Family Genogram & Analysis Paper:
Paper details
In Unit, you began to construct a three-generational genogram of your family of origin. Your genogram is due by the end of this unit and should include:
1. The delineation of family relationships (close, overly close, conflictual, or cut off).
2. Information such as chronic or terminal illnesses, ethnic backgrounds, alcoholism, suicides, mental health issues, occupations or education and career choices.
3. Include information relevant to describe the family system, particularly information that helps the viewer better understand some of the prominent relationship delineations and/or dynamics in the family. e.g., For example, page 178 in the Genograms textbook provides a great example of a segment from a larger genogram. In it the additional descriptive information is used so the viewer can understand how or why the relationship is cut off.
Also due at the end of this unit with your genogram is a short paper. Your short paper should:
1. Analyze your family genogram for intergenerational themes, relationship patterns, and life-cycle transitions.
2. Reflect upon the career counseling readings so far in this course; what elements inform the choices made by family members about occupations/education and career choices?
3. Discuss strengths you are proud of that have been passed along.
4. Discuss patterns that are red flags.
5. Identify conclusions you can draw from your genogram.
6. Comment on how your understanding of yourself from your genogram relates to your work.
7. Have a body of three pages, minimum.
Writing Style:
As this is a personal exploration of your family, it is preferred that you write in first person about your perspective and experiences in the family. This personal exploration, however, is still occurring in the context of an instrument (genogram) designed and refined by others. It is also an academic exercise. For these reasons your document should adhere to APA formatting (with the exception of the noted first person allowance). As with any proper academic writing, you should establish a premise (cite and reference) for the use of the genogram before launching into your personal exploration. You should also be attempting to connect the various dynamics illustrated and discussed in your genogram and paper to the various life cycle concepts in the course literature.
Before you submit your work, review the scoring guide to make sure you have met all the criteria.