@cisweb Picturing the whole family Eoin Power and Karen Holford

GENOGRAMS More Than Just Squares & Circles Eoin Power & Karen Holford

Hopes For Today’s Session What Family Therapists do? What are Genograms? Why are genograms useful Doing Genograms!

What Family Therapists do? Family Therapists seek to support families with the challenges they face by addressing; Context Behaviour & Beliefs Context includes: Historical (The past) Contextual (Here & Now) Constitutional (make-up)

What Family Therapists do? Each person in the family has a different relationship with every other person in the family. We can understand each person in the family better when we understand the relationships they have with every other member of the family, rather than thinking about them in isolation. The whole is greater than the sum of the parts. The beliefs (conscious or unconscious), culture, structure and organisation of the family helps to shape the behaviour and responses of its members.

What is a genogram? A diagram that shows family relationships. A way to show the time line of a family. A way to show the kind of relationships people have together – supportive, hostile, etc. The genogram follows a consistent pattern so it can be shared and understood by other people.

Why are genograms useful? Lots of information in one place. Patterns in families are clearer to see. Gives a 3D view of a family over time, as well as right now. Can be revisited to explore new ideas and perspectives. Helps us to understand the individual in the context of their family relationships.

Why are genograms useful? Helps us understand the context of the people we are working with. People’s responses and behaviours make more sense when we understand their family context. Helps us to see things we and they may have missed. Helps us to discover other strengths and perspectives in their family. Helps us to understand what is happening in the context of family life cycle e.g. births, deaths and marriages etc.

Doing Genograms Family System – the different members Dad Mum David Lexi

Dad Mum DavidLexi Doing Genograms Family System – lines of communication

Dad Mum DavidLexi Doing Genograms: subsystems

DadMum David Lexi Doing Genograms: generational subsystems

Sample Genogram Mum Lori 40 Lexi 14 David 16 Dad Alex 42 Married 10 years then divorced 8 years– still argue about children Beginning to get involved with gangs Verbally abusive when angry David and Lexi live with their mum, Lori. Lori and David are coming for help because Lori is concerned about David’s anger and aggression towards her and Lexi and she is concerned for his safety outside the home. Children

Sample Genogram Aunts and Uncles Hamish 75 Lori 40 Colin 44 Tom Died 2 yrs ago aged 77 Lexi 14 David 16 Alex 42 Alison 70 Paul 14 Lucy 36 Sam 38 Anna 75 Chiara 4 Married 10 years then divorced 8 years– still argue about children Greta 40 Angus 12 Catriona 4 ( Twins) Beginning to get involved with gangs Verbally abusive when angry Grandparents Cousins

Sample Genogram Verbally angry after alcohol Hamish 75 Lori 40 Colin 44 In prison for 2 years for assault Tom Died 2 yrs ago aged 77 Lexi 14 David 16 Alex 42 Alcoholic Alison 70 Paul 14 Lucy 36 Sam 38 Anna 75 Chiara 4 Married 10 years then divorced 8 years– still argue about children x Greta 40 Angus 12 Catriona 4 ( Twins) Beginning to get involved with gangs Verbally abusive when angry e.g. Conflict/ Direction of hostility.

Sample Genogram Verbally angry after alcohol Hamish 75 Lori 40 Colin 44 In prison for 2 years for assault Tom Died 2 yrs ago aged 77 Lexi 14 David 16 Alex 42 Alcoholic Alison 70 Paul 14 Lucy 36 Sam 38 Anna 75 Chiara 4 Married 10 years then divorced 8 years– still argue about children x Greta 40 Angus 12 Catriona 4 ( Twins) Close relationship Conflict/ Hostility Peacemaker

Creating your own genogram Either on paper, or in your minds eye, create your own genogram covering at least 3 generations. Think about information that might emerge such as – patterns of behaviour, strengths, quality of relationships, lines of communication, role models, closeness, distance, conflict, challenges and struggles, stories of resilience, etc. Note: You won’t have to share your genogram, just how making/ thinking about it might have given you a fresh insight into your own family.

Thinking about genograms… Pair up and discuss… How might knowing more about the child & family you work with help you to understand their behaviour? Feedback your ideas.

GENOGRAMS More Than Just Squares & Circles DISCUSSION

Thank you for coming! Enjoy the rest of conference