Free Flow: The Power of Mark Making in Therapy

By Kaz Hazelwood

Have you ever noticed how a simple doodle can reveal more than words? That a few scribbles on a page can capture emotions we struggle to articulate? As therapists, we often rely on conversation to explore our clients’ inner worlds, but sometimes words alone aren’t enough. This is where mark making; a seemingly simple yet profoundly insightful practice, comes into its own.

The Language of Lines

Mark making is more than just drawing; it’s a way of giving form to feelings and translating the unconscious onto paper. Whether it’s through free-flowing lines, repeated patterns, or structured exercises, this approach can bypass the analytical mind and tap directly into deeper emotional layers. There’s no need for artistic skill, just a willingness to engage with the process and see what emerges.

For clients who struggle to express their thoughts verbally, putting pen to paper can be a liberating experience for both children and adults. A hurried, jagged line might express frustration, while a slow, circular pattern may reveal a need for comfort and containment. By noticing these patterns, we can invite useful reflection and discussion in a way that feels natural rather than forced and even humour can reveal the implicit.

Free-drawing exercises can help clients visualise obstacles, express unspoken fears, or even map out potential solutions. The brain engages differently when we work with our hands, often unlocking fresh perspectives and new insights that wouldn’t have surfaced through dialogue alone.

Therapists can also guide clients in reworking or altering their marks as a metaphor for personal change. Encouraging a client to revisit an old drawing and modify it can reflect their evolving mindset, helping them to reframe past experiences and develop a sense of agency over their personal narratives.

A Tool for Every Therapist

Using pen and paper in therapy isn’t just about creativity, it’s about accessibility. Unlike traditional art therapy, which may require specialised materials or training, mark making can be seamlessly integrated into any therapeutic practice. A biro and a scrap of paper can become a powerful bridge between conscious thought and subconscious insight.

From exploring emotions to mapping out thoughts, pen and paper offer therapists a cost-effective and highly adaptable toolkit. Whether used in structured exercises or as a spontaneous addition to a session, these tools can help unlock hidden narratives, bring clarity to confusion, and enhance client engagement in unexpected ways.

Marks of Progress

Some therapists use this approach to help clients track changes in their emotional states over time. By revisiting past marks, patterns, and shapes, clients can reflect on their progress and identify recurring themes in their emotional landscapes. This can be an empowering process, reinforcing the idea that their emotions are valid and that they have a means of expressing them beyond language.

The Science Behind Mark Making

Research supports the idea that engaging in creative expression can lower stress levels, reduce anxiety, and improve overall mental well-being. Studies have shown that even brief periods of drawing, doodling, or mark making can activate the brain’s reward system, releasing dopamine and fostering a sense of relaxation and accomplishment. Neuro-imaging studies have revealed that engaging in creative tasks enhances connectivity between different brain regions, particularly those involved in emotion regulation and problem-solving. Additionally, expressive mark making can help reduce levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, thereby promoting physiological relaxation. The repetitive, rhythmic nature of certain drawing techniques has also been linked to mindfulness and meditative states, further reinforcing its therapeutic benefits. As a result, incorporating creative activities into therapy can serve as a valuable addition to verbal communication, helping clients process emotions in a non-verbal yet deeply impactful way.

For neurodivergent clients or those who struggle with verbal communication, these techniques can be particularly valuable. The sensory experience of drawing; the pressure of a pen against paper and the movement of the hand can be grounding and provide an alternative means of emotional regulation.

Bringing It into Your Practice

If you’re curious about how to harness the power of mark making in your therapeutic work, consider experimenting with it in your sessions. You don’t need an art background, and your clients certainly don’t need to be ‘good’ at drawing. The key is to create a non-judgmental space where exploration is encouraged, and interpretation remains open-ended.

Encouraging clients to reflect on their marks without forcing analysis, can deepen their connection to their emotions and enhance self-awareness. The process itself is often more revealing than the final image, making mark making an invaluable tool in any therapist’s repertoire.

Join us to transform your therapeutic practice with innovative, resource-efficient techniques. Expand your creative capabilities and make a meaningful difference in your clients' lives with just a few simple tools on our Between the Lines Course.