Session by Session Guide to Life Story Work

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.

• Preface Introduction A narrative approach to life story work Research around the effectiveness of using a narrative approach How to use this book Session one: establishing the ground rules and feelings cards Session two: The Tree of Life (part A) Session three: the tree of life (part B) Session four: A map of all the places you have lived Session five: Birth certificate Sessions six and seven: Co-constructing the story so far Session eight: Stones in a jar, acknowledging different types of memories Session nine: Origami hearts: Celebrating people who have had a positive impact Session ten: The Team of Life, part 1: Values Session eleven: Team of life part 2: Identifying their team and goals Session twelve: Team of life part 3: Tackling problems Session thirteen: Therapeutic stories References Appendix one: tree outline Appendix two: strength cards Appendix Three: feelings cards Appendix Four: Jar of stones activity Appendix five: team of life, football pitch outline

"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.