Focused Genograms: Intergenerational Assessment of Individuals, Couples, and Families / Edition 1

by Rita DeMaria, Gerald R. Weeks, Larry Hof

Overview

The interpersonal relationships that make up family life are a complex web between many individuals spanning several generations at one time. This web is further complicated by the influence of other factors such as culture and gender. It can be a daunting task for a therapist to unravel this tangle and understand the specific dynamics and individual development within the family. The Multifocused Family Genogram (MFG) is a powerful tool that allows the therapist to record and structure these different elements that make up the family system. By combining the Basic Genogram, the Family Map, and several Focused Genograms, the MFG provides a clear picture of dynamic family history that aids in individual and family assessment.

Focused Genograms provides a thorough account of the use of MFGs in family therapy and practice. The authors present a clinically useful method for collecting the information in key areas of individual and family functioning needed to create Focused Genograms. In addition, the authors carefully explain the diagnostic use and therapeutic applications of this tool. The book is supplemented by extensive examples of Focused Genograms, Family Maps, and Time Lines used in MFG construction. Suggested readings listed at the close of each chapter provide links between techniques fully described in the book and other therapeutic techniques beyond the scope of this work. A thorough presentation of innovative methods for using Focused Genograms makes this an important text for students of marriage and family therapy, as well as an indispensible resource for professionals.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780876308813
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	03/01/1999
Edition description:	Older Edition
Pages:	240
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.40(d)

About the Author

Rita DeMaria, PhD, LMFT, CST, is a senior staff clinician at Council for Relationships and faculty member and supervisor in the Post-Graduate Couple and Family Therapy Program. She is on the faculty in the Couple and Family Therapy Program at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia.

Gerald R. Weeks, PhD, ABPP, CST, is a professor emeritus in the Marriage and Family Therapy Program at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. He is the founder of the Intersystem Approach.

Markie L. C. Twist, PhD, LMFT, LMHC, CSE, is an associate professor in the Human Development and Family Studies Department and Marriage and Family Therapy Program at the University of Wisconsin-Stout.

Table of Contents

List of Figures List of Tables About the Authors Preface Acknowledgements Introduction List of Abbreviations I: The Intersystem Approach and Integration of Attachment Theory 1. The Intersystem Approach: Intergenerational Assessment and Clinical Practice II: Re-Introducing Focused Genograms and Therapeutic Posture 3. A Guide to the Focused Genogram, Maps & Timelines Appendix 1. 4. Therapeutic Posture: The Attachment Based Therapeutic Alliance With Individuals, Couples, and Families III: The New and Expanded Attachment Focused Genograms 5. The Attachments Focused Genogram: Expanding the Basic Genogram 6. The Fairness Focused Genogram: A Contextual Therapy Perspective B. Janet Hibbs 7. The Gender Focused Genogram 8. The Sexuality Focused Genogram Michele Marsh 9. The Abuse, Violence, and Trauma Focused Genogram Index

Editorial Reviews

"In this meticulously constructed volume, Rita DeMaria, Gerald Weeks, and Markie Twist have produced the definitive guide for using Focused Genograms to promote deep understanding and effective treatment of distressed couples and families. Viewed through the prism of Attachment theory, the Focused Genogram model provides a clearly delineated clinical map to guide therapists across the whole therapeutic arena--assessment, treatment planning, establishment of the therapeutic context, and the assurance of desirable treatment outcomes. The model thus empowers clinicians to help liberate their clients from self-defeating, intergenerationally transmitted relational patterns. This magnificent book is theoretically rooted and empirically grounded; it is also persuasively and beautifully written, making it an essential addition to the therapeutic armamentarium of every individual, couples, and family therapist."

Mo Hannah, PhD, professor of psychology, Siena College, NY

"Focused Genograms, 2nd Edition, is a significant update to the original book. The addition of Attachment Theory makes the genogram a more comprehensive assessment instrument. This book creates a tool that looks beyond current family interactions and assists the practitioner in order to naturally and clearly assess intergenerational legacies, individual dynamics and the influence of the wider community affiliations. Anyone wishing to expand their case assessment skills will find great value in this book."

Scott Browning, PhD, ABPP, professor of psychology, Chestnut Hill College, PA

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book's update on Weeks' Intersystem Approach and Focused Genogram practices. By adding material developed through theory (e.g., attachment), experience, and research (e.g., neuroscience), the authors have expanded and deepened the usefulness of the Focused Genogram as a meta-framework assessment tool for systemic treatment of individuals, couples, and families regardless of preferred therapy approach. Useful for novice therapists as well as seasoned clinicians and trainers/supervisors.

Thorana Nelson, PhD, professor emerita, Utah State University

From the Publisher