The Genogram Assignment: A Success Story

6/4/10
MHS School-Based
Success Story

Sometimes growth comes at the most unlikely moments.

I began seeing a young man as he finished his freshman year of high school. The initial session was tense. Yelling between him and his guardian, tears collecting on an entire wad of tissues and a sense of debilitating hopelessness. Guardian’s comments alluded to the fact that no one ever changes in their family, and this client’s growth would definitely be an exception.

During the first year of treatment, this client was suspended numerous times, defiant toward teachers, leaving session without permission and regularly getting high. It seemed like nothing worked. Even gentle prodding in session would cause an explosive reaction and a response of rejection, fear and self-hatred. I had almost given up hope.

During the summer after his sophomore year, I decided to go out on a limb and begin having the client do self-inventories and interventions at home. I rationalized that maybe having him do reflection out of session would be less anxiety provoking. Although few of my other clients would complete “homework,” I had a twinge of hope remaining that maybe this one client would do what many others had not.

Sitting in the heat of the summer day, I tentatively asked the client if he had ever heard of doing a “genogram.” Thinking it was related to the word telegram, he laughed and made joking remarks of singing telegrams sending Birthday wishes to unsuspecting recipients. Clarifying that the word was genogram, not telegram, I went on to explain that it aids in seeing family patterns and how those patterns might be influencing us. Armed with a notebook full of explanations on how to do a genogram, I explained what each symbol meant, how to draw it out, and what patterns to look for. Then, I cautiously asked, ‘Would you be willing to try to do this at home?” Without an ounce of excitement, he said, “Maybe.” And that was the end of my miraculous intervention . . or so I thought.

Weeks went by without a word from the client. As our next meeting approached, I was tentative about asking about the genogram. Maybe it was a big failure, or maybe he had forgotten all about it. The hour for the session arrived, and to my surprise, my client came bounding in the door with a giant smile. “That genogram thing was amazing!” he said. I nearly fell off my seat.

Over the course of the next hour, we talked about all the patterns he was able to identify in his family, the areas he wanted to change, and the pressure he feels from breaking the mold. This genogram assignment would end up being the turning point not only for our therapeutic relationship, but for his own world view as well.

I am pleased to say that this client is now a graduating senior, ready to break the mold by going off to college. He has met all of his goals for therapy, gained a new respect for his teachers, and has a deeper perspective on what is plaguing his family. He has insight into his own life, no longer walks out of session angry, and has future goals for a successful family of his own.

Change may be long and arduous, but I am learning to never give up hope. A glimmering moment of growth might be right around the corner.