Business Details
Therapeutic Life Story Work Experts
The Open Toy Box is a specialist therapeutic practice dedicated to supporting children, young people, and adults through evidence-based interventions. Founded by Karla Burley, an accredited TLSW practitioner with a MA in Practice-Based Play Therapy, we combine clinical expertise with compassionate care. Our approach integrates Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Psychodynamic principles, and Creative Arts therapies to address trauma and attachment issues. With over two decades of combined experience in therapeutic life story work, we provide tailored sessions that empower individuals to process their past and build healthier futures. Our services are underpinned by rigorous professional standards, including adherence to safeguarding policies and continuous professional development.We maintain transparent processes for information gathering, session documentation, and client confidentiality. Our commitment to quality is demonstrated through our structured 9-12 month programmes, which include comprehensive Life Story Books and post-intervention reports. By prioritising mutual trust and collaborative relationships, we help clients develop self-awareness and emotional resilience. Our practice reflects industry best practices through published works, professional accreditations, and partnerships with academic institutions. We maintain clear communication channels and documented procedures to ensure consistent service delivery across all client interactions.
Services
Therapeutic Life Story Work
Creating Therapeutic Stories Programme
Life Story Book Creation
TLSW Supervision Training
Online Therapeutic Training
Attachment-Focused Therapy
Creative Arts Therapy
Play Therapy Sessions
Trauma Processing
Child-Carer Relationship Support
Highlights and features
- Certified TLSW practitioners with advanced play therapy qualifications
- Tailored sessions addressing individual trauma and attachment needs
- Integrates creative arts and play therapy for emotional expression
- Comprehensive 9-12 month programmes with structured progress tracking
- Proven outcomes in strengthening child-carer relationships
Services
Therapeutic Life Story Work
Therapeutic Life Story Work helps adopted children process trauma through three structured stages. The Information Bank gathers historical data, Internalisation explores emotions through creative arts, and the Life Story Book documents their journey. Sessions occur fortnightly over 9-12 months, strengthening child-carer attachments while addressing fragmented histories and identity issues.
Creating Therapeutic Stories Programme
This 3-day online programme teaches professionals to create therapeutic narratives using children's favourite characters. Participants learn age-appropriate storytelling techniques, develop resource materials, and understand TLSW differences. The course includes theory sessions, practical exercises, and CPD certification for practitioners working with traumatised children.
TLSW Supervision Training
Certification programme for becoming a TLSW Supervisor combines Richard Rose's model with creative arts therapy. The summer course covers advanced practice techniques, ethical considerations, and supervision methodologies. Participants gain skills to guide other practitioners in delivering effective therapeutic life story interventions while maintaining professional standards.
Attachment-Focused Therapy
Specialist sessions strengthen child-carer relationships through structured therapeutic interactions. Using play and creative arts, therapists address attachment issues by helping carers understand trauma responses. The approach builds trust and resilience through 18-session programmes conducted in home environments, with documented progress tracking.
Life Story Book Creation
Personalised Life Story Books document children's therapeutic journeys through artwork and narratives. Created during sessions, these books help children process experiences and develop self-identity. The final product includes historical information, foster placements, and future aspirations presented in age-appropriate language with client-designed elements.
People
Karla Burley
Founder & TLSW Practitioner
MA-qualified therapist with Diplomas in TLSW and Play Therapy. BACP-accredited counsellor with 20+ years' experience supporting traumatised children. Developed integrative TLSW model combining creative arts and psychodynamic principles. Published author of TLSW handbook and course director for postgraduate play therapy programmes.
Questions
What is Therapeutic Life Story Work?
TLSW is a structured therapeutic process helping adopted children understand their history through three stages: information gathering, emotional exploration, and Life Story Book creation.
How does TLSW benefit children?
TLSW helps children process trauma, develop self-identity, and strengthen carer relationships through creative arts and fortnightly 60-minute sessions over 9-12 months.
Who can benefit from TLSW?
Children aged 4-17 in care or adoption placements struggling with identity issues, trauma, or placement instability. Particularly effective for those with fragmented life histories.
Where do sessions take place?
Sessions typically occur in the child's home environment, with alternative arrangements made at schools or children's centres when necessary.
What materials are used?
Therapists use wallpaper, art supplies, coloured pens, magazines, and creative materials to facilitate emotional expression and story documentation.
