How to Coach Yourself and Others Coaching Families | Page 210
Brainstorm themes/hypotheses/formulations which may be relevant to the family
Genograms
Genograms are a means to visually conceptualise the family and wider system, in terms of its members and
relationships. They should include the following information:
All members of the family system, including adopted/fostered members
Delineation of the household
All members of the wider system
Dates of birth
Deaths, with dates
Partnerships and marriages, with dates
Separations and divorces, with dates
Pregnancies, miscarriages, and terminations, with dates
Occupations / Schooling
Any information that is missing from the referral information should be noted and enquired about during the
initial session of therapy.
Tobias
Marcia
m : 1952
dob: 12.4.27
died : 1967
heart attack
m: 1977
d: 1988
Paul
66
71
dob: 20.5.32
44
54
Leonard
dob: ?
43
38
Carmel
Leon
Brian
dob: 3.6.54
28
dob: 30.7.55 dob: 13.8.60 Jean
dob: ?
Painter
nurse
26
31
Joan
Charles
dob: ?
nurse
dob: ?
due : Feb 1999
18
Tobias
dob: 10.5.80
bank worker
16
14
Jacob
Rachelle
dob: 19.1.82
14
Monica
dob: 12.2.84
St James Grammer School
5.5 Pre & Post Session Preparation
The therapist and therapy team should allow 15 minutes before and after each session to prepare for their
meeting with the family and review the progress of therapy. Issues to be addressed in these discussions
should include:
Pre-Session
Summary of the main themes from previous session
Information which requires clarification from previous session
Between session contact the therapist has had with the family/wider system
The current formulation/themes/hypothesis of the issues with which the family are bringing
Ways forward for the current session which are being considered
Any team – therapist issues which need to be addressed
Any family – family/team issues which need to be addressed
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