Ecosystemic Psychology Assignment 03

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Introduction Question 1: Three-generational genogram for Bird family Louw (2005, p. 77) states that families should be understood in terms of a family tradition, history and life story. A family system reflects norms, values, customs, emotional associations and cultures of the family of origin. Louw (2005) continues to argue that positions within a family system are often a repetition of patterns inherited from the families of origin. Rituals and customs are handed down from generation to generation. Attached to these positions are patterns shaped by genealogy. These patterns may form fixed ideas, attitudes, and aptitudes and thus influence behaviour in the next generations. Going back to history or story of a family can be very illuminating. It can help family members and therapists within a system to understand each family member’s disposition better. A genogram can therefore be a better tool to provide a way of mapping family patterns and relationships across at least generations. A genogram is not about statistics, but it is an instrument to be used in order to understand and enhance an in-depth communication about the narrative of the family (Louw 2005). Becvar and Becvar (2013) define genogram as a family diagram that allows therapist and the family to examine the family in its intergenerational context. It provides a way of mapping out family patterns and relationships. The genogram provides family information across at least three-generational map of the family. The genogram also provides a well-defined structure and method for gathering information about the family. In terms of the Birds family, please see attached Figure A of the three-generational genogram diagram for Bird family. As the need and purpose of the genogram has been explained in the preceding paragraphs of this question, this genogram endeavours to depict the history and the
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