Genogram Project

Based on your Genogram Drawing, write a paper about your interpretation following the outline below (the body of your paper, not including title page, etc., should be 8-10 typed, double-spaced pages):

Section 1: Background. Briefly describe the family in narrative form, beginning with the index person (you may use the first person “I”). Discuss the cultural and socioeconomic issues facing the family, major events or turning points that affected the family, and any other factors that might be useful in understanding the present-day situation for you.

Section 2: Analysis. Discuss your analysis of the genogram. This can be written in first person. Specifically, address the following:

• What intergenerational patterns, dynamics, and/or themes have you identified that influence you or others in the family? This analysis should be seen through the lens of Bowens 8 interlocking ideas or Minuchins structural theory. Please connect each pattern/dynamic you identify to this theory, and to specific concepts from within that theory.
• How have cultural factors in this family affected the index person and the family system as a whole? How has this been similar or different, across different generations?
• Note that this section of the paper is the heart of the written genogram analysis. In Section 1, just provide enough of the story to support and expand upon your observations in Section 2. Section 2 is the main focal point of the assignment, as it is the section where you analyze patterns and tie these to a major theory from the course.
• Highlight analysis over self-reflection.
• Please support your analysis with 3-5 peer-reviewed journal articles and in the last 7-10 years (properly cited using APA format).

Section 3: Reflection. Discuss your reflections on the process of completing this assignment. This can be written in first person. What did it mean to you? What did you learn?

• Writing quality, including grammar and spelling, WILL count toward the final grade. Therefore, proofreading is strongly encouraged.
• Self-reflection is a cornerstone of the counselling profession. Each competency taught in the program should be examined for self-application and understanding of how to synthesize this knowledge into personal/professional growth. The more a counsellor examines the self, the more opportunity for obtaining proficiency in reflective practice as well as reducing emotional reactivity, countertransference, and bias.
• This assignment allows students to reflect on generational and familial concepts learned in this course by applying them to themselves and their families. This is mirroring the process that we ask of clients. Going into the vulnerable parts of yourself may bring up past events or memories. Remember this is a learning process that will allow you to prepare for client work of developing a genogram with a client. Assignments and activities are not intended to serve as personal counselling for students. As counsellors we continue to provide support to others and during this process, we need to also ensure we are taking care of ourselves.
• If a student needs more support or resources as a result of learning activities, then please visit Yorkville’s Student Success Centre: Mental Health & Wellness: It can also be helpful to examine the MACP Skills Learning Lab Modules on Safe & Effective Use of Self. Learning how to manage the self is a skill that counsellors must learn. MACP encourages self-work and personal counselling through appropriate sources (i.e., subject to province-based guidelines for counselling services).

Structure

• Required components: Title page and reference page.
• Length of Assignment: The text body of paper (i.e., not including title page or references should consist of approximately 2000-2500 words, i.e., 8-10 pages) double-spaced typed pages, Times New Roman font size: 12.
• Format: Please, format your assignment in Word (files with extension .doc or .docx), or pdf.
• References: A minimum of 3-5 peer review journal articles