Drawing & Talking
Drawing and Talking is a person-centred therapy focusing on prevention, early intervention and recovery.
Originally designed as a school-based therapeutic intervention, Drawing and Talking have now established relationships within the mental health and well-being sector with varying professionals. Providing a highly effective person-centred therapeutic play-work approach, this tier 1-2 intervention is intended to complement rather than replace the work of CAMHS, art or other specialist therapists; enabling children who would otherwise go untreated to get the help they need before problems become entrenched. Drawing and Talking technique is a safe and easy to learn short term, time-limited therapy to be used with anyone (age 5+) who has suffered trauma or has underlying emotional difficulties. It supports those who are not realising their full potential either academically, professionally or socially.
Drawing and Talking enables trained staff to assess the social and emotional skills of pupils quickly and effectively, ensuring they can respond in the right way. Targeting support and action plans can then be put in place, with tailored strategies and activities that meet the needs of the individual child.
Here at Coppice Farm, we have a number of team members who are trained in Drawing and Talking therapy and it is used with great success with many of our pupils.
Drawing and Talking FAQs
How does it work?
Creating a safe space: a time-limited approach
The Draw & Talk teacher will meet with a pupil for 30 minutes, preferably on the same day, time and place each week, over a 12-week intervention period.
They will ask the child a number of non-intrusive questions about their drawings, and over time a symbolic resolution is found to conflicts and trauma begins to heal.
What happens after the sessions end?
After completion of Drawing and Talking Therapy, children are more able to control their behaviour, better able to access an academic curriculum and most importantly have higher self-esteem; this allows them to thrive in the world around them.
Who will benefit from accessing Drawing and Talking?
Pupils who...
• Are not realising their full potential, either academically or socially • Display inappropriate behaviour
• Are at risk of being/is excluded from school • Incarceration of a family member
• Have suffered trauma • Don’t play
• Are (or are in the process of being) adopted or fostered • Suffer because of separated or divorced parents
• Suffer from anxiety, stress or phobias • Bully others or are bullied themselves
• Have suffered a loss or bereavement of any kind • Are on the poverty line
• Are withdrawn or continually unhappy • Quarrel frequently with peers or siblings
• Are ill, disabled or autistic • Identify as LGBTQ+
• Find it difficult to make friends • Struggle with transition
How do I refer my child?
For further information, or to refer your child, please speak to Mr Grady (School ELSA), a member of our Pastoral team and/or your child's Class teacher.
In order to access the provision, a signed school referral form is required and there may be a waiting list.
