Family Subsystem Genogram

Family Subsystem Genogram

Introduction

The genogram is a graphic representation of a multi-generational family constellation (of at least three generations), which records information about the members of that family and relationships. Its structure as a tree provides a quick "gestalt" of complex family relationships and is a rich source of hypotheses about how a clinical problem may be related to the family context and its evolution over time (Weiss et.al, 2010).

Usually the genogram is constructed during the first session and then review it as more information is obtained. The genogram helps the therapist and family to see a "bigger picture", both from a historical point of view as the present: namely, that the information about a family that appears on the genogram can be interpreted horizontally through context vertical family through the generations.

A genogram is a format for drawing a family tree that records information about family members and their relationships over at least three generations. Genograms show the familiar information in a way that provides a quick overview of complex family patterns and a rich source of hypotheses about how a clinical problem may be connected with the family context and the evolution of the problem and context over time.

Each family member is represented as a square or circle depending on your gender.

Gender

The key person (or patient identified) who is constructed around the genogram is identified by a double line:

Key Person

For a dead person, an X is placed inside the circle, usually indicating the age at death. The birth and death dates are indicated on the left and right of the figure. In genograms outstretched, reaching over three generations, the symbols in the distant past usually do not wear a cross, as they are presumed dead. Relevant only deaths are indicated in those genograms.

Death

Literature Review

Marriages and Family System

Symbols representing family members are connected by lines representing biological and legal relationships. Two people who are married are connected by a line that descends and crosses, with the husband left and the right wife. A letter "M" followed by a date indicates when the couple married. When there is no possibility of confusion of the century, indicates only the last two digits of the year.

Marriage

The line joining them is also the place where separations and divorces are indicated, the oblique lines mean an interruption in marriage: 1 diagonal separation and 2 for a divorce.

Separation

Divorce

Unmarried couples are identified as married women, but with a line segment. The date is important here is when they met and started living together.

Coexistence

Multiple marriages add complexity that is difficult to represent, the rule is: when feasible marriages listed from left to right, with the most recent last. For example: a man who had three wives:

Multiple Marriage

This is not possible to do when one of the wives, has had a previous marriage in turn, in which case, lists the most recent marriages to the center:

Complex Marriage

Offspring

Symbols for: pregnancy, loss, abortions and stillbirths.

Pregnancy

Death at Birth

Abortion

If a couple has children, they hang from the line connecting the couple, the children are drawn from left to right, starting ...