By Stephen Ciupek-Anandan
Working with children and young people has always been close to my heart, especially when it comes to helping them express themselves in ways that feel natural, creative, and safe.
Since joining the Community Support Team (CST) in Devon, I’ve had the opportunity to work closely with children who are facing emotional or behavioural challenges. Recognising my interest in therapeutic art approaches, CST kindly supported me in completing the Drawing and Talking Practitioner Course. This training is now becoming a vital part of my professional practice.
What is Drawing and Talking?
Drawing and Talking is a gentle therapeutic method that supports the emotional wellbeing of children and young people. It offers a safe, non-intrusive space where individuals can explore inner thoughts and feelings through drawing. The beauty of the technique lies in its simplicity, there’s no pressure to talk directly about difficult experiences, which makes it ideal for those who struggle with verbal expression.
Why It Matters
Many of the young people I work with at CST are dealing with anxiety, trauma, low self-esteem, or challenges at home or school. Traditional talking therapies may not always be suitable for them, especially if they’re shy, overwhelmed, or unsure how to put their feelings into words.
Drawing and Talking bridges that gap. It gives them a voice, not through explanation, but through creativity and imagination.
What the Course Taught Me
The course was in-depth, reflective, and grounded in child psychology. It covered:
· The theory behind symbolic drawing and unconscious processing
· How to deliver structured, safe 12-week interventions
· How to listen, observe, and support without leading or interpreting
· Ethical boundaries, safeguarding, and real-life application
What stood out most was how respectful and child-led the method is. The approach reinforces that the child knows what they need to share, and when.
Putting It into Practice
Since qualifying, I’ve begun using Drawing and Talking with children through my role at CST. Sessions take place in a calm, consistent setting where the child can draw freely and begin to process whatever they might be holding inside.
The sessions will see great changes: greater self-confidence, fewer emotional outbursts, improved concentration, and in many cases, a visible sense of relief.
Thanks to the support of The Community Support Team, I now have a powerful, creative tool that helps children unlock their own stories and make sense of their feelings, one drawing at a time.
I’m proud to be part of a service that invests in staff development and truly puts the emotional wellbeing of young people first.
If you’re curious about Drawing and Talking or would like to know more about how it can support children in your care, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
