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Therapeutic Life Story Work™ (TLSW) has long been a transformative tool for children and young people, helping them make sense of their past and build a cohesive narrative for their future. But how can it be used with adults? Psychologist Amy Payne explains how the approach can be thoughtfully adapted to meet the needs of adults.
Adult Therapeutic Life Story Work (TLSW), as endorsed by the founder of TLSW Richard Rose, addresses the unique complexities of adult experiences. It’s a process that can help individuals understand their personal histories and can also empower them to reclaim their narratives and heal from trauma.
While the core principles of TLSW remain consistent across age groups, working with adults introduces unique challenges, processes and opportunities:
Despite these differences, there are shared elements that make TLSW universally impactful:
One of the most exciting evolutions in Adult TLSW is the integration of Storywoven Therapy, a model that expands upon traditional TLSW™ by incorporating intersectional, embodied and expressive practices.
This approach weaves together diverse therapeutic frameworks, including Narrative Therapy, Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP), and Decolonial Therapy Practices, to create a holistic healing process.
It includes:
In this space we share, every story told loosens the grip of shame.
Storywoven Therapy represents a thoughtful evolution of Adult TLSW, creating a space where individuals can reclaim their narratives, heal from trauma, and embrace their full identities. Come join us and start weaving a future where all parts of us are seen, heard, and valued.
Amy Payne is one of the expert trainers who deliver Creative Life Story Work Live Classrooms on a range of topics.
The Creative Life Story Work newsletter includes resources, tools and inspiration.
Amy Payne (she/they) is a psychologist with over 20 years of experience specialising in trauma. As the director of As Above So Below Therapeutic Services on Dharug Land in the place known as Australia, Amy strives to create safe spaces for healing and storytelling for all she works with.
After being in the 2017-2018 TLSW Diploma cohort, Amy was developing the Adult Therapeutic Life Story Work (TLSW) model from 2018 and this was then endorsed by Richard Rose in 2023. They share their expertise through consultation, supervision, and training. They have presented at conferences in Australia and internationally, showcasing their innovative tools and approaches. Amy has also shared their knowledge and practice, running workshops with Government and Agency practitioners, TLSW Professional Diploma students, and hosting TLSW Australia drop-in sessions
Co-founder of Think Feel Do Sensory Bears and co-creator of the TLSW Practice Pocket Cards (Karmy Cards), Amy blends creativity with practice. As an EMDR Therapist, trained in Relational-Integrative EMDR, and a Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP) Practitioner, Amy integrates holistic, trauma-informed methods into their work.
As the social media lead for TLSW Australia, Amy fosters community and spreads awareness. Known for their ‘PACEful’ approach, Amy’s work centres on connection, creativity, and community.
