A genogram is structurally like a family tree but serves a different purpose. Imagine a genogram as a family tree with much more detail about how the family members interact with one another. For example, a family tree might show us that "Emily and Kevin are married," while a genogram could tell us that "Jon and Jenny are married, but they are emotionally distant from one another.” A genogram becomes most valuable when it includes information about several generations. Patterns that are usually hard to decipher seem to jump out once they've been mapped on paper.
For this assignment, construct a three-generation genogram of MY family to assess MY family system and family culture. MY genogram is expected to be correct & professionally completed. Identify the patterns and significant themes in MY family of origin using your knowledge of the family models discussed in class. Discuss how these patterns could influence or influence you as an individual, parent, and partner. In what way do you think your cultural background influences your work with families? Examine how your culture and family patterns may be a barrier or strength in working with families. MY genogram and discussion should be 2pages (double-spaced).
Directions: Develop a genogram illustration that addresses the following criteria:
Choose a family (for this assignment, this can be your own family)
Draw three generations of genealogy, legal family, pets, and others who have played an integral role in the family, if applicable.
Use only standardized genogram symbols.
Show structure of family members: siblings, aunts/uncles, grandparents, remarriages, blended families (step-members and half-siblings), divorces, pets, close family friends, and god families.
List dates of birth/death, dates of marriage, and divorce. Include race, ethnicity, culture, place of birth, residency, cause of death, mental health, and substance abuse issues.
Identify family characteristics, i.e., family structure, type of marriage/parental union, length of the relationship, type of family, and authority pattern (who has the power).
Identify emotional patterns, i.e., close, conflicted, cutoff, distant, unknown, passive-aggressive (or fused & conflicted).
Identify family or generational values and issues and patterns: Occupation, education, hobbies, military duty, work ethic, family business, religion, addiction/recovery, incarceration, homicide, suicide, reunions, parenting style, mental illness, emigration from the country of birth, marriage within or outside the culture, sexuality, cancer, longevity, foster care, adoption, and child abuse. Every generation manifests its values and issues differently.
Identify social patterns, i.e., neighborhoods, communities, places of worship, work and education, and social clubs.
Full Answer Section
Siblings
- [Sibling's name]
- [Sibling's name]
Self
Spouse/Partner
Children
- [Child's name]
- [Child's name]
Patterns and Significant Themes
Close-knit family: One pattern that emerges from my genogram is that my family is very close-knit. We have always been there for each other, no matter what. This is something that I value greatly and that I want to pass on to my own children.
Resilience: Another pattern that emerges from my genogram is that my family is very resilient. We have faced many challenges over the years, but we have always come out stronger on the other side. This has taught me that I am capable of overcoming any obstacle that life throws my way.
Hard work: My family also values hard work. Both of my parents worked hard to provide for us, and they instilled in me the importance of working hard to achieve my goals. This is something that I have carried with me into my career and my personal life.
Education: My family also values education. Both of my parents and all of my aunts and uncles have college degrees. They encouraged me to pursue my education, and I am grateful for the opportunities that I have had.
How These Patterns Could Influence Me as an Individual, Parent, and Partner
The patterns and significant themes in my family of origin have influenced me in many ways as an individual, parent, and partner.
As an individual: The close-knit nature of my family has given me a strong sense of belonging and support. I know that I can always count on my family to be there for me. This has given me the confidence to take risks and to pursue my dreams.
The resilience of my family has taught me that I am capable of overcoming any challenge that life throws my way. This has given me the strength to persevere through difficult times.
The value that my family places on hard work has instilled in me a strong work ethic. I am always willing to put in the extra effort to achieve my goals.
The value that my family places on education has inspired me to pursue my education and to continue learning throughout my life.
As a parent: The close-knit nature of my family has given me a model for how to raise my own children. I want to create a home where my children feel loved and supported. I also want to teach them the importance of resilience, hard work, and education.
As a partner: The close-knit nature of my family has given me a strong sense of commitment to my relationships. I know that I want to spend the rest of my life with someone who shares my values and who will be there for me through thick and thin.
How My Cultural Background Influences My Work with Families
My cultural background influences my work with families in a number of ways. First, it has given me an understanding of the challenges and opportunities that families from different cultures face. Second, it has helped me to develop a culturally sensitive approach to working with families. Third, it has given me a deep appreciation for the importance of family in all cultures.
How My Culture and Family Patterns May Be a Barrier or Strength in Working with Families
My cultural background and family patterns could be both a barrier and a strength in working with families.
Barrier: One potential barrier is that my cultural background and family patterns are different from those of the families that I work with. This could make it difficult for me to understand their perspective and to connect with them on a personal level.
Strength: One potential strength is that my cultural background and family patterns give me a unique perspective on working with families. I am able to draw on my own experiences and to understand the challenges and opportunities that families from different cultures face.
Conclusion
My genogram has helped me to identify the patterns and significant themes in my family of origin. These patterns and significant themes have influenced me in many ways as an individual, parent, and partner. My cultural background also influences my work with families.
I believe that my cultural background and family patterns can be both a barrier and a strength in working with families. It is important for me to be aware of the potential barriers and to work to overcome them. It is also important for me to leverage my unique perspective as