Therapeutic Life Story Work (TLSW)
Richard Rose Model
I offer Therapeutic Life Story Work (TLSW), a structured and creative approach designed to help children and young people make sense of their past, understand their experiences, and build a positive sense of identity. This work is particularly beneficial for children who have experienced trauma, neglect, or disrupted attachments, such as those in foster care, adoption, or residential care.
How Therapeutic Life Story Work Can Help
Children who have experienced loss, separation, or early adversity often struggle with fragmented or confusing life narratives. Through TLSW, I support them in:
- Understanding their personal history in a safe and structured way
- Processing difficult emotions linked to past experiences
- Developing a coherent and empowered sense of identity
- Strengthening attachments and relationships
- Gaining a greater sense of emotional security and resilience
What to Expect
My approach is child-centred and tailored to meet each child’s unique needs. The process includes:
- Building Trust & Readiness – Establishing a safe and supportive relationship before starting the work.
- Exploring the Narrative – Using creative tools such as storytelling, timelines, drawings, activities and life story books to help the child make sense of their journey.
- Emotional Processing – Encouraging self-expression and helping children process feelings around their experiences.
- Integration & Moving Forward – Creating a coherent life story that fosters self-understanding, confidence, and a sense of belonging.
Who Can Benefit?
TLSW is suitable for:
- Children and young people who are looked-after or adopted
- Those who have experienced early trauma, abuse, neglect, or family breakdown
- Children struggling with attachment, identity, or behavioural challenges
As an experienced counsellor and therapeutic life story worker, I provide a warm, empathetic, and non-judgmental space where children can explore their stories at their own pace.
If you would like to discuss how Therapeutic Life Story Work can support a child or young person in your care, please feel free to get in touch.
Frequently Asked Questions
“What stood out to us most was how Sharon’s work didn’t just focus on the past. She helped our son build a sense of identity and empowerment, encouraging him to see himself as the hero of his own story”
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Therapeutic Life Story Work?
Therapeutic Life Story Work (TLSW) is a structured, relational approach that helps children and young people make sense of their past, understand their identity, and build a coherent story about their life. It offers a safe space to explore difficult experiences with the support of a trained practitioner.
2. What are the different approaches within TLSW?
There are three main approaches:
- All About Me – a gentle, early intervention for younger children or those who aren’t ready to explore painful past events but need support with self-esteem and identity.
- More About Me – a bridge between early and full life story work, this approach supports children with some understanding of their history who are beginning to explore more complex questions or emotions.
- Traditional TLSW – a more in-depth, long-term process that helps a child explore past trauma, loss, or confusion in greater detail to make sense of their life story and promote healing.
3. Who is Therapeutic Life Story Work for?
It is particularly suited to children and young people who have experienced early trauma, separation, care transitions (e.g., fostering, adoption), or who have unanswered questions about their past. It also supports those struggling with identity, emotional regulation, or behavioural challenges.
4. What are the benefits of TLSW?
TLSW can reduce confusion and shame, improve self-esteem and behaviour, and support emotional healing. It strengthens identity, enhances relationships, and provides a more integrated understanding of the child’s life experiences.
5. What happens in a session?
Sessions are creative, child-centred, and guided by the child’s readiness. Activities may include drawing, play, storytelling, discussion, or working with timelines. The pace is always respectful of the child’s needs and emotional state.
6. How long does the process take?
It depends on the child and the chosen approach. All About Me may take a few months; More About Me is slightly longer. Full TLSW typically runs for 9 to 18 months, with weekly or fortnightly sessions.
7. How do I know which approach is right for my child?
I offer an initial assessment to understand your child’s needs, developmental stage, and emotional readiness. Based on that, I will recommend the most suitable approach — whether All About Me, More About Me, or full TLSW.
8. Are parents or carers involved in the process?
Yes. Involvement from a parent, foster carer, or key adult is essential. I work in partnership with you to help support the child’s emotional development and ensure consistency beyond the sessions.
9. Is this suitable for children of all ages?
TLSW can be adapted for children aged 5 and upwards. The approach used is matched to their age, understanding, and emotional needs. The early models (All About Me and More About Me) are particularly suitable for younger children or those just beginning their therapeutic journey.
10. Is the work confidential?
Yes, sessions are confidential and handled with care and professionalism. Any exceptions to confidentiality — such as safeguarding concerns — are explained clearly at the start.
11. What experience and qualifications do you have?
I am a trained and experienced Therapeutic Life Story Work practitioner, with a background in supporting children, young people, and families through complex emotional journeys.
12. How do I get started?
You can contact me to arrange an initial conversation to understand your needs and explain how I can help. From there, we’ll decide together on the best approach for your child.
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