Tree of Life Workshops
About
SELF AWARENESS : TREE OF LIFE
The ‘Tree of Life’ is an approach that uses the metaphor of trees as they apply to a young person’s life and life direction. This methodology was originally developed for use with vulnerable children in Southern Africa who experienced trauma, abuse, neglect and/or violence in their lives. It has now been taken up by many other countries, and has been used in contexts including refugee and immigrant children, young Indigenous people, young people demonstrating ‘problematic behaviour’ and individual young people who have experienced hardship in their lives.
This approach (taught by the Dulwich Centre in Australia) has been modified by YouthWorX NT to provide young people – and their educators – with an insight into their personal and career development. The overall process involves each young person drawing their own unique tree, then being guided in ‘decorating’ their tree with their own notes related to:
- My identity & background
- My skills & strengths
- My 5 year goals
- People who are important to me – my allies
- My occupations & learning of interest
- My hopes, dreams and wishes for my life and the lives of others
This approach is useful as a framework for further personal and career development activities and exploration, and can be delivered as either a condensed singular programme or over a period of sessions with a group of young people. Scaffolding discussions can extend on the tree/life metaphor around what trees – and forests (communities) – can do to remain strong and resilient. At the end of the process, the tree posters can be displayed in a classroom setting, with certificates of acknowledgement presented to each young person.
For more information please contact our office on 08 8981-8870 or email queries to info@youthworxnt.com.au.
