Genogram Analysis Family

Genograms are used to graphically represent a family tree and display detailed data on relationships among the individuals included in the family tree. In essence, families are complex systems that interact with kin groups in specific ways, and a genogram helps to show a diagram of a family tree, but also maps out interactions, relationships, traits, and characteristics that may otherwise not be noticed. The purpose of a genogram is to identify and understand patterns in family history which may influence an individual’s personal behavior and traits. Family Systems Theory, presented by Dr. Murray Bowen, suggests that an individual cannot be understood in isolation from their family members. According to Dr. Bowen, the family is an emotional

On this genogram assignment my partner was Elizabeth Enoksen. My partner was able to identify a trend that I didn’t pick up on when I was completing my genogram. As I discussed with her about my family I shared with her about me and my kid’s relationship with their dad. Unfortunately, our relationship was not good and I became a single mother of two little boys. Elizabeth made the connection that my mom became a single parent with me and I took her strength and persevered as single mom with my children. She also noticed the trend of divorces on my father’s side of the family. Elizabeth did see the trend of me and my cousins having children before marriage.

Comparing Bowen’s family systems theory and Minuchin’s structural family theory we will outline several fundamental categories for analysis with Goldenberg & Goldenberg (2012) as our guide. We also contrast the history and theoretical orientation of both men to garner a deeper understanding of their theories. Finally we will consider integrating elements of both theories and how this makes us more effective practitioners.

MSTT, Jamiles, and Yessenia complete Genogram-See diagram. MSTT started working with the family on developing a plan to examine and evaluate any concerns they have at this time. The caregiver (aunt) expressed at this time she would like to focus on the youth because she is going through a tough time now. The youth recently has been kicked out of her grandmother's house and before that she was with her mother and their relationship was a phsycial one which leads to her being placed with her grandmother. MSTT started the discussion with the youth examining her feeling and emotions surrounding her recent circumatances. MSTT will continue to work with the youth and her aunt to help with the

I decided to use this theory to conceptualize the Brice family system because many of their problems (lack of differentiation, triangulation, projecting, and unresolved conflicts from family of origins) correlate with what Bowen lines out in his family systems model. I’m pleased with my choice to conceptualize the family from this lens. I think the Brice family fits nicely into what will work for interventions that are outlined by Bowen.

In conceptualising the development of the family system, Bowenian therapists are past-focused. They believe that emotional fusion that is passed down from one generation to the next is the cause of psychological problems (Nichols, 2010, pp 119-122). Normal family development according to Solution Focused therapist produces families with flexible structures, clear boundaries and well-organised hierarchies. This is quite similar to Bowenian’s concept of normal family development. Differentiated individuals after all need to have clear boundaries. Similarly, flexible structures and well-organised hierarchies do promote low anxiety and therefore generate positive emotional contact between family members. The difference is that instead of being past-focused, Solution Focused therapy assiduously avoids the past and focuses their clients as much as possible on the present and future. (Nichols, 2010, pp 321).

The role of intergenerational patterns is often used when referring to negative behaviors that are profoundly repeated throughout different generation (Birkenmaier, Berg-Weger & Dewees, 2014). Papero (2009) on the other hand, specifically linked the term intergenerational to relationship patterns that are being transmitted from one generation to another. To bring to light the immersion of intergenerational patterns, a brief understanding of Bowen’s Family Systems Theory is imperative. Bowen’s theory comprises of eight concepts and a major variable known as anxiety (Papero, 2014). All seven concepts address the family system while the eighth focus mainly on the social function of the society (Papero, 2014). In fact, one of the eighth concepts in Bowen theory is multigenerational transmission process playing an important role with intergenerational patterns. While conducting a systematic analysis of three generations within Lani family system, specific behaviors that were demonstrated were dysfunctional boundaries, marital outcomes, anxiety and transmission of parenting style.

