[acb-hsp] Creating a genogram

[Susan]

I just wanted to say that I am encouraged to hear that this kind of format 
works in practical counseling settings.  I had to do a genogram for class 
this past semester, and it left me wondering how on Earth I would adapt it 
to working with clients.
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "J.Rayl" <thedogmom63 at frontier.com>
To: "Discussion list for ACB human service professionals" <acb-hsp at acb.org>
Sent: Friday, January 25, 2013 7:32 AM
Subject: Re: [acb-hsp] Creating a genogram


> Hi.  I do use genograms, however it is modified.  MY clients actually like
> it as well, and do as well, as they do with the drawings of them.
> You can learn about the actual drawing, then explain that and how to
> clients--if you so desire.
> Or, you can do as I do and have them write it out in text, drawing errors 
> or
> whatever symbols they may or may not choose.
> For example, I might start with the great grandparents--or grandparents.
> Its important to find out whether the client even knows his/her great
> grandparents or any information about them (I do not).
> So, here is an example:
> Paternal grandfather:  Marital Status--Married until death;  Children--4, 
> 3
> girls, 1 boy; Work--Sales and marketing; Medical--heart disease, died age
> 60; Mental Illness--none; Substance Abuse--none; Religion--Christian
> protestant; Political persuasion--Republican.  Education--High school
> graduate.  Other--Supportive of family, good family provider; often not 
> home
> due to work travel; no other issues.
>
> So, you go down through the line just like that:  paternal grandmother
> Maternal Grandfather, Maternal grandmother.
> Father:
> Mother:
>
> And you can include aunts, uncles, etc. as well--depends on the client, 
> what
> you are looking for, etc.
> Then, self is last.
>
> This is easy enough to create with Excel--if you know it, and I do it on
> table format so that all fields follow each other as a table.  Then, once
> they complete that, they can look at it and say:
> Well, all the men in my family work; women seem to be house wives / 
> mothers.
> No mental illness, no substance abuse;
> History of cancer, heart disease and diabetes with early death.
> (Whatever it might be).
>
> Under Other, you might include marital affairs although that could be
> included under marriage, and whatever issues seem to be significant--anger
> problems (for anger management); And I sometimes change Substance Abuse to
> Addictions which could include gambling, sex, (now internet), etc.
>
> If they do this via computer, you can (as the therapist) read it.  If not,
> you'll likely have to get them to tell you what is written there.
>
> So, hopefully that helps.  I made my University professors accept my 
> format
> because these circles, squares, lines, etc. mean nothing whatsoever to me,
> and are too difficult to explain to lower functioning clients who say: 
> what
> does that mean? Or, how do I connect that and that (while pointing to the
> circles and triangles).
>
> I've been using these some 20 years and so far, clients benefit; sighted
> supervisors live.  <smiles>
>
> Jessie Rayl
> thedogmom63 at frontier.com
> www.facebook.com/Eaglewings10
> www.pathtogrowth.org
>
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Anjelina Cruz" <anjelinac26 at gmail.com>
> To: <acb-hsp at acb.org>
> Sent: Friday, January 25, 2013 8:06 AM
> Subject: [acb-hsp] Creating a genogram
>
>
> Good morning,
> Currently I am taking a practice with families course toward my BSW.
> One of the requirements is to complete a family assessment by using a
> genogram as a visual depiction of the families structure.
> If you have used genograms, how did you create one? Thank you for your
> input.
>
> -- 
> Anjelina
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