I'm Jennifer Beman, and I invented BioGraffs based on a philosophy of storytelling I developed throughout my career as a documentary editor. I've spent 30 years understanding storytelling, the different ways stories can unfold based on different perspectives in a documentary, and how transformative storytelling can be for the storyteller themselves. ​ It started with talking about sex. In 2016 I started a monthly women's discussion group because I was interested in helping women share their stories about their relationships and their sexual experiences. I thought I might make a documentary about it. I invented an activity for that group that involved using cubes to stand for sexual values. It was so successful in my discussion group that I turned it into an interactive art installation called the Graphic Sex Project to help people tell their sexual stories, de-shame talking about sex, and open up new conversations about preferences. At multiple events across the country, I asked people to make a "graph" of a good sexual experience using colored cubes. The installations were a huge success. People could make a graph, or just browse the collection of graphs other people had made at previous installations. It was a featured event around the DC areas, as well as at several Sex Weeks events at Universities across the country. ​ What I discovered doing these installations was that this quirky way of looking at sexuality was a uniquely powerful way for a person to get a new perspective on their desires, and the graphs they created were a great conversation opener with a partner, sparking deep discussion on a typically difficult topic. ​ I soon realized that this was actually a very helpful way to think about any difficult topic. That couples could benefit from using this tool to open up tricky conversations, or just have a fun night of in-depth discussion of personal topics. I realized that the BioGraffs method creates the a structure that encourages active listening and the space for couples to really hear each other, expound on their perspective, and communicate better. I also saw how it could be a useful tool for therapists to share with their clients. I sought input from psychotherapists, psychologists, and counselors on how to make this tool work for people in clinical settings. In 2022, I teamed up with ACT therapist Joey Salvatore and Dr. Miranda Morris, a psychologist, and together we are working to make this valuable tool more widely available to people, including through therapists, counselors, coaches, and educators.

Yes, many people have made that connection. Like sand tray therapy, it access the metaphorical way our brain thinks. BioGraffs is similar to sand tray therapy in several key ways, though it has distinct differences that make it a unique tool. Similarities to Sand Tray Therapy: Nonverbal Expression of Inner Experience: Like sand tray therapy, BioGraffs allows individuals to represent their thoughts, emotions, and relationships in a tangible way rather than relying solely on verbal explanation. Symbolic Representation: In sand tray therapy, miniature objects and figures represent people, emotions, and experiences. BioGraffs uses cubes to stand for complex ideas, enabling individuals to externalize their thoughts and see them in a structured form. Facilitates Deep Conversations & Insights: Both methods help people express and process difficult topics, allowing themes to emerge that might not surface through traditional conversation alone. Interactive & Collaborative: Just as therapists use sand trays to observe patterns, relationships, and changes over time, BioGraffs enables a guided dialogue where individuals or couples can share their perspectives visually. Key Differences: Structured vs. Freeform Approach: Sand tray therapy is often open-ended, allowing clients to arrange figures in any way they feel compelled to. BioGraffs, on the other hand, provides structure through guided prompts, making it a more intentional framework for exploring communication and self-awareness. Portable & Scalable: Unlike sand tray therapy, which requires a physical tray and a collection of miniatures, BioGraffs is compact and easy to use in various settings, from coaching sessions to at-home discussions. Designed for Conversations, Not Just Therapy: While sand tray therapy is primarily used by trained therapists, BioGraffs is accessible to couples, coaches, and even individuals looking for a tool to facilitate meaningful conversations without needing formal therapeutic training.

BioGraffs is very effective in a clinical setting either with couples, family, or with individuals. Check out the testimonials for things therapists say about using this method with clients. If you are a therapists, you will want a set for your therapy toolbox! If you are a client, suggest it to your therapist, or bring them a BioGraff you made and talk about it in session. BioGraffs is a tool ​ To help clients who are caught up in their own stories To help people get distance from their story (externalize) To help people talk about hard topics, with you or with a partner To help clients share their life experiences with you To help clients talk about traumatic experiences safely To help clients gain clarity on confusing issues For clients who feel stuck For clients when you are feeling stuck For couples to understand each other better For families that need help hearing each other ​ The BioGraffs method is for any clinician looking for ways to expand their repertoire of approaches, and interested in exploring narrative and storytelling techniques. Externalizing internal narratives affords an opportunity for people to create distance from events and become the protagonist of their own choosing in the stories of their lives. Read more here

It doesn't take long for most clients to catch on to what they are supposed to do, once they get their hands on the cubes. It's easy to explain - just a minute or two. You give them a prompt to start with based on what you are working on with them. Most people spend about 10 or 15 minutes making a BioGraff. In therapy sessions, many people "narrate" what they are doing, giving you valuable insight into their thought process. Once they are done, there will be a lot to talk about. Taking a picture of the BioGraff means you'll be able to take the conversation up again next week. In the BioGraffs training, you'll get practice and instruction on what to look for in your client's BioGraffs and how to ask questions that can lead them to more insights.

BioGraffs is a unique method that helps couples create visual representations of their thoughts, feelings, and perspectives. First, it gives each person a chance to think through and organize what they want to say. The process of turning complex ideas into a visualization of emotions and perspectives helps to make those easier to share and aids in understanding. The sharing of the creations encourages active listening and curiosity about each others perspective, fostering deeper connections and more productive conversations. And it's fun and playful, so defensiveness is reduced.

OMG Yes! BioGraffs started as a way to help people talk about sex, specifically. There are so many taboos and difficulties people have talking about sex, yet talking about sex is so important. It can be hard to tell you partner what you like and don't like. It can be hard even to know, yourself! What is your favorite sexual flow (how do you like sex to go?) What gets you in the mood? How does sex usually happen for the two of you? What is your partner's favorite way to have sex? What is your fantasy? What if you could be totally selfish - what would sex be like? These are just a few of the BioGraffs you could have your couples make in session, and then talk about with you. This is sure to be a conversation that continues after the session.

BioGraffs can be a very helpful way for people to talk about traumatic experiences with a bit of distance. It's a way to externalize painful memories and thoughts with less reliance on words, or having to say things out loud. It can be a way to ease in to a difficult topic. The playful aspect of the colorful cubes can also help calm reactiveness. The tactile and experiential aspect of moving the cubes around might have benefits of accessing different parts of the brain to integrate painful memories.