How would you describe Drawing and Talking in its simplest terms?
Drawing and Talking is that little bit of extra help, courage and motivation we all need. The difference a piece of paper, pencil and a qualified practitioner can make is unbelievable.
Why are you so passionate about Drawing and Talking?
Drawing and Talking taught me a lot about myself, It made me want to better everyone around me, I started seeing positive changes with everyone I worked with. You face challenges every time you deliver these sessions because you just don’t know how this is going to turn out, but by week 10 your smiling bursting with joy wanting to celebrate because at this stage you can see the change, the difference and you know your almost at the end but you just want to keep going! These sessions can be life changing for Children, the positive impact it has on their lives is incredible. The world is a better place with Drawing and Talking!
“ If you love your job you will never work a day in your life” – Confucius
What is the age range you work with?
Children and young adults – Age 8 to 24
What areas of emotional wellbeing do you most connect with and are passionate about supporting?
Mainly Children who struggle with anxieties as this is also linked closely to social engagement and self-esteem.
How has COVID impacted the mental wellbeing of the families in these areas?
The impact on families has been massive, that may even be an understatement. Children have become more anxious and have struggled to transition back into school, especially those moving from primary to secondary. As a result, to these parents have become more concerned about their children but also anxious themselves about what to expect. It is incredibly difficult for parents to seek for mental health support during the current situation as there are many financial implications.
Whilst using Drawing and Talking, what is your greatest success story?
On reflection there are many success stories however, one particular occasion springs to mind – A child who everybody had given up on parents felt helpless, teachers said there is no hope the child should be in a behaviour/special School. I requested to trial Drawing and Talking with this student – first few sessions I felt like nothing was going to change everyone was right this child is beyond help. But I did not give up on them I sat beside the student week in week out, the student was turning up without being prompted this shown willingness so I continued to sit by them in silent – Week 4 in complete silence the pencil hit the paper for the first time (I smiled to myself) session finished they drew a decent picture of a box. Week 5 same picture drawn again – I asked, ‘how does this picture make you feel?’ A pause. They made eye contact with me and started shading the box without responding to me….So I stayed quiet and let them continue, 5 mins before the end I signalled my warning suddenly they quietly said “the box is empty”. At this stage I just wanted to cry, I genuinely felt the loneliness this child was feeling but I didn’t know why and neither did anyone else.
Week 6 the child turned up on time again usual routine quiet….a different picture was drawn on this occasion it was a tree with no leaves, windy background and a broken house. This time the child looked up at me as to say ask me the question…. We spoke about the picture which again demonstrated loneliness, darkness and broken home possibly broken family.
Over the next couple of weeks similar pictures were drawn, we engaged a lot more in conversation, I learnt about their family I discovered their biological father was not involved, mum was involved in another unstable relationship, this child was struggling with emotions because they had already been rejected by 2 father figures. Soon I learnt the child’s best friend was their grandad who had been feeling unwell.
Week 9 child turned up late, different attitude – said all of this is stupid and couldn’t understand why I was wasting my time. Of course nothing was drawn this week but the child wrote STUPID on their plain paper and said I am done I wont be coming next week I cant be bothered with this. I simply called the child by their name and said ‘ it’s ok we all feel stupid sometimes’ a calm pause again. We sat in silence for the remaining of the session. They left the room right on time as they left they said “ see you next week Ms” I smiled and said I will be here same time next week.
Week 10 the child came on time, this time I could feel something positive in my gut! I knew today something was going to happen…..they drew a tree but full of leaves, berries and sunshine in the background! I wanted to cry (I promise I don’t actually cry in front of the child). I asked how does this make you feel? Buzzing they replied – mum got rid of that loser. We continued our conversation as the child said they were able to express how they were feeling to their mum, they said its become easier.
Week 11 – Student turns up on time this time drawing a picture of a child and a elderly man (grandad) they went on to initiating a conversation with me telling me about all the fun times they had with their grandad, I was pleased that the child felt comfortable having this conversation with me very good session!
Week 12 the final week – The student came on time they drew a garden full of beautiful flowers, sun and rabbits – this made me feel so happy! It told me the child had reconnected to the world and found themselves again! I told the child their grandad would be very proud of them (knowing how much they loved him) the student replied “I know Ms I realised he will always be with me, but he is watching me from above” suddenly everything made sense!…. As we came to the end of the 12 weeks the student said Thank you for not giving up on me (also said stay blessed Ms).
The feedback I had from teachers was you changed this child’s life, people could not believe how much this child changed, their behaviour and attitude towards others became more positive. The child was able to express themselves more effectively, at last the empty box was full of joy, courage and happiness!