Family Genogram: Exploring Set Traits and Traditions

Introduction

The genogram offers a perfect depiction of family history. After drawing the family genogram, the information contained within reveals that there are some issues within the family tree. First, medical issues are notable with Diabetes Type 1 being passed to generations. Additionally, Jane who died in a car accident was suffering from thyroid cancer which later manifests in Zoe as Hypothyroid. In regard to divorces and separations, Zoe was married to Jessie in the year 1995 and later divorced him in the year 1999. Later, Zoe got married to Jack in 2000 and later were divorced in the year 2003. However, they were able to reconcile and have been living together since 2004.

Deriving Personality Traits from the Family Genogram

Personally, I have always been a quick-tempered person. However, tracing down the genogram, it reveals that I have inherited the trait from my grandfather. Being an innate personality that I can’t easily do away with, the quick temperament can heavily weigh on my career success. Dealing with people as a counselor implies having to identify with their feelings and as an individual with a choleric temperament, I have to learn to balance between my own temperament and what is best for my clients (McAuliffe, 2007).

Traditions and Set Concepts in the Family

An important aspect of family is how they can relate to their past and present. Importantly, it’s how the individuals in the family can conform to the already set traditions. For example, the trend in my family has been that the counseling profession has been running down the family. Therefore, it is highly appreciated when one joins the path. When I told my parents that I wanted to be a counsellor, the news were highly celebrated. However, the contrary would have happened if I chose a different career path. Consequently, being able to achieve personal dreams and goals is celebrated as a success. Further, there are some expectations that have been set by the family that predetermine personal success.

The perception of an ideal male or female is a stereotypical one that includes being healthy, attractive, well-mannered, and generous. However, there are some qualities that would define a male better than a female. For example, an ideal male is one that has a minimum height of 5 feet and 11 inch, full hair, and well-built body. On the other hand, an ideal female is one that is attractive, skinny with a curvy figure, and perfect hair.

Conclusion

An important aspect of the familial concept of gender is that gender is well appreciated no matter the orientation. For example, the engagement between Jeff and Jerry was well appreciated. However, the same has not been passed down the family. However, their son who they begot through sperm donation is becomes a part of the major family and is fully appreciated and treated as part of the family. That part of culture set within the family is what I already appreciate and I find it easy to own. Finally, the groups that I feel that I will have the least difficulty working with is counseling clients. It’s a profession that I have come to appreciate. While my temperament might seem to be a barrier, I have learnt how to tame my temperament all through. As such, it offers an opportunity to overcome my weaknesses and transform them into a strength.

References

1. McAuliffe, G. J. (2007). Culturally Alert Counseling: A Comprehensive Introduction. SAGE Publications.