In the TTM, each of the first four sessions starts with a
progressive relaxation in which a specific theme is introduced,
and the patient paints a symbolic tree. This picture
is then used as a starting point for patients to tell their life
stories, focusing on everyday activities. This part of the
intervention constitutes a reflective dialogue between the
patient and the occupational therapist aimed at identifying
necessary changes in the patient’s life. The theme of
the tree differs from one session to the next, and each
tree represents a particular period of life: the present,
childhood, adolescence, adulthood. In the fifth session, the
focus is on story making and on shaping plans for the future.
Patient and therapist also decide on tasks, linked to
the patient’s identified difficulties and needs, that the patient
completes between sessions.