THERAPEUTIC LIFE STORY WORK
A Therapeutic Approach
Therapeutic Life Story Work (TLSW) is a therapeutic approach pioneered by Richard Rose, which directly involves the child and the child’s primary carer from the beginning of the process to the end.
The process of TLSW aims for the child to reach an acceptance of who they were, who they are, to gain an understanding that they have the power to shape who they can be.
"OWNING OUR STORY AND LOVING OURSELVES THROUGH THAT PROCESS IS THE BRAVEST THING THAT WE'LL EVER DO." -BRENÉ BROWN
WHAT IS THERAPEUTIC LIFE STORY WORK?
Therapeutic Life Story Work is a process which, guides children and young people through a chronological exploration of their life; helping them to understand how their past experiences have moulded their feelings and behaviours.
When a Therapeutic Life Story approach is conducted with care, thought and sensitivity, it offers a space for children and young people to start rebuilding the pieces of their lives that have been discarded, lost or damaged.
It offers a therapeutic space to give children a voice in their world and have it respected and valued. The ability for them to do this alongside their carer is crucial in building upon their attachment, allowing them to share their trauma experiences in a safe way with a carer who is able to show acceptance of both the child’s inner world, and external reality.
HOW IT WORKS
The Therapeutic Life Story Model consists of three stages:
‘The Information Bank’ – This stage involves the careful and an in-depth gathering of historical information relating to the child; both pre-and post-birth.
‘The Internalisation’ – Within this stage the narrative is divided into session plans prior to the work commencing, typically over a 12 – 18 session period.
‘The Life Story Book’ – This stage is completed towards the conclusion of a child’s journey. It comprises the information and the work completed by the child within the sessions.
HOW LIFE STORY WORK HELPS
The child develops deeper understanding and acceptance of their life history and a more positive and healthy self-identity.
Developing an increased awareness of the self, children are often calmer and more focused in their thinking and behaviour.
The child and primary carer gain a deeper understanding of each other’ thoughts, feelings and behaviours, which helps to strengthen their attachment.
Stronger attachments often lead to a decrease in the likelihood of a placement breakdown.