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On Thursday 26 November, Therapeutic Life Story Work (TLSW) Practitioners Amy Payne and Karen Vance will lead a Live Classroom all about TLSW Practice Pocket Cards: a tool which supports a creative and structured way to explore life stories. In advance of that session, they share an introduction to the cards: How were they created? Who are they for? And how can they help practitioners during life story work?
“Okay, I have my Jenga, my wallpaper, markers, Uno … what am I missing? What is it that I am doing today … where are my cards? We got up to this last time … what do I need to plan for today? What do I have to remember?”
Moments like these are when the TLSW Practice Pocket Cards shine! These cards didn’t just appear overnight; they have a story rooted in creativity, collaboration, and a shared passion for therapeutic tools.
The idea for the TLSW Practice Pocket Cards began in 2017, when Karen and Amy were completing their Diploma of Therapeutic Life Story Work (TLSW). Karen’s design expertise and Amy’s love (or obsession!) with therapeutic cards made for the perfect partnership. Together, they began drafting the cards, blending creativity with therapeutic practice to create something truly unique.
As life often does, it got busy, and the project was put on hold. Fast forward to late 2023, when the idea resurfaced during a conversation with Richard Rose (founder of Therapeutic Life Story Work International). His excitement and encouragement reignited the spark, urging them to bring the cards to life with a plan to launch them at the TLSW Conference in London in June 2024.
With renewed energy, Karen and Amy dove back into the project. They designed, wrote, consulted and finally published the cards in May 2024. The result? A set of 78 cards, colour coded for your reference to bring with you in your bag or a big pocket!
Thanks to the generous TLSW community, the cards made their way from Australia to London just in time for the conference. Their launch was met with excitement, marking a milestone in TLSW resources. This also marked the birth of Karmy, a creative venture combining Karen and Amy’s names with their shared love for turtles!
The TLSW Practice Pocket Cards are for all practitioners, and they’re a testament to the power of collaboration, creativity, and perseverance.
Designed to support practitioners, these cards offer reflective prompts, psychoeducation, and tool explanations. Whether planning a session, navigating challenges, or reflecting on progress, these cards are a trusted companion.
Imagine this: A carer and practitioner are preparing for a TLSW session with a child struggling to articulate their feelings. They select a card focused on emotional literacy. Using its prompts and activities, the practitioner guides the child, while the carer gains insight into how to support them.
In another instance, a practitioner uses the cards during supervision to explore new approaches. The visual and written prompts spark ideas, offering tools to enhance their work with children.
Amy and Karen will be leading an online Live Classroom all about how to use the TLSW Practice Pocket Cards. It’s perfect for:
Whether you are new to life story work or looking to deepen your practice, this session provides practical tools, creative ideas, and the confidence to make a difference. Participants will also have access to some cards for hands-on practice.
The life story of the TLSW Practice Pocket Cards is a reminder that good things take time, and a little encouragement from the right people. From their beginnings in 2017 to their launch at the TLSW Conference in 2024, to the present moment, these cards have become a valuable resource for practitioners worldwide.
Want to experience the impact of the TLSW Practice Pocket Cards for yourself? If you’re in the Southern Hemisphere get them through Karmy Cards (karmycards@gmail.com) and in the Northern Hemisphere through TLSW International (admin@tlswi.com).
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, a Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP) and expressive arts practitioner, Amy integrates holistic, trauma-informed methods into their work.
Known for their ‘PACEful’ approach, and colourful approach to life, Amy’s work centres on connection, creativity, and community.
Karen has been a dedicated Therapeutic Life Story Work (TLSW) practitioner since 2017, bringing her expertise to both government and not-for-profit sectors. Currently working with Settlement Services International in their multicultural foster care program, Karen is exploring innovative ways to adapt TLSW for culturally diverse communities, ensuring this transformative work reaches those who need it most.
In 2018, Karen completed Richard Rose’s Professional Diploma in TLSW, solidifying her commitment to this field. That same year, she co-presented at the Australian Childhood Trauma Conference alongside Amy Payne and Natalia O’Keefe on “Think.Feel.Do. Using Sensory Bears in Therapeutic Life Story Work”. Karen has since shared her knowledge widely, presenting to NSW Department of Communities and Justice, TLSW Professional Diploma students, and hosting TLSWa Drop-In sessions. In 2024, she took her expertise global, presenting “Cultural Consciousness in Practice” at the TLSWi conference in London, further highlighting her passion for inclusive and culturally aware therapeutic practices.
Karen’s contributions extend beyond practice; as part of the communications team for TLSW Australia, she plays a vital role in spreading awareness and fostering community within the TLSW network. Her work exemplifies a commitment to innovation, cultural sensitivity, and the power of storytelling to heal and connect.
