My name is Gwyneth (Gwyn) Samways, I am a qualified Therapeutic Life Story Work Practitioner, awarded a Distinction in Richard Rose’s Therapeutic Life Story Work Diploma, widely recognised as the gold standard training in this field. With over 20 years’ experience in frontline safeguarding and fostering services across Somerset and Bath & North East Somerset councils, I have developed a broad and in‑depth understanding of children’s disrupted lives, supporting both those living with their birth families and those in foster and adoptive homes.

Throughout my career, I have worked closely with families to support meaningful change. This has given me a strong understanding of how parents’ life experiences, trauma, and unmet needs can create barriers to progress, and how limited change can impact children’s development, including their emotional wellbeing, sense of identity, and ability to form secure relationships. This first-hand insight shapes my approach, ensuring that my work is grounded in empathy, honesty, and a sensitive understanding of each child’s lived experience.

What draws me to Therapeutic Life Story Work is a strong belief that no child should grow up without an understanding of why they are not living with their birth family.  I have met many children who hold unanswered questions about their past, often leading to confusion, shame, and self‑blame. Richard Rose’s life story work model squarely addresses this. The process helps children make sense of their experiences through a clear, compassionate narrative, enabling them to move forward with greater understanding and emotional security.

My practice is underpinned by the principles of Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP), strengthening my ability to work in a relational, attuned, and trauma‑informed way.