We’re apparently living in a post-pandemic world (friend, we are not post-pandemic yet), which means we’re all slowly reintegrating ourselves back into our communities. We have not yet grappled with what we’ve lost in the last 2.5 years (and, it’s America, so who knows if we ever will). 

This workshop aims to identify and give attention to those things and use improv as a tool to work through them. Moving in and out of spaces these days can feel weird, so come be weird with us for 2 hours while we teach you some basic fundamentals of improv and lead you in improv games that will help you feel more connected, let loose, and remind us that it’s okay to not know what you’re doing. We’ll also talk about how you can use these exercises in your own practice – with clients or colleagues!

At the conclusion of our workshop, participants can expect to:

• Try new things in a supported and safe environment
• Gain skills to help maintain the balance of your needs in a hybrid world
• Utilize comedic improv techniques as a tool for self-care, better communication, and deeper personal connections
• Let go and have a little fun!

Reasons to sign up for this workshop:

• You know how HOT August can be. Come escape the heat for a few hours! 
• You saw the word “improv” and your first thought was NOPE. You’re exactly who we want to see!
• You promised yourself back in January that you’re ready to step out of your comfort zone!
• You want to lean into our awkward new landscape!
• You want to incorporate new techniques into your own practice! 
• You need to meet the person who overuses exclamation points in their writing!

After we’ve laid the groundwork for trust and connection without having to engage in frustrating small talk, please stick around and hang for a bit! Snacks, drinks, and good convo (or complete silence, whatever you prefer!) from 4 – 5 pm!

The event will be held at our office, located at  661 West Lake St, Ste 2S, Chicago, IL 60661 . Details on how to get here will be provided upon registration.

Additional Information:

• Maximum capacity: 25 people
• Vaccination and masks required (until otherwise notified)
• Snacks and drinks provided

About the Presenters:

Niki Aquino, LCSW is an Individual, Family, and Group therapist with  Mind Chicago. She was introduced to improv by way of the Second City Music Conservatory and has since performed throughout Chicago including the Second City etc stage. As a therapist, Niki specializes in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). A graduate of the MSW program at Loyola University Chicago, Niki has a rich background providing evidence-based, trauma-informed treatment for youth and families in inpatient, partial hospitalization, and intensive outpatient programs. Niki is a successful amateur baker and connoisseur of Marvel films. 

Ashley Whitehurst is a graduate of iO and Second City Conservatory and Music Conservatory, and currently teaches at Second City Training Center and elsewhere in the Chicagoland area. She’s also a writer, performer, director, producer, and podcaster. She’s very bad at boasting, so she put it all here for you (yes, you!) to read: www.ashleywhitehurst.com. When she’s not working a day job or doing comedy stuff, she plays video games, runs, reads, thinks about sports, plays piano, and tries to help her dog understand that the cat absolutely does not want to play with her.

Student discount and sliding scale available. Please contact us at chicagominds@gmail.com for details.

Workshop participants who opt to receive CE certification, please select the CEU option. This workshop fulfills requirement for 2 CE credits. CE sponsorship is approved by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR), credits are applicable to LCSW and transferrable to LCPC in Illinois. If you have a different licensure or are licensed outside of Illinois, please check with your licensure body before purchasing. 

This workshop will be hosted in person. If you are not able to attend, please cancel at least 48 hours in advance for us to issue a refund.