Unfolding Life Stories
Who is TLSW for?
Children & Young people
Out-of-home care
Placement change or transition.
Complex disrupted histories
Gaps, questions or uncertainty around life story
Trauma, loss or significant life changes
Exploring identity & belonging
Therapeutic Life Story Work
Therapeutic Life Story Work (TLSW) is a specialist, trauma-informed intervention designed to help children and young people understand their life experiences, trauma history, and the impact these experiences have had on their emotions, behaviour, relationships, and sense of self.
The process provides a safe and supportive space in which children can explore their past alongside a trusted adult. A central aim is to strengthen attachment relationships and promote safety through connection and understanding.
Understand the story
We develop a comprehensive understanding of the child's history and experiences.
This may involve:
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reviewing records and relevant documentation
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speaking with professionals and significant people
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observing the child and their relationships
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family finding and exploring important connections
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building a chronological understanding of their life
This helps understand their strengths, needs, experiences and challenges.
Assessment & Information Gathering
Explore the story
Direct Therapeutic Work
Children & young people work alongside a trusted adult to build trust and emotional attunement.
Work may include:
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exploring life events
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creative therapeutic activities
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storytelling
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emotional regulation
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life story mapping
This stage helps children & young people make sense of experiences and build connection.
Create the story
Creating The Life Story Book
The child or young person's story is brought together in a personalised life story book.
The book captures important people, places, memories, experiences, strengths, identity and their future hopes and dreams. Creating something meaningful for them to keep and return to over time.
Their book is a lasting resource that celebrates who they are and where they are going.
Benefits of This Work
Increased Sense of Safety and Security
By understanding their history and building stronger attachments with their carers, children often experience a greater sense of emotional and physical safety, which is essential for healing and growth.
Improved Emotional Regulation
Developing a coherent narrative helps children manage overwhelming emotions and develop healthier coping strategies for the future.
Strengthened Attachments
The shared journey of exploring the child's story fosters deeper trust, emotional attunement, and security within the child's primary caregiving relationships.
Reduced Shame and Self-Blame
When children understand the reasons behind their life experiences and the impact of trauma, they can begin to challenge negative beliefs and move away from feelings of shame and guilt.
Increased Confidence and Agency
As children gain a clearer sense of who they are and where they come from, they are better equipped to navigate challenges and move forward with a sense of purpose and self-worth.
Unfolding Life Stories acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we live, work and connect. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and recognise the continuing connection Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have to Country, culture, community and story
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