Family of Origin Exploration for the Therapist: How to Create Your Genogram

November 29, 2016 Ili Rivera Walter, PhD, LMFT

Family of Origin Exploration for the Therapist-Create Your Genogram

In article three of the Family of Origin for the Therapist series, you learned 3 simple steps for how to begin family of origin (FOO) exploration: 1) read Bowen’s chapter, 2) observe your FOO experience, and 3) reflect on what you learned. Hopefully, your curiosity has led to significant understanding.

Understanding is the foundation of Bowen Family Systems Theory (BFST). Bowen (1985) believed that if clients could understand themselves as members of their FOOs and as created by their histories, they could begin and continue significant change.

In today’s post, I offer the next step in developing understanding: Creating your genogram. I explain how to create a basic genogram that you can expand as you continue your exploration.

Family of Origin Exploration for the Therapist: 3 Steps for How to Begin

November 1, 2016 Ili Rivera Walter, PhD, LMFT

Family of Origin Exploration for the Therapist: Three Steps for How to Begin

So far, I’ve covered why family of origin exploration is important for therapists, as well as the common fears that accompany facing our parents. If you haven’t read these first two articles, please read them before continuing.

In this post, I explain how to begin the process of family of origin (FOO) exploration.

Family of Origin Exploration for the Therapist: How To Overcome Your Fears

October 18, 2016 Ili Rivera Walter, PhD, LMFT

Although I am writing this series for therapists, the truth is, when it comes to facing our families, just as when it comes to our personal change, we are only human--we are the same as our clients. This is one of the benefits of our own family of origin (FOO) exploration: We can confidently ask clients to examine their histories, because we have, and we know what it takes.

Family of Origin Exploration for The Therapist: Why it Matters, and Its Benefits

October 4, 2016 Ili Rivera Walter, PhD, LMFT

In today’s post, I explain how I learned about and implemented family of origin (FOO) exploration and its resulting impact on my relationships. I also present background on the idea of FOO exploration for therapists, as well as its benefits.