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.