Genogram Basics

This solution covers:

-The steps involved in creating your own genogram

-Creating and setting up a three-generation genogram

-The delineation of family relationships (close, overly close, conflictual, cut off, and so on) using standard genogram symbols

-Labeling information such as chronic or terminal illnesses, ethnic backgrounds, alcoholism, suicides, mental illnesses, and occupations using standard genogram symbols.

-Creating your own symbols to add additional information

-Utilizing relevant information to describe the family system, particularly information that helps the viewer better understand some of the prominent relationship delineations or dynamics in the family.
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Solution Preview

First, I want you to take a deep breath.
Genograms get easier each time you make one, and it is okay if you mess up a few times while mapping it all out.
Essentially, it is like creating a family tree with the use of specific symbols. It also maps out the relational patterns between family members.

You are being asked to create a three-generational genogram, so that means it will include the children, parents, and grandparents.

This picture is an example of a three generational genogram:
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fLl8ndp2-ZU/UCvtnXxmZuI/AAAAAAAAARY/fCbG7yo_4vs/s1600/GENOGRAM+VOORBEELD.jpg

Notice that it starts with the grandparents at the top and then moving downward shows the parents (and all of the aunts and uncles) with the children at the bottom.

Steps
First, make a draft. Grab a pencil with an eraser and a few pieces of copy paper (in case you need to restart or piece different parts together). Make sure you label each shape with a name & approx. age, as you go along. Also, if there are pertinent dates, such as a death/incarceration/abuse/etc., then put the approximate year. Below I have listed out …