[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.7″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
Hello, I’m Michelle, a qualified Life Story Practitioner with a Higher Diploma in Therapeutic<\/p>\n
Life Story Work.<\/p>\n
My practice is informed by the Richard Rose model of Therapeutic Life Story Work and other recognised narrative approaches.<\/p>\n
At the heart of my work is the belief that every life has meaning and that sharing our stories can strengthen our sense of identity, celebrate our achievements, and help us make sense of both the joys and the challenges we have experienced throughout our lives.<\/p>\n
My journey into life story work began in 2013 with the Midwest Simon Community. It was there that I first discovered the powerful impact that sharing one’s story can have. Since then, I have had the privilege of writing life stories in a variety of social care settings, including homeless accommodation and rehabilitation centres, helping people preserve their memories with dignity, compassion, and respect.<\/p>\n
After taking some time away from my career to raise my three wonderful little boys, I was delighted to return to the work I truly love.<\/p>\n
Today, I work with my local parish, recording the life stories of members of our community and helping to preserve their memories for future generations.<\/p>\n
My approach is relaxed and informal. We simply sit together, usually over a cup of tea, and chat. There is no interview, no pressure, and no right or wrong way to tell your story. It’s amazing how memories return. A familiar place, an old photograph, or simply a conversation over a cup of tea can gently bring forgotten stories back to life.<\/p>\n
As our conversations unfold, people often surprise themselves with the memories they recall – stories they haven’t thought about in years, moments that make them laugh, and the people and experiences that have shaped their lives.<\/p>\n
Life story work is about so much more than creating a book. For many people, particularly older adults, it is a deeply therapeutic experience. Taking time to reflect on life’s journey can strengthen a person’s sense of identity, encourage positive memories, improve emotional wellbeing, and offer a wonderful opportunity to celebrate a life well lived. Many people tell me they leave our sessions feeling lighter, happier, and grateful for the chance to reminisce.<\/p>\n
The benefits extend beyond the individual. Families often discover stories they have never heard before, gaining a deeper understanding of their parents’, grandparents’, and loved ones’ lives. These stories become treasured keepsakes that preserve family history, strengthen relationships, and bridge the gap between generations.<\/p>\n
Every life story is unique, and every person’s wishes are different. Once your story is complete, you decide what happens next. You may choose to keep it as a private family treasure, donate it to the parish archives as a lasting record of your life, or share a shorter version with the archives while keeping a more detailed account for your family.<\/p>\n
Whatever you decide, your story remains yours. Everything you share with me is treated with complete confidentiality, respect, and sensitivity, and your privacy and choices will always be honoured.<\/p>\n
Over the years it has become very clear to me that every person has a story worth telling. It is a privilege to sit with someone, listen without judgement, and capture the memories, values, wisdom, and experiences that make their life unique.<\/p>\n
Whether you are looking to preserve your own story, create a treasured legacy for your family, or contribute to the history of our parish, I would be honoured to help you tell your story.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Hello, I’m Michelle, a qualified Life Story Practitioner with a Higher Diploma in Therapeutic Life Story Work. My practice is informed by the Richard Rose model of Therapeutic Life Story Work and other recognised narrative approaches. At the heart of my work is the belief that every life has meaning and that sharing our stories […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-21","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lifestorywork.ie\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/21","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lifestorywork.ie\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lifestorywork.ie\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lifestorywork.ie\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lifestorywork.ie\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=21"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/lifestorywork.ie\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/21\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":24,"href":"https:\/\/lifestorywork.ie\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/21\/revisions\/24"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lifestorywork.ie\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=21"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}