HUMN-8202- 3: Introduction to Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling - Term Paper Example

HUMN-8202- 3: Introduction to Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling Family Genogram Introduction According to family systems theory the family is a system of interconnected and interdependent individuals. Therefore, in order to understand what is happening to an individual, it is important to understand the family system. Each part of the system affects each other and so if one member is an alcoholic it has serious implications for the other members or parts of the family system. Brown (n.d.) indicates that in a family system each member has a role to play as well as rules to respect.

Roles are determined by relationship agreements and therefore members of the system are expected to respond in a particular way to each other. Once a certain pattern of behavior is maintained it leads to balance in the system. If for certain reasons one family member is unable to fulfill a particular role another member fills in. Therefore, if one member becomes a deviant it leads to a breakdown in the family system. Importance of the family genogram as a tool A personal genogram would affect my work as a counselor because it would aid significantly in providing the information required to determine the intervention that is needed to deal with a problematic situation.

It provides information on the status of the family system. Since each part of the system affects each other a family member who is an alcoholic or who is on drugs often destabilizes the family. Interaction among family members is affected by abuse, violence and other contemptuous behavior on the part of the deviant. Conclusion According to Walters et al (1994) a genogram provides the basis for treating persons with psychosocial problems like domestic violence, drug abuse and difficult relationships.

The knowledge of medical problems, conflicts and other psychosocial problems which are borne out in the genogram are of fundamental importance in diagnosing problems and managing the patient. It provides a pretty good indication of the context in which problems occur and the kinds of therapy which may be useful in treating the situation. Reference Walters, I., Watson, W. and Wetzel, W. (1994). Genograms: Practical tools for family physicians. Canadian Family Physician. Vol. 40. p. 282-287. Retrieved from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2380035/pdf/canfamphys00096-0076.

pdf The Bowen Center (n.d.). Bowen Theory. http://www.thebowencenter.org/pages/theory.html