Therapeutic Life Story Work

For children who have been separated from their birth families, are living in care, or have been adopted, parts of their history can feel confusing, fragmented or unknown. When important parts of a child’s story are not spoken about, children may try to fill in the gaps themselves, sometimes believing that what happened was their fault.

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Through Therapeutic Life Story Work, I help children gently piece together their story in a way that is honest, age-appropriate and emotionally safe. This process can support children to understand what has happened in their lives, recognise that they are not to blame, and develop a stronger sense of identity, belonging and security.

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The work begins with the child and is carefully shaped around their needs, emotions, developmental stage and lived experience. Children are actively involved in creating their life story, which may be recorded in different ways depending on what feels most meaningful and accessible for them.

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Therapeutic Life Story Work draws on therapeutic principles and attachment-informed practice. It can sit alongside play therapy or be offered as a stand-alone piece of work. Over time, children may feel more able to talk about their experiences, hold a clearer sense of who they are, and move forward with increased confidence, pride and self-esteem.

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Life Story Work may be recommended by the court, requested as part of a wider support package, or offered to children and families who would benefit from a thoughtful and compassionate space to understand the child’s story.