How you ever feel that we, as sons or daughter tend to repeat our parent mistakes? I have always asked myself why and I still have not have the right answer. For example my mother grew up in a very strict environment when she was a child, with my grandmother and my great grandmother coming from a Japanese Culture; my mother grew up to be a very quiet and reserve young adult. She is really kind, strict, helpful and with a very big heart. Although we had our differences when I was growing up, we get along pretty well. One of the things that stand out from her, it is her stubborn personality. Although she is a really good listener, I always feel that it has to be her way. I believe she is more like her way or the

My first assumption of family therapy was to involve the parents and the individual that had the problem. This book explored further what it

A genogram is a graphic representation of a family tree that provides detailed information on relationships among individuals. More than a traditional family tree, it provides data that can be used to analyze hereditary patterns and psychological factors that characterize relationships (GenPro, 2012). One use for the genogram is therapeutic; genograms provide a visual for a therapist and his/her patient that can help quickly identify and understand various patterns in the patient's family history. These patterns may have an influence on the patient's current state of mind, and may also help to explain past feelings and events. A traditional family tree does not provide as much detailed information.

The objective of doing the genogram is to get to know the patient by gaining understanding of his/her family background. Assessing the family using systemic approach enables health care providers to learn about the ways in which family members interact, what are the family expectations and norms, how effective is the members communication, who makes decisions and how the family deals with life time stressors (Hockenberry & Wilson, 2007). This paper outlines the assessment and analysis of the three generation of Wits’ and Smiths’ families, its relationship, health pattern, habits, tradition and structure. It also provides a nursing teaching plan. The interview was conduced with Alina Wit, a second generation mother of three.

In family psychology genograms are a proper tool be used. Using a genogram can help figure out patterns that have occurred in a family with the future, present, and the past. Therapist and clinicians uses the genograms for many reasons. According to Butler (2008), “As a method to track and monitor family pat-terns, the genogram clarifies information about the family in a broader context” (p.175). Genograms help an individual and families have visual picture of healthy and unhealthy patterns that run in the family.

A genogram is a tool similar to a family tree that is used to track family history and family relationships. Genograms contain basic information such as: names, genders, birth/death dates, illnesses, social behaviors, achievements, education, family relationships, social relationships and emotional relationships (Genogram Guide, 2009). This paper will summarize finding after completing a three generation genogram of this author’s family history beginning with the maternal (Johnson) and paternal (West) grandparents. The general traits that were analyzed was the family relationships, social disorders and medical issues associated with the family.

The family that is being observed for this assignment is headed by a married couple who has been together for a little over 40th years. Cliff Barnes a 61 year old male is married to Amy Barnes 66 years old. Their immediate household composition includes Amy Barnes’s 44 year son from a previous relationship, her 22 year old grandson and the couple’s 15 year old adopted daughter. I have included the immediate family members in the attached genogram because they play a major role in the family dynamics.

My family history is quite intriguing through conflict on transgenerational levels amongst siblings and parents. This has caused such dissonance that family reunions are out of the question, however there are many cousins which remain in contact. There are many stories as to just how the original conflict began, although at this point I do not think anyone can recall the true reason. From what I was able to gather, the conflict has something to do with money borrowing and not repaying in several of the siblings in my mother’s generation. Through the use of the genogram, a pictorial illustration of a family tree, a pattern began to emerge which detailed the varying problems and the relationships among the people. This family tree is extensive since it goes past the traditional family tree by giving a chance for the users to evaluate hereditary structures as well as psychological factors punctuating the relationships. Some of the influential intergenerational genogram structures include the alcohol addiction, depression that leads to suicide, sibling alienation, and family discord between the generations beginning in the early 1900s. According to the starters or initiators of the family, therapy claimed that people are results of their limit and focusing on the nuclear families. Our personal and family experiences, as well as actions, are much captive and attracted by the genogram intergenerational patterns depending on the family experiences. According to Bowen, the human