The Genogram: From Diagnostics to Mutual Collaboration

Abstract

In this article, the authors present the need for the integration of mutual client-therapist collaboration into the process of genogram construction and demonstrate through case examples from their own practice how such integration enhances the therapeutic power of the genogram. The authors also suggest possible changes in the training of marriage and family therapists in order for such integration to become more easily incorporated, especially by beginning-level therapists. The collaborative genogram is consistent with postmodern principles and recaptures Bowen’s idea of mutual discovery in therapy.