A genogram is a tool in psychology that shares common features with a family tree and provides a visual representation of a person’s family ties (Tobias, 2017, p.92). According to the genogram of the psychologist, you can analyze the history of relationships in the family, patterns of hereditary relationships. Usually, genograms are used in family therapy to collect information and evaluate the behavior and relationships between family members (Tobias, 2017, p.94). The genogram can be used in all forms of therapy to better understand the individual and their problems. However, it is more useful in situations with family therapy.
Therapy with a genogram helps therapists to study the origins of stories, potential offers, and biases of clients (Tobias, 2017, p.92). It will give the professional a more detailed explanation of the person’s behavior, his attitude to the relatives, approach to solving problems, choosing a partner, and so on. This tool in the psychological sphere serves to find ways to progress the patient’s situation. Also, the therapist can consider the problem from the other side (childhood injuries, unfair treatment of parents, the death of loved ones, and others).
The presence of a genogram in other forms of therapy tends to change the treatment and consultation process. For example, in the initial stages, the therapist will introduce elements such as the tree of life, will create various alternative genograms for children and adolescents. Moreover, psychologists will generate therapeutic web pages to support people in social media (Tobias, 2017, p. 102). The next step is group therapy, using self-concepts in treatment and anecdotal style (Tobias, 2017, p. 102). To conclude, genograms are beneficial for any patient, plus they help to understand and solve the problem in-depth and not superficially.
Reference
Tobias, A. (2017). The use of genograms in educational psychology practice. Educational Psychology in Practice, 34(1), 89–104. Web.