Information for Schools and other organisations


Measuring Outcomes

How do you measure a feeling? I appreciate some organisations need to justify the funds they spend on interventions, so if measuring is a must then the use of SDQ’s is recommended. This should be done prior to the intervention, straight after and then termly thereafter for a year.  The SDQ’s need to be completed by teaching staff and/or parents.

Drawing and Talking is therapeutic work, the emotional well-being of the child is the objective.



What Drawing and Talking is not


SANDPLAY

As an Advanced practitioner I am qualified to run Sandplay sessions. This work follows the same principles of Drawing and Talking, but uses sand and miniature figures.  Younger children are very receptive to this way of working. 


RELAX KIDS

Relax Kids can be booked by schools as one off workshops for all primary year groups.  Block bookings (usually 6) can be made for whole classes, small groups or 1-1 intervention.  Bookings can be made for whole morning or afternoon sessions. A blend of groups can then be run to meet your needs. Please get in touch so that we can discuss what would work best for your school.








Supervision & CPD

I have monthly supervision calls with Drawing and Talking. I also continue my CPD by engaging with courses offered through Drawing and Talking organisation and other relevant training.

Drawing and Talking is a highly effective therapeutic play work approach.  This tier 1-2 intervention is intended to compliment rather than replace the work of CAMHS, art of other specialist therapists.  It is based on the work of Jungian analyst John Allan and supports the attachment theory of John Bowlby.


SENCo's Experience of Drawing and Talking in school

Drawing and Talking has been an invaluable toolkit in our school.  The practitioner working in our school has effectively supported children with a range of needs including witnesses of domestic violence, children grieving the loss of parents and children who were recently taken into care.  

The key work of this intervention is the attachment that forms between the practitioner and the child, particularly if the child has recently lost a parent either through bereavement or movement into the care system.  The relationship has been key in helping to keep the child feeling safe and secure within our school and knowing that they are truly valued by somebody.  

The scores from the SDQs prior to starting the intervention and then on completion have improved showing that the children, in particular with regards to emotional needs, are starting to feel settled.  

There has also been a significant improvement on behaviour and also attitude to learning for the majority of the children who have taken part in the intervention (10/12 children).  I would recommend Drawing and Talking to all professionals working with children and feel it is an excellent tool to support children in today's world.