Your Family Genogram (13 slides) creatively compiled by dr. michael farnworth

Genogram You can only understand yourself in the context of your psychological family heritage. The genogram explores the roles and dysfunction of the people who went before you. Try to understand them by understanding the roles they played in their families.

Divided loyalties... Family of the past Versus Family of the future

For your family genogram try and find out what roles your siblings, parents and grandparents played in their families. Just start having conversations with whoever you can and ask general questions about their or your grandparent’s childhoods, siblings, relationships, family trauma or accidents, moving, etc. What was it like growing up for you? Who were you close to growing up? Did your parents have a favorite child? Who was favored the most? Who got into the most trouble? If your parents or other people you talk too are curious as to why your sudden interest just explain you are taking this class and its an assignment. It will be common for you to run into roadblocks because people will try to be loyal and protect certain family members depending upon their relationship with them.

MY FAMILY TREE

Be a detective and see if you can label each family member with a childhood role, addiction, secret, etc. You are an important part of your own history so the more you can find out and understand your own roles, addiction, secrets the better sense you will be able to make our of your own life. Just be curious and see where you end up.

A sampling of family secrets... Drug addiction Eating disorders Mental illness Sexual addiction Workaholism Incest victim Suicide Illegitimate children Incest offender

Family roles Hero child Saint child Rebel child Lost child Surrogate spouse Parent child Black sheep child Peace maker child Mascot child

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