The Reproductive Genogram: A Tool for Enhancing Personal Awareness in Training

Abstract

Reproduction is a central organizing principle of family life that impacts clients across the biopsychosocial domains of health. As such, reproductive issues commonly arise within behavioral health and medical settings. Although factual knowledge of reproductive concerns is essential within clinical training, it is insufficient in the preparation of personal awareness and clinical attunement. This article introduces and describes the reproductive genogram as an adaptation to the traditional family genogram for use in training contexts. The reproductive genogram provides a structured, experiential training tool based in family systems and reproductive justice frameworks to encourage practitioners to view reproductive health within a sociopolitical context and intergenerational lens. Through guided construction and narrative reflection, practitioners can examine how their personal, familial, and sociocultural reproductive histories influence their identities, values, biases, and clinical responses. The goal of this tool is to enhance self-awareness and intentional use of self when working with clients presenting with reproductive issues. Implications for training and future research directions are discussed.