Tracey Jeanne | Jersey

How would you describe Drawing and Talking in its simplest terms?

Drawing and Talking is a non-intrusive, person-led, therapeutic intervention designed to help people who have experienced trauma, suffer from anxiety, depression or low self-esteem along with other mental health conditions.

Why are you so passionate about Drawing and Talking?

I am passionate about working with adults as I believe many people experience trauma earlier on in their lives which may not have been dealt with at that time, and then goes on to cause mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety or low self-esteem as a result. Not realising what the ‘trigger’ was makes it difficult to receive help in other, more cognitive, therapies.

What is the age range you work with?

I work with adults of any age, male or female.

What areas of emotional wellbeing do you most connect with and are passionate about supporting?

I am most passionate about working with people with low self-esteem and anxiety and thus not living life to their full potential because of their own self doubts and self restrictions.

How has COVID impacted the mental wellbeing of the families in these areas?

COVID has had a huge impact on people who suffer in this area due to being ‘locked down’ and becoming isolated and therefore enhancing the effects of anxiety due to the situation and the ‘loss of control’ over their lives. Not having to face people and interact with others has a huge impact on people’s self -esteem too with the added demands of working remotely, which could be something out of one’s comfort zone, and not having the support of one’s colleague directly on hand to ask for help either.

Whilst using Drawing and Talking, what is your greatest success story?

My greatest achievement with Drawing and Talking has to be when I worked with a young person who had severe behaviour issues. Throughout the process the said young person was able to process their pain from a past trauma, which they had no conscious recollection of, through their drawings by accessing their subconscious mind.

This is something which I have found happens quite frequently, with both adults and young people alike.