Paula Price: Introduction to Using Life Story Therapy to Support Children, Young People and Families

Training from the The Sunflower Network

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, and the life story book comprising the work undertaken in the therapy sessions 

This day would 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. This 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.

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.

Paula provides in-house therapy at St. Patrick’s. She also set up and runs their therapy outreach service, Creative Child Therapy. Creative Child Therapy provides therapy to children and families. CCT specialises in TLSW and also offers Play Therapy and family work. CCT also provides training, consultation, and supervision to professionals and carers.

Paula delivers training on Richard Rose’s Therapeutic Life Story Work (TLSW) diploma courses. Paula spoke at the First International Conference for TLSW in Lisbon in May 2018. She presented a conference day on Therapeutic Life Story Work at CCMH (Centre for Child Mental Health, London). Other training includes work with Liverpool Hope University, Liverpool John Moores University, and Hounslow Children’s Services.

Paula contributed a chapter to Richard Rose’s book Innovative Therapeutic Life Story Work: Developing Trauma-Informed Practice for Working with Children, Adolescents and Young Adults (2017), looking at the use of therapeutic life story work in a school setting.

Paula is a professional member of Therapeutic Life Story Work International and BACP (British Association for Counselling and Pyschotherapy).

For more information, terms, conditions and booking head over to the Sunflower Network Booking Site HERE