I have a tree, too. I was sectioned up it a few years ago. When I was discharged from hospital I chose a really sunny day with lots of people around to go to the tree again, sit in its branches with a sketchbook and draw a really hopeful picture. It kind of put the tree into a different place in my mind.
I'm not sure if that would be helpful for you or not; it sounds like you have a lot of unresolved issues around the feelings you had when you were in that place, and that they're being put into the tree. I think doing something symbolic to 'let go' of the feelings can be really helpful, for example you might write down all the negative feelings you had at that time, and with the tree, go to the tree with someone you trust and tie the piece of paper to a balloon and literally let it go. However, I feel that, for many people, talking about it and getting it heard is the most important thing in the long-run and perhaps the most important part of any other symbolic process.
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