Creating a Genogram

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Creating a Genogram Necole C. Hall, M.S. Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling Walden University Creating a Genogram The genogram is similar to mapping or clustering relationships of families. The family is the body, and the relationships and behaviors are the body parts that help the body function. The genogram helps reveal what causes the issues and how each member relates to each other. It has symbols that create a visual description of what the family is going through, how their issues were created, and why they are going through their issues. The genogram is used to specify the different feelings, emotions, and connections of each member of the family. A genogram is used to thoroughly describe the behaviors of family members. This strategy does not discriminate against any race, age, gender, disability, or mental health need. The concepts of the genogram are able to help family members relate to and gain respect for each other. By creating a genogram, the counselor is able to assist the family with setting goals, learning different coping techniques, and an effective treatment and behavior plans for the couple or family (Butler, J. F. 2008). The Dynamics of the Family Family values are examples of family dynamics. The values are the family religious or spiritual beliefs. The behaviors of each member are an example of family dynamics. The way members behave effects the entire home. When one member struggles with behavior, others suffer as well. Every member has a position and responsibility in the home. For example, our bodies are a unit. The arms, legs, head, and feet are members. If the members are not on one accord, the unit will be unable to function properly. The dynamics are affected by conflict such a... ... middle of paper ... ...y blame each other for the dysfunctional situations. This family genogram reveals the relationships and the weak connection between the members of the family (Butler, J. F. 2008). Being a counselor, it is important to identify the core of the issues of couples and families. The families confide in counselors with their private information, and they are reaching out for help. Counselors should not take a family’s request for help lightly. The genogram is a tool that is capable of specifying a family’s history, conflicts, and need (Butler, J. F. 2008). References Butler, J. F. (2008). The family diagram and genogram: Comparisons and contrasts. The American Journal of Family Therapy, 36(3), 169–180. Gladding, S. T. (2010). Ch9.Family therapy: History, theory, and practice (5th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson. Chapter 9, “Psychodynamic and Bowen Family Therapies”

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