Lecture on Genograms: Mapping Family Patterns

Introduction to Genograms

• Genograms: Tools to visualize family history and patterns.
• Serve as a "one-page story" about a family.
  • Includes basic legal and biological structure.
  • Extends over three or more generations.
  • Includes demographics: names, ages, locations, health, and relationships.

Creating Genograms

• Use standardized symbols for consistency and readability.
• Computerization: Future potential for easier data management.
• Standardization: Important for genograms to become a shared language.

Clinical and Therapeutic Uses

• Aid in understanding individual contexts in diverse family forms.
• Part of a larger process of assessing and helping families.
• Information is gathered respectfully and with purpose.
  • Genograms involve sharing intimate family histories.

Example: John Rodriguez's Genogram

• Case Study: John Rodriguez sought help for anxiety related to his wife's pregnancy.
• Focus: Develop hypotheses about anxiety using the genogram.
• Structure:
  • John's symbol (male, 28 years) is the focal point.
  • Includes parents, grandparents, siblings, and immediate family.

Details of the Genogram

John's Family

• Immediate Family: John, wife Katya (27, medical technician), and expected child (female).
• Siblings: Older brother Jorge, twins Peter and Marie.
• Family Dynamics:
  • Educational and occupational differences among siblings.
  • Presence of miscarriages in three generations.

Extended Family

• Father's Side:
  • Grandparents and deceased uncle Jorge.
  • Father's naming after deceased older brother.
  • Conflicts and reconciliations (e.g., Uncle Nick).
• Mother's Side:
  • Adoption and fostering experiences.
  • Emotional abuse leading to separation.
  • Sibling conflicts and non-binary identity of sibling Matt.

Hypotheses and Patterns

• John's Anxiety: Linked to family history of losses and parental anxieties.
• Sibling Relationships: Influences from parental and grandparental patterns.
• Resilience Factors: Seeking help, family support, repairing family rifts.

Therapeutic Process and Outcomes

• Initial Findings: Insight into family stresses contributing to anxiety.
• Follow-Up: John chooses therapy over medication.
• Outcome: Improved anxiety management, open option for future therapy.

Concluding Remarks

• Genograms as evolving tools for family therapy.
• Importance of recognizing historical family stresses and resilience.
• Encouragement for developing hypotheses and understanding family dynamics.