One of the first steps of Integrative Body Psychotherapy (IBP) counselling is to make a map of family structure, family beliefs, and family relationships over three generations. This map, called a “Primary Scenario” is an initial step into discovering the underlying belief systems that are (consciously or unsconsciously) colouring one's perspectives and helping to create one's understanding of the world.

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The Primary Scenario generally takes one to two sessions to complete and consists of a map centered on the questioner showing family members and significant relationships. Principle characteristics and relational patterns of each are mapped out, giving a picture of the historical/cultural and family matrix in which the person has lived and developed. This map can then be referred to during the rest of the counselling process in order to put behaviour patterns and beliefs (wanted or unwanted) into context and to understand their origin.

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