Article

The Tree Theme Method (TTM) is an intervention based on sessions involving
creative activities and life storytelling/story-making, in which the client
paints trees representing various periods of his/her life. The aim of this study
was to investigate clients' experiences of participating in a TTM intervention
and their perceptions of the therapeutic relationship. Thematic interviews were
undertaken. Twenty clients attending general outpatient mental healthcare units
were recruited after having participated in the intervention. A qualitative
content analysis resulted in six categories: "From feeling a pressure to perform
to becoming focused and expressive", "Expressing oneself and one's life situation
led to awakening of memories and feelings", "New perspectives of self-image,
everyday life and relations to others", "Story-making led to shaping and
reconstructing one's life story", "Interaction was of importance when
reconstructing one's life story" and, finally, "The attitude of the occupational
therapist was of importance for the development of the therapeutic relationship".
There seemed to be a close association between the intervention and the
therapeutic relationship in starting a process of opening up new perspectives on
everyday life, but there is a need for further studies including therapists'
experience of using the TTM and their perception of the client-therapist
relationship.

Langue : ANGLAIS