Therapeutic Storywriting - what is it?
Therapeutic
Storywriting is an innovative and creative way for SEN teachers
to support children whose emotional difficulties are getting
in the way of their academic learning.
By working with the metaphor in stories - written both by the
child and the teacher - emotional issues are addressed in a
way that does not overwhelm the child.
Evidence-based
research has shown that this approach not only
develops the child's emotional literacy but also supports the
development of pupils' writing skills.
Addressing the 'E' in 'SEBD'
Therapeutic
Storywriting addresses the need - highlighted in the 2003 green
paper 'Every Child Matters' - to consider the 'emotional' as
well as the 'behavioural' aspect of Social, Emotional and Behavioural
Difficulties.
The approach is integrative, drawing on person-centred, psychosynthesis
and psychodynamic models. It is complementary to a positive
behavioural approach and acknowledges the systemic nature of
the school learning environment.
Group and individual work
Therapeutic
Storywriting can be used to support both small groups and individual
pupils. Groups which consist of 4-6 children require an hour
and run weekly for a minimum of 10 weeks.
Pupils who are unable to manage a group can be seen individually.
Individual sessions require 30-40 minutes. The intervention
is most suitable for children aged 7-12 years.
More Information
Research and evaluation
reports
SERSEN Therapeutic Storywriting
project
