Client Family-of-Origin Interviews with Their Parents

Abstract Intergenerational family therapists suggest sessions or homework assignments to aid clients in learning to differentiate from their families of origin. In the process, adult children benefit from getting to know their parents as real people. In addition, during parental interviews, adult children can learn about themselves, learn about the origin of dynamics they currently experience in primary relationships, and intergenerational connections may be strengthened. This article suggests specific questions for clients to ask their parents when they conduct parental interviews as part of the course of therapy. The questions are specifically designed to aid clients in meeting the goals listed above.