When talking feels too hard,
drawing helps children heal.
Therapeutic Drawing & Talking sessions for ages 7 to 19, helping them to feel safe, express emotions and rebuild confidence when facing difficult life experiences.
Some teenagers refuse counselling. Others go once and won’t return.
Not because they don’t need help but because words feel too big and too close to the pain.
A safe, gentle approach
Drawing & Talking is a non-intrusive approach for processing emotional pain and trauma.
Weekly, one-to-one sessions using drawing and storytelling language to explore feelings at the child’s pace.
No analysis of the drawings, no probing questions – the child leads the story, I follow their lead and consistently hold the space.
How does it work?
Who is D&T for?
These sessions are especially for children and teenagers who may be struggling with:
- Family change – divorce, separation, new partners, blended families
- Bereavement – loss of a parent, grandparent, sibling or close figure
- Ongoing family conflict or breakdown in trust
- Anxiety, low mood, emotional withdrawal or shutdown
- Relocation – moving home, school or even country, with all the emotional attachment and loss that brings
- Bullying can have lasting psychological effects. Children carry those feelings of fear, shame or isolation — until they find a safe way to express them.
Drawing & Talking can be a first step while waiting for CAMHS or other professional services, or a gentle follow-up afterwards.
What to expect
All sessions run for 30 minutes each week over 12 consecutive weeks.
Same day. Same time. Same place.
The safe and consistent space is for them to express their emotions at their own pace. They draw freely allowing their stories to unfold naturally through the Drawing & Talking stages.
By integrating Jungian principles, the non-directive approach fosters emotional processing and self-exploration.
There are no interrogating questions and no pressure or judgement — the process is child-led — building trust, emotional resilience and self-expression.
Where?
I offer flexible ways for your child or teenager to access support, depending on what feels most comfortable and safe for them and your family.
At My Practice - in Godalming Sessions take place in a quiet, space - ideal for children who benefit from a calm, structured space away from home.
At Your Child's School/Home - If your child feels safer in a familiar environment, I can offer sessions at their school or in your home. This can be especially helpful for children with anxiety, autism, PDA profiles, or those who struggle with transitions and new settings.
(Small travel fee may apply depending on location.)
Online - A supportive option for children and teens who prefer being in their own space but feel comfortable engaging online. Sessions follow the same gentle Drawing & Talking structure.
When?
Step 1:
Set up a FREE consultation to discuss your child’s needs and ask any questions about the process.
You can choose the option that feels most comfortable:
• Meet in person at my private practice in Busbridge, Godalming
• Phone call consultation
• Zoom / online consultation
Step 2:
If you decide to go ahead, we’ll agree a start date and create a consistent weekly routine that fits around your schedule.
Sessions are currently available on Thursdays and Saturday afternoons.
Please ask for details regarding session availability and times.
Parents and schools often notice that children and teens:
- Feel calmer and less anxious
- Express emotions more safely and openly
- Show improved confidence and self-esteem
- Cope better with strong feelings and behaviour
- Re-engage more with schoolwork, friendships and daily life
Ready to talk things through?
If you’re worried about your child or teenager and you’re not sure what to do next, you’re welcome to get in touch for a friendly, no-pressure conversation.
Drawing and Talking doesn’t replace specialist or crisis services, but it can be an important early step – helping children and teenagers feel safer and more ready to access further therapy if and when it’s needed.
Leigh Couchman l Drawing & Talking practitioner
Godalming & surrounding areas
