Draw and Paw provides an alternative form of intervention to improve children, young people and adult’s well-being and mental health.
Draw and Paw uses Drawing and Talking Therapy alongside Animal Assisted Interventions to create a safe place to explore feelings, express rooted issues, process trauma and heal. All at the individuals own pace enabling them to achieve therapeutic success themselves.
Draw and Paw was set up July 2020, over this time I have supported over 300 children and young people.
September 2023 sees Draw and Paw returning to schools and supporting families, offering sand / drawing and talking therapy and animal assisted interventions to children, young people and adults across Northamptonshire.
I hold two annual contracts and work across many local primary and secondary schools to suit whatever the need is.
September 2023 sees the role out of Draw and Paws 12 week intervention programme "You Do You". The programme offers workshops for up to 8 young people looking at exploring self esteem, friendships, emotional regulation, respect and future aspirations.
If you feel Draw and Paw can offer you the well-being and mental health provision you require please get in touch.
My name is Sian Butler and I am the Draw and Paw Practitioner, I set up Draw and Paw in response to my passion; to support others to reach their potential by improving their mental health and wellbeing.
After 20 years’ experience of working with children, young people and adults many whom were experiencing mental health and emotional issues I decided to combine my qualifications, experiences and passion into a service I can offer anyone over the age of 5.
I have been blessed to have a varied and experiential career working for mental health (NHS and Mind), with homelessness (YMCA) and substance misuse (CAN) as well as local government departments including; Fostering and Adoption, Youth Offending, Teenage Parent Services and in education as a Counsellor, Children Centre Manager, SEN Teaching Assistant and Higher Level Teaching Assistant.
Having witnessed how a lack of early intervention leads to individuals suffering unduly and witnessing the escalation of mental health hindering life choices I have set up Draw and Paw to respond to this need.
I am a qualified Counsellor, Advanced Drawing and Talking practitioner, hold a Diploma in Animal Assisted Therapy alongside years of safeguarding, behavioural management and protective behavioural training. I have an enhanced DBS check, am a full member of Drawing and Talking and of the Complementary Medical Association. I undertake regular supervision and am committed to my continuous professional development.
Draw and Paw catches people before they fall...the aim being to improve and prevent the escalation of poor mental health.
Draw and Paw is a person centred intervention, it focuses on prevention, early intervention and recovery.
Draw and Paw provides a safe, non-intrusive therapy which enables the individual to process their inner world in a gentle, non intrusive way. They are empowered to self heal, gain resilience, confidence and control of their life.
Humans have the ability to self heal, by using drawing and animals an environment is created that feels safe to express and deal with pain and upset. Drawing and animal interactions allow individuals to communicate and process complex experiences and messages that would otherwise be impossible to access due to lack of self awareness, verbal skills, and confidence.
Sian meets with the individual over a 12 week period, ideally at the same time and place every week, within the school term.
Drawing and Talking therapy is used every week, there is the option to use animal assisted interventions alongside this.
Sand therapy can take the place of drawing for those who may find it easier than drawing for whatever reason (have additional needs, sensory requirements or simply find it easier to express themselves).
Sand works in the same way as drawing and is done for the same number of sessions, its simply an alternative medium.
Individuals who will benefit from Draw and Paw therapeutic interventions are those:
(Risk assessments, insurances and policies are all in place and can be shared at any point)
Winnie and Trixie the Guinea Pigs are used in Animal Assisted Interventions. They have been handled since birth and are extremely gentle, engaging and friendly. Guinea Pigs are known for their calm nature and are perfect to use in Animal Assisted Interventions. Guinea Pigs have a good temperament. They are social creatures and love to have cuddles. They are easy to handle and can be put away with ease.
Barney the ‘real life’ electronic dog provides an alternative to those who have allergies or are nervous around animals, he performs to commands and responds to being stroked. Barney provides all the benefits that live animals do.
Sullivan is Draw and Paws emotional support dog, Sullivan was born in June 2021 and has been working in schools weekly since 4 months old.
Sullivan is a Golden Retriever and has a very gentle and emotionally intuitive nature.
