1. Mike Perkins Columbia College
Ecomaps
Mike Perkins
Columbia College

2. What is it?
The ecomap is a “snapshot” of the client within their family and social environment at a particular point in time.
Used to assess and plan interventions for a client.

3. An Eco-map is a graphical representation that shows all of the systems at play in an individual's life.
They can also be used to depict the flow of “energy” into and out of a system.
Eco-maps are used in individual and family counseling within the helping professions.

4. Ann Hartman
Developed by Ann Hartman in 1975 as a means of depicting the ecological system that encompasses a family or individual (Hartman, 1995).

5. Interaction With the Environment
Systems theory and/or ecological perspective view of the client’s family life.
Reveals the nature of the family’s relationships with the outside environment.

6. Basic Ecomap Symbols
Female
Male

7. Connections to the Environment
Connect the environment outside of the family with the family members.
Where is energy being directed and what is the nature of that exchange?
What is the quality of that exchange?

8. Interaction With Social Environment
Identified Client

9. Commonly Used Symbols Stressful, conflictual +++++++ relationship
Tenuous and/or
uncertain relationship
Positive relationship _________
or resource
The direction of the
giving & receiving
exchange or a relationship
(also known as energy)

10. Which is the identified client?A B C

11. Which symbol represents a female?