![]() I would take either a big sheet of paper or lots of pieces I could later join together, some coloured pens and draw a genogram and key, focused on the unique dynamics of the family.Ī study by Laird et al. I quickly fell in love with the concept – more than just asking and drawing who was in the family, but exploring the relationships, family scripts and social GGRRAAACCEEESSS within the family network. Prior to this, I had used the genogram/family tree function on the local authorities recording system, but other than using and adding to this to understand who (to our knowledge) was in the biological family, I had not used it as a tool for direct or relational work with families.Ī genogram is a visual tool that shows a family tree and is used to give a pictorial representation of a family system. McGoldrick, M., Gerson R., and Shellenberger Norton S., (1999) Genograms: Assessment and Intervention.Author: Hannah Scott When I was two years into my social work practice, I was introduced to the cultural genogram through systemic training. McGoldrick, M., Gerson R., (1985), Genograms in Family Assessment, Norton Queensland Government - Interview Resource - Genogram List children in birth order and put names and ages either within the symbol or underneath.ĭeath - a small cross in the corner of the symbol (record date if known)ĭotted circle - this can be used to enclose the members living together currently, for example, who the young person is living with. Symbols for drawing the genogram or family treeĭe facto relationship - commencement date or ages Did anyone else leave home early? Is anyone else interested in art? etc.Ask about family values, beliefs and traditions.Ask about characteristics or habits of family members, particularly those relevant to your role: health issues, alcohol/ drug use, physical and mental health, violence, crime/trouble with the law, employment, education.Is there anyone else who is very close in the family? Or who really don't get along?.Is there any one here that you really don't get along with?.What is/was your relationship like with.?.Ask about relationships between family members.As the young person tells you about family members and relationships, make a note alongside the name.You may ask them to tell you a bit about each person. ![]() ![]() Start with drawing the family structure, who is in the family, in which generations, how they are connected, birth/marriage, deaths etc.Include significant others who lived with or cared for the family.Aim to gather information about three generations: the young person's generation, their parent, and their grandparents.is there an issue with a particular family member that brings them to your service? ![]() Start with questions that are relevant to your role with the young person, e.g.Keep this guide beside you and let the young person know that you are learning how to draw genograms - your honesty will be appreciated. It is often useful to keep a genogram in the back of the young person's file, to refer to and add to in subsequent sessions. You can make it relaxed, informal and fun, e.g. ![]() Use a large piece of paper (A3 or bigger), to give you plenty of room for drawing and recording extra information over time.Īlways put a date on the genogram, and a date next to additional information recorded. Use this tool sensitively and in cases where you think it will be useful to help promote healthy change and the development of more positive relationships in the young person's life. However be aware that some young people may find seeing a visual picture of the state of their relationships confronting, particularly if the majority of relationships in their life at present are conflictual or distant. Most young people really enjoy this opportunity to talk about their family history, and it can work as a good tool to build trust and rapport in a working relationship. This visual representation of a family can help you to identify patterns or themes within families that may be influencing or driving the young person's current behaviour. A genogram or family tree is a useful tool to gather information about a young person's family. ![]()
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