Using the tree of life group in UK mental health contexts

Despite a shift towards recovery focused practice in mental health care, some have highlighted this does not always translate into practice on inpatient psychiatric wards. This study explores the stories people tell about their psychiatric admission, and their experience of the Tree of Life group, to identify how each aligns with the idea of recovery focused care. Seven people were interviewed and the Interview data were analysed using Thematic Narrative Analysis; chosen due to its unstructured interview approach and focus on wider context. Narratives varied in structure and subjective content, but some themes were replicated across participants. Firstly, themes of powerlessness and problem-focused relationships with others were present throughout all narratives, which supports the wider literature that suggests the recovery orientation of inpatient wards is limited. Secondly, the meaning people attributed to their experience’s pre-admission appeared important in setting the scene for the rest of their story. Generally, those who agreed with ‘mental illness’ discourses spoke of positive experiences of inpatient admission and those who disagreed with mental illness discourses spoke of negative experiences of inpatient care. Finally, the Tree of Life group was storied as a positive experience for most participants, offering experiences that link with processes of recovery; although its ability to influence a recovery focus in the context of inpatient admission was limited.