Trauma Informed Care & Therapy
Therapeutic
Life Story Work
Therapeutic Life Story Work (TLSW) is a specialist, trauma-focused therapy for children and young people with complex emotional, psychological, or behavioural needs. It helps them explore, understand, and process their past by developing a coherent life narrative, integrating therapeutic techniques to support recovery, resilience, and emotional wellbeing.
TLSW is a psychodynamic approach that incorporates elements of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Play Therapy. It allows children to safely explore feelings of shame, fear, loss, and confusion, and understand how early experiences continue to influence their thoughts, emotions, and behaviour.
Who Therapeutic Life Story Work Helps
Who Provides It?
Delivered by qualified therapeutic practitioners trained in Therapeutic Life Story Work, under the supervision
of Life Story Experts Laura Neal and Kim Matthews.
What Can Therapeutic Life Story Work Help With?
Who Can It Support?
Children and young people aged 6 and above with complex needs, including those with experiences of trauma,
neglect, or abuse.
What Does It Look Like?
TLSW is a structured programme adapted to the needs of each child. It includes:
- 18 therapy sessions, plus 2 reviews and 2 reports.
- A written narrative of the child’s history based on information gathering and document review.
- A professionally produced Life Story Book created with the child’s work.
- Training for carers in Life Story Listening and Life Story Coaching, with certification provided so they can confidently support the child at home.
