Understanding the use of genograms in counseling and supervision includes the history of religious values in the counseling profession. In 1961, three groups of Catholic counseling entities merged and became the National Catholic Guidance Conference (NCGC). The NCGC became the 10th division of the APGA in 1973, with a focus on religion and values in the counseling profession. In 1977, the NCGC became the Association for Religious and Value Issues in Counseling (ARVIC) as the group moved beyond Catholic professionals in its inclusion of religion and values. There are numerous operational definitions of spirituality that all embrace personal relationships and growth that include beliefs and practices. Fowler's six stages of spiritual development can be used as the framework in working with clients and providing supervision to counselors.
