Discover Your Family Story

family tree

Family Story

I discovered the power of the genogram while earning my Master’s of Divinity in Marriage and Family Therapy.  A genogram is a hand-drawn family tree with symbols.  The symbols represent the cast of players from the life of a client.  The symbols convey a story of conflict, closeness, accomplishments, secrets, disappointments, and many more.  Genograms are a potent therapeutic tool because it helps clients visualize their family connects and retell long forgotten legacies.

Family Tree

tree roots

Likewise, countless people have benefited from creating their family tree through programs and websites like Ancestry.com.  I recently had the experience of requesting my DNA through AncestryDNA.com.  Looking back in time and history through this powerful tool was incredibly empowering and grounding.  As an African-American, the records and archives can only help me but so much.  Since DNA sequencing has become available to the public, the sense of groundedness among African-Americans has exploded with possibilities and curiosity.  Having a sense of history has provided me a richer sense of self.  Not that I lacked having a sense of who I was before.  It was reassuring and validating.

Family DNA

A family tree is like a genogram except you don’t need a therapist to construct it. I believe the results can be just as powerful and profound.  What kind of story does your DNA tell? If you ready to start your journey of self-discovery, click here for your discount link.  Otherwise, make an appointment with us and we’ll guide you and walk with you through the painful parts of your journey.

Dr. Dave
administrator
Dr. Dave Jenkins, DMin, LMFT is a marriage and family therapist in the Northern Virginia area; retired US Army counselor/medic. He's the founder of Fredericksburg Relationship Center. He's been married to the same woman for more than 30 years and has four children, a daughter-in-law and son-in-law.