Personal Identity and The Identity Tree

The Identity Tree (c)
Jeffrey W. Katke 9/2011

I often hear people say something like, “I don’t know who I am anymore.” The Identity Tree is a response to those who believe they have lost who they are because of a lost job, an important family member or friend, or some other traumatic loss experience. This idea came about as the result of a recent hiking experience. 

My wife and I were hiking in the woods of Northern Michigan when I spotted a huge White Pine tree. Its 100-foot canopy spread widely over the entire area we were in at the time. As I looked at the tree, I noticed several small and large branches directly below the canopy that were dying, barren, or broken. They made the tree to appear less than healthy if you did not consider the huge canopy. I also notice that the trunk was wide and solid without a hint of former branches; just unblemished bark. I am sure that this tree was well over one-hundred years old. Here is my revelation and how it became the “Identity Tree”.

I saw this tree as a metaphor for an person’s life. A tree is a living growing entity, different in its species, it growing habits, and appearance. There are those that are healthy, and those that are not healthy, and each will thrive differently because of its genes and the environment. Conceptually, as it related to our identity as a person, a tree has much in common with us. It is a way to consider how deep, rich, and resilient your are, even when difficulties provide a challenge who you think you are or are not.

In this metaphor, the various aspects of an individual’s life and character are associated with the corresponding attributes of The Identity Tree. In this tree are the normal parts: the roots, trunk, branches, and a canopy of leaves. The roots of this tree are those characteristics, traits, and environmental influences that shape who we have become. The trunk represents the core of our identity, which are the values, principles, and morals by which we live our lives. Next, are the branches that are withered, broken, or otherwise stressed. On the Identity Tree, the branches represent the various experiences or life altering events that have effected a client’s growth (positively or negatively), but are no longer a central part of their life. Then there is the canopy. The canopy of where you live; this is your here and now. Within the canopy are your opportunities to make your life rich and whole. This is where you are free to self-actualize and give your life new meaning and purpose.

As a final thought that completes this vision of a healing opportunity. The base of a tree heals itself of prior wounds from the lost branches over time. The wounds are lost to the unscarred bark that surrounds the tree as it increases in size and strength. In visualizing the Identity Tree, you can see how it heals of past wounds. As your “tree” heals over time, it also strengthens and increases your presence in the world and your value to your self and others.