Genodrama: Conceptual Delimitations, Methodology and Practice
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: This article aims to clarify and delimit genodrama from a conceptual and methodological perspective. To this end, the main units of work and intervention in the transgenerational and psychogenealogical approach – the family tree, the genogram, the genosociogram and genodrama – are defined and related to one another. Genodrama, defined as putting the genogram into action, is placed operationally at the intersection between the systemic representation of the family (through the genogram and the genosociogram) and psychodramatic representation (using the techniques specific to the method). The aim of genodrama is described, together with three levels of the therapeutic process: identification and awareness (through the genogram and genosociogram), psychodramatic exploration and elaboration (psychodramatic enactment), and integration and reframing (closure techniques). Alongside the models described by Faller Vitale, Tóth and Swallow, the author presents her clinical experience, condensed in the Axis Genodrama Model™, a way of working centred on a single emotional, cognitive or relational axis. The article also addresses the delimitation of the stage space, the aesthetics and movement of the scene, and the instructions for role reversal. The article is theoretical and methodological and aims to contribute to a still limited literature on genodrama.
Author: Schmidt, Cristina
Institution: University of Bucharest
Language: English
Subfield: Social Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7225327429