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Therapeutic Life Story Work

Helping children make sense of their past, understand their journey, and build a stronger sense of identity.

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What Is Therapeutic Life Story Work?

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Therapeutic Life Story Work (TLSW) is a structured and creative process that helps children explore and make sense of their personal histories.

Many children who have experienced trauma, loss, or changes in care hold fragmented or confusing memories. TLSW provides a safe, supported space to bring those pieces together — helping them understand what happened, why, and what it means for them today.

Through storytelling, creative activities, and gentle reflection, TLSW supports emotional healing, promotes self-understanding, and builds connection between the child and their caregiver.

Children's Storybooks

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Who TLSW Is For

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TLSW can be particularly helpful for:

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  • Children who have experienced multiple placements, adoption, or special guardianship.

  • Children struggling with identity, confusion, or difficult feelings about their past.

  • Families wanting to help their child understand their life story in a therapeutic, supported way.

  • Parents or carers preparing to share sensitive information about a child’s past.

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What Happens in Sessions

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The therapeutic process often lasts between 6 – 9 months of fortnightly sessions. We follow the Richard Rose model of Therapeutic Life Story Work which involves three stages:

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  1. The Information Bank – the therapist gathers historical information about the child pre and post birth and then collates the information gathered. Careful consideration is given to what the child may want to know.

  2. Internalisation – the child is supported therapeutically to share their thoughts, feelings and emotions about the areas shared in the stage one process.

  3. The Life Story Book – the child is given time to develop their own life story book. It is up to the child to decide what is included as a representation for others to see. The Life Story Book is a co-production between child and therapist.

 

TLSW unfolds at the child’s pace, using a combination of words, art, photos, and creative tools

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Therapeutic Goals

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  • Support the child to make sense of their past and experiences.

  • Strengthen identity, belonging, and self-esteem.

  • Reduce confusion, shame, or misplaced responsibility.

  • Encourage open communication between child and caregiver.

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Practical Details

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  • Session length: Typically 50–60 minutes, with some creative or reflective activities completed between sessions.

  • Format: In-person in Hampshire.

  • Funding: Private pay or, where eligible, through the Adoption and Special Guardian Support Fund (ASGSF).

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My TLSW Credentials

I hold a Certificate in Therapeutic Life Story Work and have delivered TLSW to children across a range of adoption, fostering, and special guardianship contexts. My approach integrates attachment awareness, creativity, and emotional attunement.

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'Therapeutic Life Story Work can help children to identify and understand the ghosts of the past so children are no longer haunted by them'.

Richard Rose (2012)

 

 

'There is no greater agony than bearing an
untold story inside of you' ​Maya Angelou

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