My Community Genogram

Last week, in my counseling class, the professor asked us to create a community genogram. It is a counseling technique which allows patients to see how they are influenced by those around them, and encourages creativity. I remember my professor sent an e-mail days before this project was due saying there was no real wrong way to do; so at that point, I figured I'd throw something together at the last minute. What I developed was actually more than I thought it would be. Not only was this actually fun to do, it got me thinking. Initially, I wanted to make things simple; something easily understood and represented visually. However, what I came up with was a colorful and complex pattern of my upbringing and relationships. I felt really good about this assignment. Not only was I allowed to take a moment of my day to be creative, it was praised by the class for the amount of thought that went in to it. I'll attempt to give a run down on everything depicted here and the meanings behind each of the "capsules"; why they are where they are, the application of colors, and how I fit in with it all. My hope is that those reading this will also look in to how they relate with others, and how they are influenced. Like I said, not only was it a fun change of pace from the normal, bland assignments, it also allows you to think deeply, which I fear many of us don't quite often enough. Let us begin, shall we . . .


1.) Colors

Think back to arts and crafts, where you got to mix colors to create different colors. However simple that may seem, it was a big part of this genogram. For instance, notice [Mama & Daddy] in purple. I am represented by the color red while my siblings and their children are represented with blue. This is intentional as our parents are our base. So as we break away, we divide and individualize. Therefore, purple is created through the combination of red and blue; get it?


Speaking of blue, there is a reason why [Siblings] and [Nieces & Nephews] are the exact same color, and a reason there position stands as such. Because I was born pretty late compared to the other children, I've always been in the middle. My first nephew, being born less than two years after me, that really put me in a somewhat awkward position growing up. People always thought my parents were my grandparents, and my sisters did almost treat me more like parents than siblings. It's been a tug-of-war as to where I fit in, but I feel it's all for my benefit in one or another.

Finally for colors, as you've noticed, I'm represented with red. But friends (whether I actually have any or not is relevant for this particular instance) is represented by orange. [Friends] branch off into two categories: girlfriend and associates (or acquaintances). [Friends] and [Girlfriend], orange and pink respectively, represent how I would want my friendships to be. As orange is, in essence, a shade of red ultimately, I would want my friends to be a shade of me; meaning, my friends should relate and favor me in someway. The same holds true for why [Girlfriend] is pink; she should relate to me and there should be some type of representation of me within her. Associates is in gray because those are the people that you establish that beneficial Hi-and-Bye relationship with. They fade in and out of our lives sometimes so rapidly, that you may never notice them. Remember, your friends are a reflection of you, get it?

2.) Position

The shape of this diagram is actually a bit on an accident. Perhaps subconsciously I knew this way would make the most sense and add another dimension to the project overall. If you think about it like a potted plant, notice the base and the pot consist of family. I grow out from that and branch out into many different directions in life. Also, think about life from a very broad perspective; ultimately, we are forever torn between our parents and our friends. Everything they taught us from birth, our application of it, and the clash with new people that come in and out of our lives. See too, where college and high school are placed within the diagram. I placed them there initially to stop my growth, then friends and its branches would emerge. But, I do think academia has helped develop me into the person I am, no matter how much I've hated each stage of it. High School and college are where I've met the few friends I do have, my girlfriend, and those associates. So through those tabs, the plant, me, continues to grow.


This assignment shed some light on some things for me. The dimensions of who I am and the dimensions of the relationships I've established with other people. I am really happy with the outcome, and like I said, when I showed up to class and mine looked quite better than everyone else's lol! Seriously, I'd do another one of these if I had the time; one that encompasses more specific aspects, more specific relationships, etc. As I said, I encourage you to explore your relationships with people and see how they've influenced your life. You've influenced their life too, and you could also talk a lot about that, because as I've learned with counseling, the value of positive assets is critical. We all have them, and we all benefit from them. Thank you for sharing in my experience and I hope I can bring you more projects that I take pride in. I'm always talking about what I don't like about school, but this has given me the opportunity to speak about a highlight of it. Let's hope for more, enjoy!