Two members of staff at mental wellness centre Solstice have completed training in working with children, young people and adults who have experienced hard times.

Managing director and social worker Kelly Madeiros and art therapist Reilly Smith have done advanced training in the internationally acclaimed Tree of Life methodology.

TOL, a culturally sensitive and non-invasive therapeutic approach, is designed to empower individuals, families and communities to build resilience and navigate trauma, loss and grief through narrative building, said Solstice.

“This advanced training has energised us with new tools and strategies to broaden the reach of the Tree of Life methodology,” Ms Madeiros said.

In the new year, Solstice will launch Tree of Life loss and grief support, designed to help individuals and groups honour and celebrate their connections with people, animals or aspects of life they have lost.

“We are inspired by how the Tree of Life approach to loss and grief allows people to reflect on the significance of their relationships and experiences in a way that celebrates them, rather than focusing solely on the sadness of the loss,” Ms Smith added.

“This perspective fosters healing and resilience while honouring what is meaningful.”