The Genogram

Summary

This video introduces the concept of family systems theory, focusing on the use of genograms in therapy. A genogram is a graphic representation of a family and the nature of relationships within it. The tutorial explains the symbols used to depict family members, marriages, and relationships, including emotional connections like closeness or conflict. It also covers key events, trauma, and themes that might emerge in a family history. The speaker provides practical guidance on creating and analyzing genograms, both for personal use and as a tool in therapeutic settings.

Takeaways

• 😀 Genograms are graphic representations of a family and the relationships within it, used by family therapists.
• 😀 Squares represent boys, circles represent girls, and larger symbols indicate adults, while smaller symbols represent children.
• 😀 The index person (the one being interviewed) is represented with a double line around their symbol.
• 😀 Marital relationships are indicated with solid lines, while cohabitation or engagement is shown with dashed lines.
• 😀 Divorces are represented with two slashes, with the number of years of marriage and time since divorce noted.
• 😀 Children are listed from oldest to youngest, with their names and ages written inside the symbols.
• 😀 Genograms include multiple generations, with parents, siblings, and extended family members represented.
• 😀 Deceased individuals are marked with an 'X' across their symbol.
• 😀 Special symbols like 'Y' are used for twins, and miscarriages or abortions are indicated with specific symbols.
• 😀 Emotional lines, like lightning bolts for conflict or railroad tracks for love/hate relationships, are used to represent relationship dynamics.
• 😀 Genograms help identify recurring themes, such as patterns of trauma or mental health issues across generations, in a family’s history.

Q & A

What is a genogram and how is it used in family therapy?

A genogram is a visual tool used by family therapists to map out the structure of a family, including relationships, emotional dynamics, and significant life events. It helps therapists understand family patterns and the nature of connections among family members.

What are the basic symbols used in a genogram?

In a genogram, squares represent males and circles represent females. Larger squares and circles are for adults, while smaller ones represent children. The index person, who provides information to the therapist, is marked with a double line around their symbol.

How should marriages and relationships be represented on a genogram?

A solid line is used to represent a marriage, a dashed line for cohabiting or engaged couples, with an 'e' and duration if applicable. A single slash line indicates separation, while two slashes represent divorce, and the years of marriage and separation/divorce are often noted.

What is the purpose of adding a 'T' to a genogram?

The 'T' is used to add another generation to the genogram, indicating the parents of the index person. It helps extend the family tree to include multiple generations.

How are deceased family members shown in a genogram?

Deceased individuals are marked with an 'X' over their symbol, indicating their passing. This allows the therapist to acknowledge and explore the impact of death in the family structure.

How can a therapist show the emotional relationships between family members on a genogram?

Emotional lines are used to represent the nature of relationships. For example, a strong, positive relationship is shown with three horizontal lines, while conflict is depicted with a lightning bolt. A love/hate relationship can be shown with a railroad track symbol.

What does a 'cool distant' relationship look like on a genogram?

A 'cool distant' relationship is represented with a dotted line, indicating a relationship where the individuals are not particularly close or emotionally connected.

How do therapists handle multiple marriages or divorces in a genogram?

Multiple marriages and divorces are shown by placing the current marriage in the center, with prior marriages branching out. Divorce lines are drawn, and the number of years married and the length of time since divorce are added.

Why is it important to include significant life events in a genogram?

Significant life events, such as trauma, loss, or other major occurrences, help the therapist understand how those events have shaped the family dynamics and individual relationships within the family.

What does a 'cut-off' relationship mean on a genogram?

A 'cut-off' relationship occurs when two family members have completely severed ties due to a past conflict. This is represented by a double line crossing through the relationship, indicating no contact.