What is Therapeutic Life Story Work?

It is a method of support that;

• helps to make sense of the story of a persons life, from various sources
• see how the past may be impacting on their present
• aims to help people make positive change moving forward
• promotes resilience as we reflect on how far they have come
• supports good communication and relationship building and stabilisation of current life

Where will it take place, how often and for how long?

We usually meet on a fortnightly basis, typically in the family home if appropriate, and each session lasts around 1 hour. The aim is to provide support for around 9 months. This is flexible depending on the needs of the young person and family.

How does it work?

When children have been removed from their birth family, their life history can be very disjointed and many children have a sense of loss or feel they don’t belong which can make the future feel vulnerable. TLSW gives a voice to children and time and space to explore their past, their emotions and feelings around it, and see how these may be connected to to their current day feelings.  Through having questions of their past answered and a better understanding of it, by adults involved being able to hold the story, it reduces feelings of shame that many adopted young people can carry. Often as a result of this they tend to be more aware of their emotions, improvement in behaviour or focus, and in relationships with others.

What will we do?

We will use a variety of methods; using play and games, the use of art and drawing on a ‘wallpaper’. We will have fun and help develop an open and warm space to share life story.

How do I make a referral?

Our referral form is found on the Contact and Referral Page

How about safeguarding and credentials?

I am registered with Social Work England, British Association of Social Work Independent Member, ICO registration Number, and the British Psychological Society. I will provide referrers with my safeguarding and data protection policies. I am a Certified Practitioner in TLSW uk. I have a Level 2 in Understanding Autism.