"Whoever denies attachment remains tied to it."

– Wilfried Nelles

A genogram is a visual representation of family relationships and interactions, where patterns, traumas, strengths and behaviours that have been passed down through generations can be mapped out. When enhanced with photographs, the genogram becomes even more effective in identifying behavioral patterns and connections between family members. This deepens the understanding of family stories and relationships, allowing individuals to reframe their personal narratives. By using visual elements, the genogram helps clients express emotions that may be difficult to articulate in words.

Transgenerational Perspective

From the moment we are born, we are instantly immersed into a complicated web of family dynamics and patterns. For better or for worse, these unconscious processes are automatically activated and impact our lives from the very beginning. By exploring our family history, we can become aware of hidden traumas that may be influencing our lives. The goal of this analysis is to understand and process these discoveries, and to accept our ancestors without judgment. This offers the opportunity to release the burdens of the past a while simultaneously nurturing our true selves.

“The human psyche is not an isolated system but part of a larger whole. Often, an individual’s soul bears the imprint not only of their own experiences but also of a long historical development originating from their ancestors. Thus, an individual frequently has to deal with issues passed down through generations that their forebears were unable to resolve.”

– Carl G. Jung: Memories, Dreams, Reflections

In What Situations Can a Photo Genogram Lead to Effective Improvement?

  •  Unprocessed traumas
  •  Fears, anxieties and panic attacks
  •  Low self-confidence
  •  Depression
  •  Improving the quality of relationships
  •  Self-awareness, self-acceptance and self-confidence
  •  Reviewing health conditions
  •  Recurrent accidents
  •  Failures
  •  Parenting issues
  •  Understanding the roots of continuously repeating patterns and behaviors

How Does It Work? How Do We Get Started?

  •  Individual sessions: The process is tailored to the individual and focuses on the personal stories and relationships of the person or family involved.
  •  Duration: A session typically lasts around 90 minutes.
  •  Gathering photographs: The first step is to collect family photos. While family dynamics may complicate this process, it is important to note that the work with the genogram begins at this stage.
  •  Reviewing generations: To recognize recurring patterns, it is recommended to examine at least three generations. If older photos are available, it is worth going even further back. The genogram includes everyone who has influenced the dynamics of the family system.
  •  Working with photographs: We can work with photographs online or with printed copies. If using printed photos, it is advised to work with duplicates to avoid damaging the originals.
  •  In the absence of photographs: If no photos are available, other visual or symbolic tools can be used as substitutes.

How Can the Completed Photo Genogram Support Personal Development?

  •  Through systematic mapping, significant patterns and emotionally charged connections that impact your life can be identified and redefined.
  •  Organizing the photos may reveal new information about family members and uncover family secrets that have been holding you back.
  •  It allows you to bring traumatic relationships to the surface so that they can be processed, providing a deeper understanding of family dynamics.
  •  It can help you trace your problem back to its roots and set you on the path of change.
  •  It can restore family balance.

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 decided that I won’t be Penelope like my grandmother was. In a way, I’m taking up her ‘revenge.’ Thank you for everything!”

“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: