The geno-sociogram is a variant of the genogram developed by Anne Ancelin Schützenberger in her work on Psychogenealogy. It differs from the classic McGoldrick genogram in three dimensions: it incorporates the extended social network (not just the biological family), adds detailed psychological data (symptoms, therapies, hospitalizations), and maps key events by exact date to detect coincidences of the anniversary syndrome.
Its distinctive clinical utility: detecting transmissions that the standard genogram does not capture. While McGoldrick maps structure, the geno-sociogram maps temporal and social dynamics. The clinical question is: what is repeating, when, at what age, on what date in the family calendar?
Schützenberger documented how, through a carefully constructed geno-sociogram, patterns invisible to the naked eye emerge: four generations of women with severe depression upon turning 38, three generations of men who die around the anniversary of an original clan trauma, professions that always repeat in the second child of each generation.
For the Constelando website, the geno-sociogram can be offered as an advanced tool (post-session) when a consultant wishes to explore temporal patterns in their lineage more deeply.
Clinical Example
A consultant constructs her geno-sociogram with her Constellator. When crossing dates, a disturbing pattern emerges: the maternal grandmother was given up for adoption at age 7, the mother developed severe asthma at age 7, she herself experienced recurrent panic attacks since age 7. Three generations, the same age, the same rupture of affective continuity.
Illustrative case, anonymized and composed from frequent patterns in Family Constellation sessions.
Bibliography
- Oh, My Ancestors — Anne Ancelin Schützenberger. Taurus, 2008.
These books are in the reference library that nourishes Constelando el Origen.
Site articles that address this topic
Related terms
Clinical Genogram
Standardized family diagram mapping at least three generations with universal symbols (McGoldrick). Visual base of systemic work.
View entryFamily Atlas
Expanded visual map of the family system that includes a standard genogram + systemic readings + emotional data + transgenerational events in a single visual piece.
View entryAnniversary Syndrome
Repetition of life events—illnesses, accidents, crises—on specific dates or ages that coincide with significant lineage events.
View entryAnne Ancelin Schützenberger
French psychologist (1919-2018), founder of psychogenealogy. Documented the anniversary syndrome and transgenerational transmission.
View entryA session that names what hurts
If you recognize this dynamic in your own history, a Family Constellation can reveal where it comes from and what movement brings order to it. Daniela respectfully accompanies each case.
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