Hi I'm Cassie from Dovetail and today
we're going to take a look at genograms. So what is a genogram? Well, a
genogram is a useful and practical tool, for workers, to help gather
information about a young person's family. It can be used in terms of
assessment as well as intervention. So a genogram uses a set of special
symbols to help describe relationships and the dynamics of a family over
multiple generations. Think of it as a really detailed family tree. It can be really useful because a genogram can help you to identify themes or patterns within a family that may be
influencing or driving a young person's current behavior. So, to begin your
genogram you'll need a genogram legend or symbol key. You can use the one we've provided in Dovetail guide five "working with families and significant
others". The legend includes information on drawing the family structure. For
example; how to describe gender; marriages and intimate relationships; and children; as well as symbols for
representing the quality of relationships between family members. Aim to gather information about three generations. The young person's
generation; their parents; and their grandparents. Once you know how everyone
is connected ask the young person about the kind of emotional
relationships their family members have. For example; do particular family members
get along; or who in the family can't stand each other. Also ask about
characteristics of family members particularly those relevant to your
role. Most young people really enjoy this opportunity to talk about their family
history and it can be a useful tool to build rapport. However, be mindful that some young
people may find seeing a picture of the state of their family relationships
confronting, especially if the majority of those relationships are conflictual
or distant so use this tool sensitively. Now; let's go through an example together. Darren is 21 years old and has come to
your service for help to quit smoking cannabis. During your conversation with
Darren you discuss his family. Darren tells you that his parents
divorced when he was two years of age and he lives with his mum Janice; she's
42. He informs you that his parents split because his mom had a drinking problem, however she gave up drinking after the
divorce so she could be a better mum. Darren tells you that his mom has had
problems most of her life because she was sexually abused by her father and
because her mother had a problem with alcohol. His grandmother divorced his grandfather
when she found out about the abuse. She remarried some years later. Darren said that he's never met his
grandfather but he knows that he's passed away. Darren tells you that his mother is much
happier now and she has a new partner; a woman named Cathy. They have been
together for about 16 years. Cathy was also married and Darren tells
you that Cathy left her husband for his mother. Darren describe this as a stressful time
for his mum and Cathy as Cathy's husband did not take the breakup really well. He
still doesn't talk to Cathy even though he has re-partnered. Cathy and her ex
have three children together. The youngest daughter Emma is 17 and in her
last year of high school. She also lives with Cathy and Darren's mum. Darren said Emma hates her dad and his
girlfriend; and he knows Cathy is really worried about her. Darren's mum has even confided in him
that she thinks Emma's doing drugs. Cathy's other daughter has a drug
problem so this only adds to Cathy's fears.
Darren tells you that Cathy's eldest is about 24 and he just got married because
his partner fell pregnant. He thinks she is probably due to give birth really
soon. Darren tells you that his dad Pete is 45
and says he got remarried about a year after he divorced his mum. Darren has two half sisters; Chloe, 18 and
Becky, 16. Darren describes his relationship with
his sister Becky as really close and said she is one of the main reasons he
wants to quit smoking pot. Becky lives with his dad and stepmom and she's also
in her last year of high school. Darren tells you that he doesn't see his
other sister Chloe very often and said that they never really clicked growing
up. He said Chloe moved inter-state last year with her boyfriend. You ask Darren
about his dad's family and he tells you that his dad had one older brother who
died in a car accident. Darren says that his dad's father has
passed away. His paternal grandmother just moved into a nursing home. As you can see by looking at the genogram you can fit a lot of information into one picture. Thanks for watching
this video about genograms and we hope it will be useful in your practice. Bye for now.