Tree of Life with Older Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Muslim Women: Feasibility, and Acceptability in a Community Setting

Abstract

AlthoughAustralia is one of the fastest growing multicultural societies in the world,there is a scarcity of culturally-sensitive interventions to support culturallyand linguistically diverse (CALD) groups settled in the country.  Consequently, the current study explored thefeasibility and acceptability of a strengths-based narrative therapy (the Treeof Life) in a CALD community setting. Nine older, Muslim women from diverse backgrounds voluntarilyparticipated in a manualised program over six weeks, at a non-governmentcommunity centre for Muslim women. Quantitative data on clinical outcomes were gathered before and afterthe intervention.  The women alsoprovided anonymous feedback after each session and participated in a focusgroup at the completion of the program. Overall, the Tree of Life (TOL) was supported as a culturally-sensitiveintervention, found to be feasible and acceptable for use in communitysettings. The findings have implications for community organisations andstakeholders who work with older Muslim women. Future research and practicewould benefit from further exploration of the TOL and narrative therapies witholder Muslim and CALD communities.