Therapeutic Story Writing intervention

What is Therapeutic Storywriting?

Therapeutic Storywriting is a 10-week, small group intervention where children can use the metaphor of stories to address emotional issues they might be experiences.

When Therapeutic Storywriting is useful

Therapeutic Storywriting can help when:

• Children aged between 7 - 13 yrs are experiencing emotional difficulties
• Emotional vocabulary development is needed
• Children would benefit from a calm, safe space to experience positive group work 

How we monitor and evaluate progress

This intervention is monitored and evaluated using Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaires (SDQ) or Target Monitoring Evaluation (TME), specific relevant assessments, or the school’s usual monitoring processes. A specific Therapeutic Storywriting evaluation form is also used, alongside feedback from children, teachers and parents.

What sessions look like

Children are encouraged to continue writing a story from a 'story-starter' that addresses particular emotional situations e.g. 'Fran the fox walked slowly back to her cave, feeling sad...'. The children then spend 15-20 minutes writing their stories. The adult facilitating the group also writes a story. The children share their stories and are encouraged to think about the emotional metaphors used and how their characters might develop.