Genogram Narrative Family Systems
Genogram Written Narrative
HSC 6323/Family Systems
June 15, 2011
Professor Michael Hardin
Lubbock Christian University
Genograms are an excellent way to show the multigenerational family as a whole. When looking at a genogram, it is easier to see various pieces of information that exist within the family system. When creating a genogram, it is necessary to obtain a great deal of information to allow for accuracy as well as proficiency within the genogram. Overall, a genogram is helpful to find patterns in the family system, and recognize traits that may have been unknown. Throughout this segment is a personalized summarization of a genogram, an examination of the contemporary family, a discussion regarding the analysis of the genogram, and reflections regarding the process of creating a genogram.
Contemporary Family Within the genogram that I created, I am the index person. I come from a middle-class family. During my childhood, I recall watching my parents fight frequently regarding money and finances, although we always made it. I also remember watching my Dad say things to my Mom that were abusive. My Dad grew up in a family where his father was emotionally and physically abusive towards his mother. Due to the amount of abuse, my father underwent a psychological breakdown when he was a child. This event affected him to the point that he had to go live with his grandparents in another state. My great-grandma was a very good influence on my Dad, and helped to make a positive contribution to his childhood. My great-grandma was a very faithful individual, and not only was a spiritual mentor to my father, but also in my life. While this living situation helped my Dad, the trauma that he witnessed growing up impacted the rest of his life. His anxiety became so severe that he developed Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, which worsened over time. There is also tension between him and his brothers, which
HSC 6323/Family Systems
June 15, 2011
Professor Michael Hardin
Lubbock Christian University
Genograms are an excellent way to show the multigenerational family as a whole. When looking at a genogram, it is easier to see various pieces of information that exist within the family system. When creating a genogram, it is necessary to obtain a great deal of information to allow for accuracy as well as proficiency within the genogram. Overall, a genogram is helpful to find patterns in the family system, and recognize traits that may have been unknown. Throughout this segment is a personalized summarization of a genogram, an examination of the contemporary family, a discussion regarding the analysis of the genogram, and reflections regarding the process of creating a genogram.
Contemporary Family Within the genogram that I created, I am the index person. I come from a middle-class family. During my childhood, I recall watching my parents fight frequently regarding money and finances, although we always made it. I also remember watching my Dad say things to my Mom that were abusive. My Dad grew up in a family where his father was emotionally and physically abusive towards his mother. Due to the amount of abuse, my father underwent a psychological breakdown when he was a child. This event affected him to the point that he had to go live with his grandparents in another state. My great-grandma was a very good influence on my Dad, and helped to make a positive contribution to his childhood. My great-grandma was a very faithful individual, and not only was a spiritual mentor to my father, but also in my life. While this living situation helped my Dad, the trauma that he witnessed growing up impacted the rest of his life. His anxiety became so severe that he developed Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, which worsened over time. There is also tension between him and his brothers, which