Though earlier proponents of tree drawing analysis used the technique for assessing children or disturbed adults (those with a perceived psychological condition)its value shoud not be overlooked in other situations. I find it a valuable medium as a precursor for counselling, coaching and personal development sessions with my clients. Nowadays, many of the early assumptions about the use and value of projection techniques have been revised, or rejected. In an attempt to provide some perspective I will provide some historical background of both TDA and handwriting analysis.

Over the years I have collected tree drawings from individuals and groups, of various ages and professions. Where these have been drawn under the same conditions, it has allowed me to observe and note similarilities and differences. Though some tree drawings may look very similar, on closer inspection there are subtle differences: individuality has a way of making itself known. Certain types of trees appear to be favoured by some people but these are not always typical to a profession, age or geographical location. Tree drawing allows a trained analyst to form a relatively quick understanding of an individual, which can be developed either formally or informally.

What tree drawing and handwriting have in common is the graphic pattern of strokes and movement, form and arrangement. TDA is well known in the areas of psychological study such as, counselling and education but it can also be used in personal and life coaching, team building and relationships. However, because graphology does not meet the strict psychometric criteria for validity and relaibility, its worth faces an uphill struggle for recognition. In Britain the use of graphology is considered to be controversial but not so in Europe and America. TDA could face similar opposition, though its use has always been well received by my clients.

Tree drawing analysis is a useful adjunct when used alongside other tried and tested methods for personal development, relationship compatibility, recruitment, selection and team building. Feedback suggests TDA is perceived to be less threatening and more flexible than other psychometric testing that is more popular and commonly used within the business community for assessing personality. Psychometric testing is based on the premise of Jung's theory that human behaviour is predictable by type and, threfore, quantifiable. Jung believed behaviour was not the result of psychological malaise or disproportionate drives but brought about through basic preferences. One of the more popular methods used for profiling is the Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI. What may not be known commonly, is it is possible to predict these typologies through handwriting too!

Graphology is not so well known as the study of body language, even though first serious research into handwriting analysis was carried out in the nineteenth century. Handwriting analysis is an accepted method for personality profiling, especially in France and Israel. It is also used throughout Europe and America as a matter of course in the recruitment and selection process. However, in Britain there is a great deal of scepticism surrounding this projective technique. On a more positive note, and well known within graphology circles, is the knowledge some 'blue chip' companies use handwriting analysis as part of their selection process. Unfortunately for us graphologists, handwriting is being replaced with the increased use of technology such as email and text messaging. This eduction of hand written samples lessens opportunities to find out what makes individuals 'tick' and this provides an opportunity for tree drawing analysis to be used instead.

As a supplementary method of assessing an individual's personality, tree drawing analysis (TDA) has enhanced and enriched my work as a graphologist, because its methods for interpretation are very similar to those used for handwriting analysis, especially in relation to the symbolism of space. In both techniques movement, form and arrangement are considered to be as important as the quality and depth of strokes and lines.

In handwriting, content and meaning of words convey a message that are not the prime concrn of a graphologist. Style, form and arrangement of letters and words on a page provide valuable information. The structure of the written word is perceived by graphologists as 'frozen' body language. Being able to understand physical gestures, postures and how individuals uses space all adds vital information to what a person really means. Spoken words are not always congruent with a person's body language and the same is true with writing.

Tree Drawing Analysis offers insights to personality and character, relatively quickly. With knowledge and practise, it is possible to observe how people perceive themselves and how they act and interact with their environment. It reveals emotional develeopment and areas of interest, expressions of anxiety and defence mechanisms. It provides indicators of past experiences but it is not a clinical tool per se. Certainly, some of the findings may indicate psychological matters but these should be handled with extreme caution by those unqualified in counselling or therapeutic care. Professional and personal boundaries must be acknowledged and respected.

Introduction

In nature, nothing is perfect and everything is perfect. Trees can be contorted, bent in weird ways, and they're still beautiful.

Alice Walker

The Mighty Oak?

A physically strong individual, who can be determined and assertive - on her own terms. Is more easily influenced by female friends and relatives but reaches out to establish links with male friends. There is some constriction or blocking of energy, perhaps a resistance to change (without her realising). May not have accepted her sexuality and hides her feelings regarding this. She protects herself against romantic involvement.

Though she has a strong sense of 'self' and is able to withstand external pressures, she can be reserved and inhibited. She has a need for privacy and solitude and resents intrusions that make her feel vulnerable. If these are perceived to be deliberate she can be unforgiving, though she may not always say what she feels.

Parents have split but she maintains relationships with both and though this may have caused her recent trauma it doesn't appear to be of great significance. However, perhaps because of this event and as a way of self-protection, she guards against parental influence, especially her mother's but she is strong enough to withstand it. She shows a need to be accepted/approved by her father and is shaking of her 'loss' caused by the breakup with resilience.

Wants to do her 'own thing' and has high expectations and a belief these can be achieved. Despite her obvious creative talents she shows an interest in developing these in a tangible, possibily scientific way. Her efforts to clarify and develop her thoughts and her ability to make critical judgments allow her to shield herself against outside influences.

Tree Drawing Analysis - an introduction
Through writing and drawing we project our inner thoughts, feelings and desires. Many years ago, before I had any knowledge of Tree Drawing Analysis, I used the metaphor of a tree to solve a particular problem for a project I was involved with. Even though I no longer have the sketch, the tree's image remains firmly etched in my memory. As I recall it into my consciousness, I am aware now just how much of my own personality I was projecting onto my hopes and desires for the outcome of the project. The type of tree, its placement on the page and the way if was drawn all had significance that passed me by at the time