Sullivan has passed his Kennel Club Puppy Foundation, Kennel Club Good Citizen Bronze Award and his Kennel Club Sliver Award.
Matilda offers those with allergies and whom may be fearful of animals a therapeutic encounter of the calmer kind. Tortoises are very symbolic. They take small steps, they don’t carry anything they don’t need – we could learn a lot from them. Their slow movement is relaxing and they are fascinating to watch.
Drawing and Talking therapy is completely person centred, it focuses on prevention, early intervention and recovery. Anyone over the age of 5 who is experiencing emotional issues, trauma, sadness or poor mental health can access Drawing and Talking.
Drawing can be done using pencil and paper or sand making it a therapy that be accessed by all.
Drawing and Talking works with the individuals inner world in a non-intrusive and respectful manner, always at their pace. It works with the right side of your brain (creativity, expression, imagination and emotion) enabling the left side of the brain (logic, reasoning, sequencing and linear thinking) to process pain and heal as it can now see the picture the right side has been holding onto.
Drawing and Talking compliments the work of Child and Adolescent, Mental Health Services and other specialist therapists enabling individuals who may go untreated or get the help they need before problems become deep rooted.
Drawing enables an individual to express visually their fear, worry and preoccupations in a way they may never be able to talk about.
Sand therapy can take the place of drawing for those who may find it easier than drawing for whatever reason (have additional needs, sensory requirements or simply find it easier to express themselves).
Sand works in the same way as drawing and is done for the same number of sessions, its simply an alternative medium.
We often don't know ourselves on a conscious level why we are the feeling the way we do, drawing enables a safe and symbolic expression of our feelings which with support can be processed and healed.
Drawing and Talking therapy takes place over 12 weeks, for 30 minutes.
The value of Animal Assisted Interventions is widely accepted as a powerful aid to stimulation, communication, social and emotional development. Studies have shown that the presence of companion animals can improve the well-being of children and adults lowering the rate of anxiety, simply by making the environment happier, more enjoyable and less foreboding.
Draw and Paw offers Animal Assisted Interventions as part of a holistic approach to health and well-being, the animals support drawing and talking therapy and are an optional extra.
Draw and Paw currently use two guinea pigs, a ‘life like’ electronic dog (ideal for those with allergies or phobias) and a tortoise to facilitate animal assisted interventions within sessions.
Animal Assisted Interventions help improve mood, offer emotional support, and reduce anxiety, increase trust, empathy, nurturing skills, increase communication skills and self-esteem as well as improving the individual’s willingness to be involved in therapeutic activities.
There are many physical benefits to using an animal in a therapeutic setting, these include; increased focus, enhanced problem solving skills, greater self-control and the ability to remain calm.
Animal Assisted Interventions are particularly beneficial for individuals who are resistant to access support, have difficulty regulating their emotions or expressing themselves verbally.
Drawing and Talking and Animal Assisted Interventions take place over a 12 weeks, for 60 minutes.
Draw and Paw can offer solely Drawing and Talking therapy or combine sessions with Animal Assisted Interventions.
Sand therapy can take the place of drawing for those who may find it easier than drawing for whatever reason (have additional needs, sensory requirements or simply find it easier to express themselves).
Sand works in the same way as drawing and is done for the same number of sessions, its simply an alternative medium.
We choose together which medium to use and if required which animals will provide the most therapeutic outcome. Introductions can be made before sessions start.
Where there is a specific area of concern Sian is happy to discuss how directed sessions may be of benefit.
Sessions are offered on one to one basis, they can take place in your home, place of work or school, your Draw and Paw service is unique to you.
Draw and Paw can undertake assessments, before and at the end of a programme of work, this helps to show the impact the intervention has had and includes suggested next steps.
Sian will accommodate your requirements to the best of her ability and will be as flexible as possible to help you reach the outcome you require.
Referrals can be made by schools and organisations for Draw and Paw to work with a specific child, young person or adult.
Annual contract work is also an option, I currently work in a primary school and a secondary school in this way. Draw and Paw provides a completely bespoke service.
Sand therapy can take the place of drawing for those who may find it easier than drawing for whatever reason (have additional needs, sensory requirements or simply find it easier to express themselves).
