Review of the Feasibility and Usability of the Tree of Life Narrative Therapy Method as a Trauma-Informed Tool for the US Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health (IECMH) Field

Date of Award

Spring 6-12-2026

Document Type

Doctoral Research Paper

Degree Name

Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology

Organizational Unit

Graduate School of Professional Psychology

First Advisor

John Holmberg

Second Advisor

Tiamo Katsonga-Phiri

Third Advisor

Nosipho Faith Makhakhe

Copyright Statement / License for Reuse

All Rights Reserved
All Rights Reserved.

Keywords

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), Narrative assessment tools, Narrative-based interventions, Dyadic intervention, Caregiver-child dyad, Infant and early childhood mental health (IECMH)

Abstract

Studies find that an increasing prevalence of trauma and relational stressors negatively impacts the well-being of infants and young children (Shonkoff et al., 2012; Zeanah & Humphreys, 2018; Hughes et al., 2017). For adequate assessment and conceptualization of young children, there is a need for developmentally informed and culturally responsive mental health tools. This paper explores the feasibility and usability of the Tree of Life (ToL) narrative therapy method as a trauma-informed intervention in Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health (IECMH) settings in Africa and the USA. This integrative review draws on existing international literature on adverse childhood experiences, intergenerational trauma, early relational development, and the assessment of infants and young children. The study reviews prior studies of the ToL tool to summarize key feasibility indicators, including acceptability, adaptability, accessibility, and integration with trauma-informed care systems. This review suggests that ToL is an adaptable method suitable for use in US IECMH settings due to its relational focus, cultural adaptability, and non-pathologizing narrative and art therapy components that enhance healing and strengthen dyadic relationships. Also provided are implications for practice, training, and future research to develop the Tree of Life as a trauma-informed practice tool.

Copyright Date

5-7-2026

Publication Statement

Copyright is held by the author. Permanently suppressed.

Rights Holder

Gbotemi Bukola Babatunde

Provenance

Received from Author

File Format

application/pdf

Language

English (eng)

Extent

36 pgs

File Size

1.7 MB

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