Module 4: Lesson 1

Tools to Draw and Explain the FST Apple Tree

Worksheet

FST Digital Advanced Training Course12 FST Techniques to Become a Family Trauma Expert

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Lesson 1Tools to Draw and Explain

the FST Apple TreeWorksheet #1 will outline Step 1 of the three mini-steps to apply the FST Seed/Tree Diagram Technique:

Step 1: Explain the Apple Tree Metaphor

Step 2: Explain Toxic Seed Definitions

Step 3: Explain Undercurrents

This worksheet is designed to help you:

• Zoom out: Where the FST Seed/Tree Diagram fits in Phase I of the FST Model

• Learn the important transition sentences

• How to draw the Apple Tree and explain what the apples on the tree mean

Three Action StepsThere are 3 Action Steps to help you master the first mini step of explaining the Apple Tree as a whole and then how the “apples” represent and the top problems (i.e., the child’s problem symptoms) in the stress chart.

#1 – �Zoom�Out�to�Chapter�3�(pgs.�40-41)�of�Your�Resource�Book�and�Your�FST�Model�Flowchart�in�Downloads�for�the Seed/Tree Diagram Technique

Please read Chapter 3 – pgs. 40-41

Why?As first introduced in your Module 3, Lesson #1 worksheet, a zoom out to the FST Model with each technique allows you to:

1. Visualize your timing and sequencing of how to deliver this technique relative to the other ones in the FST Model and Phase of treatment

And

2. Connect theory (integrative) to technique (eclectic) using Chapter 3 in your Resource Book and to the FST Model flowchart found in your Downloads

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#2 – �Transition�Sentence�to�Introduce�the�FST�Seed/Tree�Technique and Draw Apple Tree

Transition SentenceAfter the stress chart is completed, the FST therapist’s next step is to find out the causes of the stress using the following transition statement:

Now that we know your stressors, let’s find out what is causing your stress. To do this, I will draw an apple tree, and together we will find out why these stressors [list them from the flip chart] are happening to your child and family.

After this statement, you will draw out the picture of the apple tree (see Figure 1) right below the stress chart on the same flip chart page if there is room. If there isn’t enough room, simply draw the apple tree on a separate flip chart page next to the stress chart.

In this way, you are connecting the dots between the stress chart and the apple tree.

You can also use the Apple Tree Powerpoint Slide in your Downloads (see Figure 1) and project it onto an LCD screen or television for dramatic effect.

Draw Out Apple TreeIn Lesson 1, you saw me draw out the Apple Tree with 15-year-old Charles and his family. It was not a great drawing (I am a poor artist), but it doesn’t have to be.

It is a drawing to visually help show the family the cause of the “Top 3 Problems” or problem symptoms of the identified child from the Stress Chart.

You will use the “apples” of the tree represent the child’s problem symptoms that one can see with the naked eye (i.e., self-harm, aggression, anxiety, disrespect, etc.) that are caused by the toxic seeds and their associated unhealthy undercurrents that are hidden beneath the soil. The next action steps in this worksheet will outline how each part of the tree is explained.

Hence, having the Apple Tree drawn immediately beneath the stress chart helps convey a visual cause and effect connection.

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#3 – �Explain�the�ApplesAfter you draw out your Apple Tree, you will explain to the family how the apples represent the top 3 problems or “stressors” listed on their stress chart to indicate a stressed-out family, in the same way, bruised apples indicated a stressed-out tree.

The following transition statement is used:

These apples [point to them on the flip chart] represent the stressors in your family. These are also called symptoms [draw label “stressors/symptoms” and then draw an arrow from that label to the apples]. Like the tree’s apples, I can see your stressors or symptoms with my naked eye. If I came over to your house, I could see [name their stressors: depression, aggression, disrespect, etc.].

As you explain what the apples represent, look closely at everyone’s body language. If anyone looks confused, ask that person, “What did you hear me say?” The apple symbolism is important because it segues nicely to what is often unseen or rarely talked about in the open, the root causes [undercurrents and toxic seeds] of the identified child’s unhealed trauma.

As illustrated in Lesson 1, for dramatic impact, you can literally bring into your meeting an actual bruised apple that the family member can hold in their hand.

I personally often bring in an apple because our families learn in different ways. Some learn

Figure 1: The Apple Tree

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audibly, others by sight, and others by touch. Therefore, to achieve maximum impact hit all your client senses whenever possible during your sessions.

For additional information, please see Chapter 5 – pgs. 130-132. These three pages outline the rationale behind this technique and provide further examples of how to draw and introduce the Apple Tree to your client or family.

Congratulations! You are now ready to go to:

Lesson #2 and Worksheet #2 to master Step 2: Explain Toxic Seed Definitions.

Success MilestonesAfter you complete this lesson #1 worksheet look for these success milestones to see immediate positive outcomes in your practice:

✔ Drawing the Apple Tree Pulls the Family In and Gives Hope – Look for the following signs in your family as you draw your first apple tree:

• Family members will tell you they love the tree as a visual because it helps to connect the dots between the child’s problems and bruised apples.

• By seeing the apples first, you will see that your family members are then ready and motivated to seed the cause using toxic seeds and undercurrents.

• It draws them into the Apple story because they are now part of the story.

• Watch for hope in your family members also to dramatically increase as the Apple Tree picture gives a new way to look at an old problem.

✔ Your Confidence in Systems Theory Grows – Notice how your confidence in the FST Model and systems application grows. The apple tree metaphors instantly can take you from an individual child problem to a family solution as apples (child symptoms) are quickly connected to seed and undercurrents that entails a family systems solution.

For example, in one family, the child’s problem symptom of aggression (the apple) was connected to an unhealed wound seed that was directly the result of the unhealthy undercurrent of loss of nurturance between parent and child. The parent unable to attach or nurture their child for years creates unforgiveness that can eventually lead to the symptom of aggression.

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This new systems insight instantly empowers you to see your child’s problem from a systems angle, and when you do, both you and your family can see a family systems solution. In turn, your confidence in the theory grows.

And more confident therapists, case managers, or parent advocates equals improved skill levels.

However, without the Apple Tree roadmap, this family systems explanation is often lost for both the counselor and the family. Remember, a picture is worth a thousand words.

Big Ideas: Lesson 1 VideoHow�to�Deliver�the�Apple�Tree�Metaphor

✔ You saw an overview of the first of three mini-steps to master the FST technique of the Seed/Tree Diagram and that this lesson would focus on Step 1: Explain the Apple Tree Metaphor.

✔ You also saw the transition statement that you will use to introduce Seed/Tree Diagram and how you can draw out the Apple Tree on a flip chart or use the Powerpoint Slide in your download section.

Case�Example:�Seeing�the�Apple�Tree�Metaphor�in�Action ✔ You saw me demonstrate this first mini step with 15-year-old Charles and his

family.

✔ After the case example, I summarized the 6 takeaways from the case example that you replicate in your practice.

✔ The FST Community asked some great questions at the end.

Please Note: Materials that are included in this course may include interventions and modalities that are beyond your authorized practice as a mental health professional, case manager or parent support liaison. As a professional, you are responsible for reviewing your scope of practice, including activities that are defined in law as beyond the boundaries of practice in accordance with and in compliance with your professions standards.