BOUNCE Approach®Expressive ArtsCPD CertifiedOn-DemandND-Affirming
Drawing Feelings
A gentle, art-based approach to exploring and understanding emotions — using colour, drawing, guided imagery, and body awareness to help children express and process feelings in a safe, creative space.
The Drawing Feelings method gives children and young people a non-verbal route into emotional expression — using drawing to represent both primary feelings and their opposites. Each session begins with guided imagery and visualisation to establish a calm, secure space, before introducing emotion cards and wheels to expand emotional vocabulary and physical sensation cards to connect feelings with bodily experience.
Grounding exercises run throughout, keeping children connected to the present moment and supporting a balanced awareness of mind and body. A practical, accessible approach for anyone supporting children who struggle to find words for what they feel — no art background required.
Three bonus resources to deepen your practice.
A structured snapshot to identify where a child may be struggling on the inside while appearing fine on the outside — so you can see beneath the surface and respond to what is actually there.
Track entry to exit progress and evidence what has changed across the review period — giving you a clear picture of impact over time.
Understand the nervous system foundations behind regulation, emotional expression, and connection — so you can apply them with confidence in your sessions.