Photo Genogram

- organizing ancestral patterns through photographs

A visual family tree that reveals transgenerational patterns, blockages, and resources.

"Whoever denies attachment remains tied to it."

- Wilfried Nelles

The connection between the psychogenogram and personal photographs

In this area of phototherapy, the past becomes an active participant. The psychogenogram is a method used to map family relationships as well as inherited emotional and relational patterns. It offers insight into how the decisions, emotions, and absences of the past are connected to present life situations.

When the psychogenogram is complemented with personal photographs, the process becomes even deeper: images bring to the surface emotions, memories, and connections that are difficult to express in words. Visual elements help create a new perspective on family stories and support the reframing of the past, allowing a person to come to terms with their own roots.

Transgenerational perspective

From the moment of our birth, we are immersed, in both good and difficult ways, in the bath of unconscious family repetitions that activate automatically.

This journey through family history helps us become aware of hidden traumas that may influence our lives. The purpose of the analysis is to understand and process these discoveries, and to accept our ancestors without judging them. This opens the possibility of laying down the burdens of the past, nurturing our authentic selves, and truly caring for ourselves.

Transgenerational perspective

“Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life and you will call it fate.”

- Carl G. Jung

In what situations can a photo genogram be helpful?

Unprocessed traumas and family blockages
Fears, anxiety, panic attacks
Lack of self-confidence, difficulties with self-esteem
Deepening self-awareness and self-acceptance
Recognizing recurring life situations and behavioral patterns
Understanding health conditions and emotional connections

Frequently Asked Questions

In what format does the genogram work take place?

The process takes place in an individual setting, in a personalized way, and focuses on the personal stories and relationships of the individual or family involved.

How long does one session last?

One session usually lasts approximately 90 minutes.

What kind of photographs should be collected?

The first step of the work is to gather family photographs. Although family relationships can sometimes make this process more difficult, it is important to know that the work with the genogram already begins at this stage.

How many generations are examined?

In order to recognize recurring patterns, it is recommended to review at least three generations. If earlier photographs are available, it can be useful to go further back. The genogram includes every person who has influenced the dynamics of the family system.

Do we work with online or printed photographs?

We can work with online tools as well as with printed photographs. When using printed images, it is recommended to work with copies so that the originals are not damaged.

What happens if there are no photographs available?

If photographs are not available, they can be replaced with other visual or symbolic tools.

Feedback About Me:

Hi Magda... what you said sparked my curiosity, so today I asked my mom and dad. It turns out my great-grandmother was run over and killed by a drunk driver... Thank you so much... it’s a huge gift to have met you.

Since we’ve been sitting here, I keep hearing my grandmother’s voice repeating, ‘Don’t make the same mistake I did, don’t make the same mistake I did...

I wanted to tell you that half of that furious anger I felt towards my mother has disappeared, as if I now feel pity for her -her life wasn’t easy either. I’ve visited home twice on my own since then, something I couldn’t do before! As for my sibling, I’ve realized I don’t need to compete or admire them; I’m just as valuable as they are! I need to focus on myself and not give them all my attention because I inflate them disproportionately. I also realized that I need to take my place in the family, not at the expense of others but because I have the right to it. I believe this will also help my daughter since she’s in a similar position- on her father’s side, she’s not the firstborn, but she is with me! I need to secure her place and support her in every way I can.

The anxiety I used to feel about my paternal inheritance has completely disappeared; I no longer feel the need to take care of the inherited land, sow or plow it... I had all the tulips plowed under, and I’ve leased the land to someone else. It feels so liberating.

If you are ready to explore your family dynamics and work on them with me, you can sign up here:

ARTfo Studio donates 10% of its profits to civil organizations that support positive social change.

Contact: Jakab K. Magda · Photo & Art Therapist · hello@magdajakab.com