FAMILY GENOGRAM PROJECT INSTRUCTIONS Building Your Family Genogram Part I (GenoP

FAMILY GENOGRAM PROJECT INSTRUCTIONS
Building Your Family Genogram
Part I (GenoPro Genogram Software)
A genogram (pronounced: jen-uh-gram) is “a pictorial representation of family relationships
across several generations. It is a convenient organizing device to help you identify family
patterns or develop hypotheses about family functioning” (GenoPro.com). The genogram
resembles a family tree; however, it includes additional relationships among individuals. This
instrument facilitates the practitioner and his client’s identification of an understanding of
patterns in family history. The genogram also does a better job than a pedigree chart in mapping
out relationships and traits.
Even though there are a plethora of books and websites on the subject of genograms, it is worth
noting that Monica McGoldrick and Randy Gerson are responsible for its initial development
and popularity in clinical settings. The structure of a genogram is by and large determined by the
imagination and creativity of its author. Some of the most common features on a genogram are
information related to the number of families, children in a given family, and the birth order of
the family members—including the number of births and deaths.
Index Person: In constructing the genogram, identify yourself as the “index person” and
complete the genogram on your family.
Focus: The focus of this genogram will be on family strengths and resilience, family patterns,
rules or ways of being, and the overall health of the family. Of course, you should also address
any issues and concerns that may be discovered; however, do not make the genogram problem-
focused, even though this is typically how it is used in counseling.
Construction: You will submit your genogram through the assignment manager via GenoPro,
found by clicking the “assignments” button. This submission will come in as a GenoPro
document. You will also need to attach your narrative on a Microsoft Word document. Make
sure to include the following items:
Two preceding generations—that is, the genogram must include the index person, his/her
parents, and his/her grandparents (3 generations, in all). It would also be imperative that, in
the event of the index person being involved in a marital or significant relationship, mention
must be made of the significant other involved, including their immediate family such as
their parents, siblings, and children. In the case where the index person is either a parent or a
grand-parent, his/her children must be included in the genogram.
Use the symbols as illustrated within the GenoPro software to indicate the nature of many of
the relationships among family members. Be sure to indicate yourself as the index person by
drawing a double circle or double square around yourself. Do not forget to include the
current date on your genogram.
Use the relationship lines to indicate significant relationships within the family system. Do
not use the “normal” line provided by GenoPro. This only crowds the graphic and makes it
difficult to read.
Include a legend at the bottom-right corner of the genogram document. The legend must only
include items represented on the genogram.
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In order to make it easy to understand, ensure that there are notes on the genogram graphic
regarding people, family events, etc., in their appropriate places (for example, on the side of a
relevant person or generation). Even though this is not required for the successful completion
of the assignment, it may be helpful to interview other family members about important areas
of their family history. It would also be a good idea to include labels (a word or two will do)
about each family member’s strengths—especially those that are either known by the index
person or have a relevant connection to them.
GenoPro gives you the freedom you need to manipulate your genogram to allow enhanced
viewing on a computer system. You can shorten or lengthen lines, move entire family units
around to maximize space, and more. Your objective is to work with the graph to create a
genogram that is easy to view and can be understood at a glance.
Analysis: Once you have completed your genogram, you will need to interpret your family map.
Analyze the genogram and who you are in the context of the family based on race/ethnicity,
culture, class, gender, spiritual tradition, family life cycle, etc.
Part II (Microsoft Word document)
Written Narrative: After analyzing your genogram graphic following the guidelines above,
state your interpretation of yourself in clear terms. Do this by writing a 5-page paper that
describes the contributions that religion, gender, race, culture, etc., and your own unique family
history have made to your personal identity. Do not forget to demonstrate your understanding of
key concepts learned in this course. Apart from the quality of your written work, you will also be
graded on your ability to widely, deeply, and accurately analyze and utilize theoretical concepts
in describing your family’s interactional process.
Rest assured that this paper will be kept confidential.