The Subjective Genogram: An Action Therapy Tool for Family of Origin Work
Keywords:
role play, dramatic enactment, family-of-origin, genogram, Dramaturgic ModelAbstract
While a person's extended family of origin typically provides numerous role models for expressive behavior, only a limited number of these are incorporated into one's role repertoire. Wiener's (1999) Dramaturgic Model posits two of five theatrical meta-roles needed for adequate psychosocial functioning: the embodying, expressing Performer; and the responsive, self-witnessing Spectator. A case example illustrates the combined use of a "subjective genogram" (an impressionistic visual representation of the client's family of origin) in identifying the client's limited meta-roles and of dramatic role-play in expanding the client's emotional role repertoire.
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