Family Genogram Project Assignment 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 upload both your genogram file (i.e., .gno, .pdf etc.) and the Word Narrative paper to the Canvas Family Genogram Project Assignment link Note that all files (e.g., .gno, .pdf, etc) must be a file that the professor is able to open. Key items for the genogram include:
· 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.
· In order to make it easy to understand, it can be helpful to include very brief 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 key family member’s strengths—especially those that are either known by the index person or have a relevant connection to them.
· GenoPro Software: A university license for free downloads has been purchased for each COUC 601 and COUC 504 student. The student will use the link in the Family Genogram Project Resources to download the software to his/her laptop or desktop computer. 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.
· Do not download the free trial form the home page entrance to GenoPro, but use the .exe link. This is a school license that has been purchased for each student taking this course.
· If the software link will not open, enable popups in browser settings, or paste the URL directly into the browser’s URL bar.
· GenoPro is a Windows platform software and NOT compatible with MAC users. However, GenoPro does offer a MAC version work-around of GenoPro for your consideration listed under Family Genogram Project Resources. To complete this assignment MAC users can use this work-around if the completed document can be opened by your profession after being uploaded to Canvas. If this option does not work, you may consider using one of these four alternatives: 1) borrow a PC to complete the Genogram, 2) purchase and use iGenogram, 3) utilize other graphic software (i.e., Canva; Word; Adobe), or 4) draw out the genogram by hand Option #4 is something all of you can consider in place of using a specific software as described above. Note that a hand-drawn genogram will have the same content expectations aligned with the McGoldrick text and the course instructions, which is included in the GenoPro software. Once completed, the student must submit a screen shot or .pdf, which the professor is able to open in Canvas.
Analysis: Once you have completed your genogram, you will need to take some time 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. Once you have developed a good analysis, you will be ready to convey your understanding in the written narrative. The narrative should align with the following:
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. Be reminded that you are solely responsible for any information you choose to disclose in this project. Also note that you are under no obligation to reveal any information that you choose not to reveal.
The following outline must be used for your paper, using current APA format:
I. Briefly introduce your family. Discuss the sociopolitical, cultural, economic, spiritual, etc. issues in your family. Do not spend a lot of time describing demographic details that can be observed on the genogram.
· You can use first person in this narrative.
· You will develop your narrative according to current APA style. This means you need a cover page, abstract, body of your paper, and a reference page if necessary.
II. Using the data gathered and the analyses you have made based upon your genogram and other resources, address the following questions:
A. What do you understand about yourself within the context of this multigenerational family?
B. How do the cultural, historical, and personal characteristic aspects of the information impact your understanding of the self?
C. If at all, what are the family lifecycle-related issues in the past or present that have influenced your family and/or interface with question D?
D. What intergenerational dynamics, patterns and/or themes that you have identified influence you (or others) in your current family? Jump to the last section of the present document, “Interpreting Genograms” and then draw a conclusion about your analysis.
E. What areas do you need to work on in order to become a better spouse, parent, counselor, and godly person?
Conclude this part of the assignment with personal reflections on the development of this project. Were there any issues that came to light? What did you learn?
This assignment will be submitted via Canvas.