Person in tree assessment

Person in tree assessment: Applied Methods
ETC Level: Cognitive - Affective
MDV Level: Simple - Structured - Resistive
Materials
People in tree handoutDrawing/coloring utensils of choice
Procedures
1. Identify which person best represents how he/she is feeling right now. (Ask for clarification of how the client perceives the identified character. Don't assume that you know what the identified character represents.)2. Identify the person who client would want to be. (Again, ask for clarification of what the identified character represents.) 3. Consider what needs to happen to get to preferred place.
Rationale
This exercise is useful for very young children and first or second time visits because it is very non-threatening. It can also be used at the beginning/ end of each session. Depending on which prompt is given, the therapist can gain a better understanding of client's current perception of emotional status, family situation, and roles the client plays. In recognizing one's place in the tree, client may be able to find value of current place, or discover a place that would be more helpful to client's current situation. If the client relates to a character that is in a vulnerable position, try to redirect client toward positive supports. For example, if the client identifies with the falling person, ask who is going to catch the person or what needs to happen to "break the fall."
Adaptations
Option 1: Of all the people in the tree, who would you not want to be?Option 2: Identify family members and self in the tree.Option 3: Identify the different roles you play, i.e student, girlfriend, friend, daughter, etc.