The benefits of creating a Life story

Life story work can be an enriching life experience for everyone involved including family, therapist and the client.

The process of creating a life story supports the exploration of memories to create a balanced view of life events that can positively affect a person’s present wellbeing.

  • Reminiscing promotes a sense of who we are, experiences we have had and an understanding of the roles we have played during our lives
  • Our heart-warming memories of the past contribute to daily contentment today
  • Creating a personal and collective history to share with loved ones
  • An opportunity to pass traditions, family history, values, beliefs and wisdom
  • To understand personal and family histories and bridge the gap between generations
  • The opportunity to share painful experiences provides emotional healing and acceptance
  • Assist us in processing our grief
  • Exploring ways we managed to cope during difficult times helps us see our strengths and supports us in dealing with today’s challenges
  • Reminiscence has been shown to copy memories from one side of the brain to the other which may help preserve brain function and facilitate cognitive development in later life
  • Provides an opportunity for us to share our stories with others and by doing so gain insight
  • Improve the quality of life through the impact of being heard!
  • If you are experiencing depression, lifestory work can contribute to increasing self-esteem and more positive social relationships

Call us at Reflections Lifestories and Counselling today and start creating your story!

Bibliography

Barry, J. (1988). Autiobiographical Writing: An effective Tool for Practive with the Oldest Old. Social Work, 449-451.

Clarke, A., Hanson, E.J.,and Ross, H. (2003). Seeing the person behind the patient: enhancing the care of older people using a biographical approach. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 12, 697-706.

Korte, J.,Bohlmeijer,E. and Smit,F. (2009). Prevention of Depression and anxiety in later life:design of a randomized controlled trial for the clinical and economic evaluation of a life-review intervention. BMC Public Health, 250.

Kunz, A. (2007). Transformational Reminiscence. New York: Springer Publishing.

Schmotkin, D. &. (2012). Happiness and Suffering in the Life Story: An Inquiry into Conflicting Expectations Concerning the Association of Percieved Past and Present Subjective Well-Being in Old Age. Journal of Happiness Studies, 13(3), 389-409.