Discussion
1)At this point in your training, you should have a basic understanding of many systems models. The case example in the media activity will be used as reference for 11 systems models. Not all systems models are represented, nor are they complete descriptions of the models; they are initial starting points for systems model selection. No single theory is effective for all client problems; many times multiple theories can be applied effectively to a specific client problem.
By answering these two questions for each model, you will begin to see the core differences among them.For your initial discussion post, answer the following questions:Which models seemed most applicable to each scenario?Which models would you like to know more about and why?
2) The basis for this discussion is the media piece, Animal Genogram , which gives you the opportunity to create a different kind of genogram about your own developmental experiences. Review the media piece, then reflect on how it felt to create your own genogram and imagine this experience as if you had conducted it in your childhood.
Genograms provide both a visual and factual record of family relationships. The process of creating a genogram provides the opportunity to reflect on the important relationships in your life, regardless of their impact on you, and the nature of the relationships that have played a role in making you the person you are today.
Counselors and therapists often have opportunities to create genograms for and with their clients, and many find this a very effective way to get to know them. The genogram can also play an important role in the intake and assessment stages, revealing directly or indirectly where the client may have concerns, as well as where the client may have positive relationships that can provide support.
This exercise – the “Animal Genogram” – asks you as a counselor or therapist to take the role of the client, and to create a genogram for yourself. It offers several learning opportunities. First, going through the process will give you a sense of what your clients might experience when you lead them through creating their own genograms. Second, it gives you the opportunity to think about ways of potentially enhancing the genogram process, since it goes beyond the facts to engage more of the interpersonal emotions that might be involved. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, it offers you the opportunity to consider your own background and influences, and to reflect on the past family relationships that might still be influencing some of your own biases related to family expectations.
Take yourself back to an age between 5-12 and draw upon memories of living with your family. Remaining in this mindset, create a genogram for your family. List yourself and about five family members who had the most powerful impact on you at that age.
In your discussion post, share the following with other learners:How easy or difficult was this exercise?
What came to you as you were doing this exercise? (you say something about the development of my family dynamics)
How might it feel to do this exercise first as a child in a family session with a playful family therapist guiding the process, then in an individual session? (you can say playful for a child to process his/her family personally)
What did you like or dislike about this process?