The definition of family is left entirely up to the identified client for purposes of family sculpting. When instructions are given the clients will sometimes ask who is to be included in the sculpture. Actual family members are used to create the representation. Usually this is done during a family session. In the instance when an individual is being seen as the primary client.
Family members come in to augment the work with the individual member.
In the instance where the primary client is the family or a couple. Surrogates are used to represent family members. Usually this is done during a group session as members of the group are drafted to represent family members. In this situation it is common for group members to take a turn sculpting their own individual family. Symbolic representations using pen and paper diagrams, or Kvebaek, sculptures.