Drawing and Talking

Drawing and Talking is a safe, non‑intrusive, attachment‑based therapeutic intervention that helps children and young people explore and communicate their emotions through creative expression. Rather than relying solely on traditional talking therapies, this approach uses drawing, sand play or storytelling to provide a more accessible and supportive way to process feelings, emotional pain, trauma or stress.

What Is Drawing and Talking?

Drawing and Talking is a structured but flexible approach where individuals are invited to draw freely and then talk about what they have drawn in their own words. It is grounded in therapeutic principles that allow feelings to be explored symbolically, helping individuals who might find direct verbal expression difficult or overwhelming.

There are different ways to deliver Drawing and Talking:

• Drawing and Talking – this is an individual approach working with an individual for 30 minutes each week for 12 weeks,
• Sand play – as with Drawing and Talking this is a 12-week intervention with one individual. They explore a range of objects and create their own picture and story in the sand.
• Group Work – there are two types of group work:
• Directed group work – where a group are directed each week about what to draw. This lasts for a minimum of 5 weeks
• Emotions group work – each week a different emotion is discussed and drawn

Who can Benefit? 

Drawing and Talking can support a wide range of emotional and social needs, including:

• Children and young people processing trauma, anxiety or loss.
• Individuals who find it hard to voice how they feel with words alone.
• Learners with emotional wellbeing needs that affect confidence, behaviour and engagement

Because this approach is gentle and creative, it can be especially useful for people who struggle with traditional talking therapies — including those who find direct conversation confronting or difficult to sustain

How We Deliver It at FOCUSS

At FOCUSS, our experienced Drawing and Talking practitioners can deliver this intervention in a way that best meets your setting’s needs - whether that’s one‑to‑one work, group sessions or creative play approaches like sand play. Our team works flexibly with schools, families and professionals to support emotional growth and wellbeing.

If you would like to find out more about these sessions, book in or have any questions, contact us below.

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