Family Therapy, Family Agrees

Genograms

Most modes of family therapy and some modes of couple therapy use a schematic drawing of the family tree of both parents, including stepparents and half siblings.

There are slight variations in the construction guidelines, but knowing how to do a basic genogram is essential in working with families . The counselor may not actually do a genogram with the family present but may accumulate the data necessary to complete one. However, it is a common activity to do with families early in treatment. Numerous books are available for teaching interviewers how to complete genograms .

Gathering Family Therapy Goals

Many family therapists, when gathering information during the body of an interview, maintain balance by systematically orienting toward each family member. For example, Lankton, Lankton, and Matthews state: “We always ask each member what he or she would like to have changed in the family and how, and even if members contradict each other, each input becomes the basis of a goal” .

A key to gathering goals in family therapy is to emphasize inclusion and minimize 356 Interviewing Special Populationsscapegoating or constant references to the identi?ed patient. It is crucial to explore the range and quality of strengths and de?cits of all family members and to begin determining how they are in?uencing the identi?ed patient .

Willingness to Make Changes

A close corollary to the level of commitment in couple interviewing is each person’s willingness to do homework, try new things, experiment with change, and try out new perspectives. Besides asking directly, a good way to assess this area is to have each member try a new behavior or listening skill during the interview. This can be as simple as saying: “Barney, I wonder if you could take Betty’s hand for a minute and just let her cry.” “Mom, it seems like you and Karen are sitting closer together than anyone else. I wonder if you could have Karen sit by her brother for a few minutes while Dad moves over here and we talk a bit further.” If the couple or family agrees to homework or to setting aside talking time, interviewers should inquire as to exactly when such a new behavior might ?t into their schedules.