Family Therapy As A Client Genogram: Introduction To A Client Genogram

Family Therapy: Client Genogram

Introduction of Genogram:
I introduced the genogram to my client during our second session together. I described it as an extended version of a family tree and being structured in a similar way, it reveals intergenerational communication and relational patterns. It is a method of gaining insight into why we act a certain way or why we hold certain beliefs. As we build on this family jigsaw we can piece together a broad framework of family relationships and patterns, not only in our family of origin (FOI) but also from a multigenerational perspective. Paolo Freire asserts “No one goes anywhere alone, even those who arrive physically alone .... we carry with us the memory of many fabrics, a self, soaked in our history and our culture” (Freire, 1994, P. 31 as cited in McGoldrick, Gerson, & Petry, 1985).

Relevancy of Genogram for this client:

When people engage in counselling, they usually have a limited view of the cause of their current issue (McGoldrick et. al, 1985). The genogram facilitates the exploration of learned patterns of behaviour not only from within the FOI but also across multiple generations. It will be particularly useful in this case study as the client is experiencing confusion in understanding her feelings and emotions. The client is growing increasingly concerned by

“Ostensibly simple questions may also unearth family secrets” (Imber Black, 1993, 1998; as cited in McGoldrick et. al, 1985). Great care should be taken to not rush too far ahead and take the session at a comfortable pace for the client. Counsellors never know where asking people about their families may lead or when something significant may come out almost without awareness, revealing experiences a client has not entered into their own narrative and provoking an intense