The Use of Ecomaps to Explore Sexual and Gender Diversity in Couples

ABSTRACT

An ecomap, also called ecogram, is a tool that spans multiple disciplines, including social work, nursing, counseling, and other medical and mental health fields. They are a visual depiction of relationships, social networks, and social support (Crawford, Grant, & Crews, 2014). Ecomaps can be especially relevant for couples and families that have multiple layers of sexual and gender diversity, as they are facing homophobia, heterosexism, and cisgenderism. By conducting an ecomap with them, we further understand the strengths and support in their social context. In this article, we will describe this intervention, using an exemplar case.

KEYWORDS:

• Diversity in therapy
• ecomaps
• gender identity
• intervention
• sexual orientation

Notes

¹ The case example is fictional.