Coloring Together� was created for children and families to enjoy a shared activity while building strong connections and relationships, developing healthy attachments and promoting conversation. It serves as an effective therapeutic process for children and families who have experienced trauma. It provides a fun, relaxing activity that reduces stress and fosters a joint feeling of joy and comfort.

Gordon’s first book, “Color Me Closer,� has been used in multiple settings, including schools, offices, homes, assisted living settings, hospital visits and in areas of trauma (most recently the California wildfires).

“My granddaughter Winnie says that Color Me Closer is her favorite book, and we color every time we are together. This inspired me to create another separate book, Heart to Heart: Coloring Together, with her character as the hostess,� Gordon said.

“It truly warms my heart to see and hear about coloring partners in action. We’re excited about launching this book. It is a unique therapeutic tool, an opportunity to develop positive attachment and to simply enjoy the experience with a special person,� she added.

Gordon is a board-certified, licensed art therapist with a career spanning 40 years. She has been a licensed clinician for For All Seasons for many years.

”Heart to Heart: Coloring Together” will be released for sale to the public in the coming weeks. Reach out to Carly Palmer at cpalmer@forallseasonsinc.org to preorder a copy.