Workshop I – Introduction and Practice

The Tree of Life is a hopeful and inspiring approach to working with children, young people, and adults who have experienced trauma. This approach can be used for team building within social services organizations.

This methodology was co-developed through a partnership between Ncazelo Ncube and David Denborough (Dulwich Centre Foundation). Ncazelo and David initially developed this Tree of Life approach to assist colleagues who work with children affected by HIV/AIDS in southern Africa. This approach has proved so successful and popular that it is now being used with children, young people, and adults in a wide range of countries across Africa, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Russia, Nepal, the USA, and elsewhere. This methodology has been adapted by Rosa Elena Arteaga from a trauma-informed approach.

Through interactive participation, participants will personally experience the power and benefits of exploring and learning The Tree of Life methodology.

Learning Outcomes:

• the foundations, and ‘roots’ of Tree of Life Methodology
• an introduction to Narrative Therapy and principles that inform the Tree of Life Methodology
• trying out the Tree of Life Methodology with practical experiential exercises.