Therapeutic Life Story Work

" Therapeutic Life Story work can help children to identify and understand the ghosts of the past so children are no longer haunted by them" (Rose 2012)

Therapeutic Life Story work helps children to explore, question and understand the past events of their life. It gives them permission to talk and express their feelings in a safe space with the people they trust. Carers are part of the process from the start, its a journey that they go on with the child in their care so they can gain a better understanding of the child's lived experiences, to help promote a better, stronger relationship.

The Rose model approach of Therapeutic Life Story work is recognised and respected throughout the world. The Rose model of Therapeutic Life Story Work will be the the first model subjected to independent research and validated as an evidenced based narrative model that has excellent outcomes for traumatised children, young people and adults.

There are 3 stages to the work:

Stage One - The information Bank.

Gathering the historical information pertaining to the child or young person both pre-birth and post birth. This will gathered through relevant documents including birth certificates, Children Social Care records etc. During this stage the key people in the child's life will be identified and they will be contacted to gain a greater insight into the child story.  Once the information is gathered the next stage of the intervention can be planned, sensitively and age appropriate.

Stage Two - The 'internalisation'

This is the work completed with the child and carer/s. The sessions are planned fortnightly for 1 hour usually in the child's home. The work is completed on wallpaper and are interactive. The work involves play, and activities to build the relationship, to build a safe space for the child to tell their story and their understanding of the circumstances of why they are no longer in the care of their birth family. We know children are often given limited information about their past and so will have created their own story where often they place themselves at the heart of the story the ones to blame or are at fault. Therapeutic Life Story work offers a space to start rebuilding the pieces of their lives that have been discarded, lost or damaged. Once the child has shared their story then we can start helping them to fill in the gaps, or reframing the events with the facts, this narrative lends knowledge to the child's trauma and provides insight into the child's primary attachment and their Internal Working Model, which is how they see themselves, others and the world around them.  By supporting the child's awareness of this and the influences it has upon their present , there is an ability to change, move forward and develop a positive sense of self.  Stage Two is carried out over 18 sessions.

Stage Three - The Life Story Work

The Life Story Book includes the factual information and the work completed on the wallpaper. The child is the 'editor in chief' and is fully involved in what is included within their book, the style and font this helps the child or young person take ownership over their work and also aids understanding of their journey and it's importance. 

Aims

Therapeutic Life Story Work is to facilitate and promote the relationship between the child and the primary carer. By taking the time to understand the child's first attachment style and the messages they would have received through their early experiences., we can start to explore the effects that has upon the child's current relationships.   

For more information or to make a referral for Life Story Work please contact Kate via the Contact Form.