Life story work is a term often used to describe an approach that helps looked after and adopted children to talk and learn about their life experiences with the help of a trusted adult. This book is an essential step-by-step guide for carers and professionals seeking to carry out life story work with a traumatised or vulnerable child in their care.

Underpinned by positive psychology and drawing on up-to-date research and real-life practice, the book offers a sound theoretical understanding of life story work as well as a practical and easy-to-use programme of sessions. Each session covers the equipment and information needed, a consideration of who is best placed to carry out the work, and answers to commonly raised questions. Also discussed are age-appropriate approaches and ideas for extending each session into other activities and methods to make it more feasible for life story work to be a shared activity between two or three adults who know the child well.

This book gives professionals and carers the confidence to carry out life story work in a way that is sensitive to the child's needs and positive for their self-perception and relationships.

About the Author

Dr Gillian Shotton is an Educational Psychologist in Northumberland with a specialist remit for working in the children's homes as well as carrying out work in schools. Gillian is also a field tutor on the doctorate course in Educational Psychology at Newcastle University and has written a number of books and journal articles.

Reviews

"A useful and practical book that describes a gentle approach (which is both simple and sophisticated) which is likely to in-fill emotional holes in the life history of a young person who is likely to have been maltreated."

Dr R. J. (Sean) Cameron.

"A useful and practical book that describes a gentle approach (which is both simple and sophisticated) which is likely to in-fill emotional holes in the life history of a young person who is likely to have been maltreated."

Dr R. J. (Sean) Cameron, writer and psychologist.

Book Information
ISBN 9780367235222
Author Gillian Shotton
Format Paperback
Page Count 184
Imprint Routledge
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
Weight(grams) 680g