Drawing and Talking Therapy in Devon

Drawing and Talking is a gentle, structured therapeutic technique that helps children and young people work through difficult feelings and experiences by drawing, rather than having to explain them in words. For a child who goes quiet when asked what is wrong, or who simply does not have the words yet, it offers another way in.

Sophia Roddan is a trained Drawing and Talking practitioner, offering one-to-one Drawing and Talking in Devon for children and young people, both privately for families and in schools.

What is Drawing and Talking therapy?

Drawing and Talking therapy is a person-centred, attachment-based approach that has been used in UK schools for more than twenty years. In each session the child draws whatever they choose, and the practitioner asks a few gentle, non-intrusive questions about the drawing itself.

The practitioner never analyses or interprets the drawings, and does not push the child to talk about real events. Everything stays within the world of the drawing, and the child sets the pace. Over time, as they feel safe, children often find that worries they could not name begin to ease.

How the sessions work

• Twelve sessions, once a week
• Thirty minutes each
• The same day, time, place and practitioner every week. That predictability is a core part of how the approach works
• Suitable for children and young people aged five and over
• Simple materials: paper and pencils. No drawing skill is needed

At the start we agree with you how you will be kept informed, while the sessions themselves remain a private space for your child. Safeguarding procedures are always followed.

Who Drawing and Talking therapy can help

Drawing and Talking can support children and young people who are:

• Anxious, worried or struggling with stress
• Withdrawn, low or continually unhappy
• Coping with a bereavement or loss of any kind
• Going through changes at home, such as separation
• Finding friendships or social situations difficult
• Low in confidence or self-esteem
• Finding it hard to talk about feelings directly, including many neurodivergent children

For neurodivergent young people in particular, a way of communicating that does not rely on eye contact or finding the right words can make a real difference. You can read more about our neuroaffirming approach.

What it is, and what it isn’t

Drawing and Talking is an early-support technique. It is designed to complement specialist services such as CAMHS, not to replace them, and it is not a diagnostic or clinical service. It can be especially valuable for children who need some support now, including those waiting to be seen elsewhere.

If you are worried about your child’s safety or mental health, please speak to your GP or your child’s school first. We are always happy to work alongside them.

Your Drawing and Talking practitioner

Sophia Roddan is a trained Drawing and Talking practitioner with experience delivering the programme in educational settings, where she currently runs both one-to-one and group sessions. Her background spans education, nursing, fine art and therapeutic practice, and she works as a Health and Wellbeing Mentor specialising in emotional support and neurodiversity.

She holds certificates in autism and in understanding learning difficulties, and is an accredited Mindfulness Now teacher. Full details are on our training and accreditation page.

Questions parents and schools ask

Does my child need to be good at drawing?

Not at all. Stick figures, scribbles and shapes are all completely welcome. The drawing is a way to communicate, not a piece of art to be judged.

Will my child have to talk about what is upsetting them?

No. Questions are always about the drawing, never about real-life events, and your child decides what to bring to each session.

Where do sessions take place?

Sessions can be arranged privately for families, as well as in schools. Drawing and Talking works best in a quiet, consistent space, so we will agree a setting where your child can meet at the same place and time each week. Get in touch and we will talk through the options.

We are a school. Can you help our pupils?

We are very happy to hear from schools and settings about support for pupils. Get in touch to talk about what you need.

How much does it cost?

Please get in touch for current fees. We will explain everything clearly before anything is arranged.

Drawing and Talking sits alongside our wider mindfulness for children and young adults.