Sand works in the same way as drawing and is done for the same number of sessions, its simply an alternative medium.
Draw and Paw offers two types of group work; one which focuses on emotions and feelings, the other explores resilience and can be directed to meet a specific target e.g. bereavement, educational attainment.
Draw and Paw is able run workshops, lead assemblies, undertake targeted group work, plan and deliver PSHE lessons (in line with the curriculum), deliver staff training to support continuous personal development, offer a break and lunchtime presence as well as holding a caseload of students identified as in need of mental health and wellbeing intervention.
Draw and Paw can work in line with Organisational/School KPIs and expected outcomes, reporting on these as required.
Draw and Paw can undertake assessments, before and at the end of a programme of work, this helps to show the impact of the intervention and can provide helpful next steps.
For more information on how Draw and Paw can tailor make services to meet your schools/organisations needs please get in touch.
(Inclusive of travel within 15 mile radius of Thrapston, Northamptonshire and all materials.)
Drawing and Talking Therapy 12 week programme.
Each session lasts 30 minutes.
A strength and difficulties assessment and report is included.
Drawing and Talking Therapy alongside Animal Assisted Interventions 12 week programme.
Each session lasts 60 minutes.
A strength and difficulties assessment and report is included.
(All travel within 15 miles of Thrapston, Northamptonshire and materials are included)
Draw and Paw can provide contracted services, this could be for a certain number of days, weeks or to support a particular need.
Draw and Paw are very flexible and can offer tailor made packages to suit.
Typically contracted packages provide a mixture of one to one and group work, one day a week for a year.
Workshops and training are now also on offer.
All work carried out includes impact monitoring.
Example Costing: 1 day a week term time
= £10,000
Group work for up to 8 can be facilitated.
Draw and Paw offer two types of group work;
1. Focuses on emotions and feelings,
2. Explores resilience and can be directed to meet a specific target e.g. bereavement, educational attainment.
The length and cost of sessions is dependant on group numbers and service undertaken.
Those who benefit from group work are those who have a shared experience or something in common.
Group work can be adapted for school inductions/transitions and PSHE lessons.
e-mail: drawandpaw@outlook.com Call: 07891 191361
"Thank you for all you have done, L has come on leaps and bounds"
"My daughter attended Draw and Paw sessions within school, she enjoyed every session and it has helped her so much. She completed her sessions today and received a lovely card along with all of her artwork. This is a really good way for children to talk and learn confidence especially when they love art. Thank you so much"
"I cant recommend highly enough. Sian with Winnie, Trixie and Matilda, they have been working wonders with my twin boys over the last 11 weeks and we are all gutted they`ve only got 1 week left.
Sian is so professional and has a real understanding of the children and their needs. Her prices are also very reasonable"
"Sian has been a member of my staff at both Titchmarsh and Warmington Schools and she has been a wonderful asset to both the schools and to the world of education. She is warm, friendly and approachable to everyone she works with and is passionate about ensuring that every child achieves their very best.
I have been delighted to have the privilege of working with Sian and highly recommend her for her care, her warm approach and professionalism and hope that, one day, she will join the teaching profession as she will be brilliant!
I also happy to provide a reference for Sian if you wish to contact me."
" I can't thank Sian enough for the support she gave my son, she was very professional during her time working with him. I would HIGHLY recommend Sian"
Sian is passionate and dedicated in her drive to help children.
Her care, empathy and support for the individual is outstanding.
Sian’s wealth of knowledge, understanding and experience of working with children enables her to excel in meeting their needs.
I would highly recommend Sian in her work with children as I believe she makes a real difference with any child and family that are lucky enough to work with her.
Sian engaged positively with my child and he was excited about his sessions with her. She was able to provide techniques and strategies for my child to use to help him in everyday situations.
I loved doing the sessions and they have helped me a lot.
My daughter attended Draw and Paw sessions within school, she enjoyed every session and it has helped her so much. This is a really good way for children to talk and learn confidence. Thank you so much.
Please contact Draw and Paw with any questions, booking enquiries
or to request any further information.
Monday-Saturday