Psychogenealogy

Psychogenealogy was conceptualized by the French psychoanalyst Anne Ancelin Schützenberger in the 1970-1980s ("The Ancestor Syndrome", 1993). It draws on psychoanalysis, family systemics (Boszormenyi-Nagy) and family constellations (Bert Hellinger). Today practiced by psychologists, psychotherapists and specialized coaches.

Psychogenealogy posits that certain patterns, blockages, illnesses, or life repetitions have roots in transgenerational family history. Unspoken truths, traumas, unfinished mourning, anniversary dates of dramas, family secrets, invisible loyalties to ancestors: all this would leave traces in the descendants' psyche. Exploring the family tree would help identify and release these transmissions.

A session lasts 60 to 90 minutes. First meeting: building the family tree over 3 to 5 generations with dates, significant events, professions, causes of death. Following sessions: exploration of resonances with your current problem ("anniversary syndrome", repetitions, loyalties), emotional work on identified transmissions. Often combined with other approaches (analysis, EMDR, constellations).

Pattern repetitions (relational, professional, health), unexplained difficulties with a sense of "inheritance", unresolved family bereavements, family secrets, intrafamily conflicts. Complementary tool to psychotherapy, not substitute.

Limited scientific research but close concepts are studied: transgenerational trauma transmission (studies on descendants of Holocaust survivors, genocides), behavioral epigenetics (transgenerational effects documented in animals). The specific clinical application of psychogenealogy remains poorly validated.

Prefer professional psychologists or psychotherapists (Quebec Order of Psychologists, European equivalents) with complementary training in psychogenealogy. Avoid "ancestor liberation coaches" without basic psychological training. Typical fees: $100 to $180 per session.