How to Coach Yourself and Others Coaching Families | Page 176

I/ INFORMATION-GATHERING TECHNIQUES
At the start of therapy, information regarding the family's background and relationship dynamics is needed
to identify potential issues and problems.
GETTING INFORMATION THROUGH USING OPEN-ENDED QUESTIONS.
An open-ended question cannot be answered with a simple "yes" or "no", or with a specific piece of
information, and gives the person answering the question scope to give the information that seems to them
to be appropriate. Open-ended questions are sometimes phrased as a statement which requires a response.
Examples of open-ended questions:
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Tell me about your relationship with your husband.
How do you see your future?
Tell me about the children in this photograph.
What is the purpose of this rule?
Why did you choose that answer?

THE GENOGRAM
Is an information gathering technique used to create a family history, or geneology. The genogram reveals
the family's basic structure and demographics.
The genogram, is a technique that is often used early in family therapy, provides a graphic picture of the
family history. As an informational and diagnostic tool, the genogram is developed by the therapist in
conjunction with the family.

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