INTRODUCTION TO LIFE STORY THERAPY

Life Story Therapy is a creative, dynamic therapy in which the child explores their history and experiences in order to help them make sense of their story, manage their feelings and relationships, and develop a sense of self.

It covers themes including family changes, loss, separation, relationships, trauma, emotional difficulties, and identity.

Life Story Therapy is a more in-depth approach than traditional life story work that gives the child their history whilst life story therapy engages them in a therapeutic process to;

• make sense of their history,
• understand how it impacts on them and how they deal with things in the present,
• support them to achieve emotional well-being and make positive choices in the future,
• build relationships

By helping the child to make links between their experiences and their thoughts, feelings and actions, they can be supported to gain some control over challenging emotions and resulting behaviours.

Life story therapy involves 3 stages: 

• research about the child’s history
• direct therapy sessions with the child and key adults
• the life story book comprising the work undertaken in the therapy sessions

Life Story Therapy could be useful for people working with children and young people who have experienced loss, change, and painful or difficult circumstances. It is useful for children who have a fragmented sense of their life and history. It is often beneficial for children who have been in care or adopted, but not exclusively, as its approach fits a range of needs. 

The day also reflects on the difficulties faced by some children and young people and our need to be mindful of their experiences when working to support them.

Please note: this is an introductory day to Life Story Therapy considering how it works and the theory behind it as well as sharing some of its exercises, strategies and techniques. This day does not carry with it any qualification other than a standard CPD certificate of attendance.

About the trainer:

Paula has a Master’s Degree in Life Story Therapy, a Diploma in Play Therapy, and is studying for a Diploma in Parent-Child Therapy. Paula was taught and is supervised by Richard Rose, a pioneer of therapeutic life story work.

Paula worked as a mentor for many years in St. Patrick’s Primary School in Liverpool supporting children and families, with a focus on well-being and safeguarding. Paula has continued to work there as a therapist since qualifying in 2011.

For more information and to book, head over to Ticket Tailor