Investigating the Use of the "Tree of Life" Methodology in Fibromyalgia

A team of investigators from the Department of Psychology, Ribeirao Preto Univ Sao Paulo Ffclrp Usp, has published a new report on the use of the "Tree of Life" methodology in a group of women with fibromyalgia. This study aimed to explore the potential of the collective narrative methodology in expanding narratives of self, enabling the construction of resources, recognizing and strengthening skills, values, and knowledge, and shifting individual intersections to collective narratives. The research, which received financial support from Fundacao de Amparo Pesquisa do Estado de So Paulo, was conducted in a multidisciplinary care institution for people with rheumatic diseases and involved 11 weekly group meetings using the "Tree of Life" methodology.

Key Takeaways:

• The study used the "Tree of Life" methodology with a group of nine women with fibromyalgia aged between 31 and 64 years.
• The methodology proved to be flexible and adaptable to the needs of the group, challenging the diagnostic logic by honoring the power of the women's life stories.
• The study was conducted in a multidisciplinary care institution for people with rheumatic diseases, providing a unique setting for exploring the use of the "Tree of Life" methodology.
• The study found that the methodology was effective in enabling the construction of resources, recognizing and strengthening skills, values, and knowledge, and shifting individual intersections to collective narratives.
• However, the study was limited by the lack of longitudinal data, which prevented the capture of the consolidation of these alternative narratives in the long term.
• The research was peer-reviewed and conducted in a collaborative setting, highlighting the importance of multidisciplinary approaches in addressing complex health issues.

Statistics:

• 11 weekly group meetings were conducted using the "Tree of Life" methodology.
• The study involved 9 women aged between 31 and 64 years with fibromyalgia.
• The study was conducted in a multidisciplinary care institution for people with rheumatic diseases.
• The research received financial support from Fundacao de Amparo Pesquisa do Estado de So Paulo.
• The study was peer-reviewed and published in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Family Therapy.

Sources:

• NewsRx. Findings from Department of Psychology Has Provided New Data on Fibromyalgia (The Use of the Tree of Life In a Women's Group With Fibromyalgia). Health & Medicine Week. October 31, 2025; p 943.
• Australian and New Zealand Journal of Family Therapy. The Use of the Tree of Life In a Women's Group With Fibromyalgia. 2025;46(3).