Ayrshire College has launched a new wellbeing initiative designed to help students explore and express their emotions in a safe, creative, and relaxed environment. Angela Innes, Lecturer in Supported Learning, has introduced Talking and Drawing sessions as a gentle therapeutic intervention for students experiencing anxiety or difficulty verbalising their worries.
Angela recently completed her Drawing and Talking therapy practitioner course as part of this year’s CPD (continuous professional development) and is now implementing the approach within her department. The technique supports individuals to explore their emotions through drawing, providing an alternative way to communicate feelings when talking alone may feel overwhelming.
Angela said
This approach offers students the space to express themselves at their own pace. Talking and Drawing allows young people to gently work through emotions they may not yet have the words for. We’re already seeing students gain confidence, feel more understood, and begin to recognise their own emotional patterns.
The intervention is particularly beneficial for young people who may be awaiting counselling or CAMHS support. By offering a structured but calm space for expression, students can begin a process of self-exploration, helping to reduce stress and build resilience while they wait for further services.
Within the department, Angela and her team have created a referral system to ensure students with identified needs can access the sessions. Each student receives 12 weekly one-to-one sessions, lasting 30 minutes. At the end of the 12-week block, each student is presented with their full folder of drawings, many students choose to look back on these to reflect on their emotional journey.
So far, feedback from participants has been overwhelmingly positive. One student shared:
“I didn’t always know how to explain what I was feeling, but drawing helped me make sense of things. It’s made it easier for me to talk about what’s going on, and I feel calmer after the sessions.”. Another student said, “I am opening up, and I am proud of myself, I feel happy”.
The college continues to develop creative and compassionate approaches to student wellbeing, ensuring learners have access to the support they need throughout their educational journey.