The Tree of Life Intervention

Understand the core principles of Tree of Life narrative therapy

Explain what Tree of Life is, where it comes from, and the narrative therapy principles that underpin it as a strengths-based approach to supporting children.

Explore the growing research base for this approach in schools

Review the evidence for how Tree of Life has been applied in school settings — and what the research tells us about its impact on children’s wellbeing, identity, and resilience.

Identify the symbolic meaning of each element of the tree

Understand what each part of the tree represents — roots, trunk, branches, leaves, fruit, and storms — and how each element opens a different pathway into a child’s story and sense of self.

Apply this intervention with children across a range of presenting needs

Explore how to use Tree of Life with children struggling with a sense of belonging, friendships, identifying strengths, transitions (including moving schools), and loss.

Plan and deliver a 1:1 Tree of Life programme

Understand how to structure and deliver Tree of Life as a 1:1 intervention over a six-week-plus period — including session flow, pacing, and how to hold the work safely with an individual child.

Deliver Tree of Life in small groups and enrichment formats

Explore how to adapt the approach for small group delivery over six weeks or more, or as a one-day enrichment activity — particularly for groups with shared difficulties such as low self-esteem.