Drawing therapy is a way for people to express thoughts, feelings or memories that are difficult to put into words.
Drawing therapy is used to help people process emotions and communicate more effectively. Many people find this option less intimidating than discussing difficult and sensitive topics directly.
All of our Youth Workers are fully trained in drawing and talking therapies and use these interventions with young people who use the Youth Engagement Service.
How it can help young people in our community
Our Youth Workers use drawing and talking therapy to help young people talk about their worries, fears, or traumas in an unconscious way. It is especially good for anyone who struggles to talk about their emotions or isn't able to express how they're feeling.
The therapy would usually be done as a 30 minute session where the young person would be asked to draw a picture and talk about it by answering some questions facilitated by their Youth Worker. Ideally the sessions would be done at the same time and on the same day for 12 weeks.
Our Youth Worker Ian says:
Some young people we work with find it difficult to explain the emotions they are feeling, and the reasons behind them, but through drawing and talking about the drawings, we can explore the feelings without ever having to discuss what is causing the young person to feel those emotions.
If you would like to know more about our drawing and talking therapy or other ways that HDYES can support you or your child, please take a look at our hub for children, young people and parents.