The Tree of Life Exercise

The Tree of Life is a key example found in many cultures and mythologies worldwide, representing human interconnectedness and the cycle of life.

In the realm of mental health, the concept has been utilised as a narrative therapy technique that intricately weaves life stories into the metaphor of a tree, empowering individuals to visualise their journey, uncover hidden strengths, and reclaim their narratives, particularly those navigating trauma and hardship.

According to a research study that implemented the therapeutic modality with older Muslim women who migrated to Australia (Khawaja, Murray, & Bidstrup, 2022), the Tree of Life programme inspired compassion, empathy, and confidence among the participants. They were provided a safe and facilitated space to explore their life stories, emphasizing personal and collective values and future aspirations.

Based on another case study (Ngwenya & Dumisani, 2016), we can draw several parallels. The study assessed the programme’s effectiveness on the healing process for collective traumatization of survivors of the 1980s atrocities by the government forces in Zimbabwe (‘Operation Gukurahundi’). Cultivating an environment that respectfully honoured narratives and experiences of the participants taught them to accept their realities and acknowledge their flaws. Despite the unchanged state of affairs and desire for vengeance, participants learned to transcend victimhood and take control of their journey of self-reconciliation, emphasizing the importance of storytelling in creating meaning.

Thus, the Tree of Life exercise is an exceptionally practical tool, bringing hope and clarity to one's journey.

Do-It-Yourself (Pepperdine University, 2021; Sehenuk, 20222)

Items Needed: Paper & Drawing Materials

Draw & Fill-in:

1.    Roots: Background information (family, history, values)

2.    Ground: Current activities, roles

3.    Trunk: Strengths, abilities, personality traits 

4.    Branches: goals, dreams, hopes 

5.    Leaves: Support systems, important people, achievements, reminders, pains, losses

6.    Fruits: Gifts from other people (wisdom/tangible)

7.    Storms: Past challenging experiences

Need a head-start?

What observations, insights, and challenges did you discover while drawing the tree?  

In the broader context of human experience, the Tree of Life stands as a symbol of our interdependence, development, and adaptability, serving as a holistic therapeutic tool.

Written by: Aisyah Binte Abu Bakar | Edited by: Amanda Bek and Jonathan Kuek

02/2025

References

KhawKhawaja, N., Murray, K. & Bidstrup, E., (2022). Tree of life with older culturally and linguistically diverse Muslim women in the community setting: An exploratory study. Journal of Muslim Mental Health, 16(1). https://doi.org/10.3998/jmmh.491

Ngwenya, D. (2016). Our branches are broken: " Using the tree of life healing methodology with  

victims of Gukurahundi in Matebeleland, Zimbabwe". Peace and conflict studies, 23(1), Article 2.

https://doi.org/10.46743/1082-7307/2016.1314

Pepperdine University (2021, April 13). How to find your purpose and passion in life using career psychology. Online Graduate Programs. https://onlinegrad.pepperdine.edu/blog/how-to-find-your-purpose-and-passion-in-life/

Sehenuk, B. (2022). Integrating creative arts in counselling: Review and recommendations. https://commons.lib.jmu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1040&context=edspec202029