Genogram Question Practice

Happy Thursday!

There will likely be several genogram questions that show up on the exam. What you will often see on the exam is one genogram graphic and then several questions in a row that are all related to that one graphic. Some of the questions will require you to only use information seen in the graphic, and some questions will require you to use both the graphic and the vignette in conjunction to answer the question. 

So let’s practice! I’ll put answers and rationale in the comments. 

Marcus is your individual client who you have been working with for a while. Marcus came to therapy to “process through past trauma and continue to set boundaries with family members.” You have been using IFS to help him unburden some of his exile parts and increase insight into some of his negative held beliefs. He begins to tell you more about ongoing family dynamics and their origins. He explains that after his parents got divorced he and his mother moved around frequently until she finally remarried. He reports that his relationship with his step-father has always been complicated and that they don’t talk anymore. Recently his mother has been trying to get Marcus to reconcile with his step-father. You believe that using a Bowenian perspective would be a helpful way to conceptualize your next phase of work with Marcus. 

1. What is one way that an intergenerational lens might make sense of the conflict between Marcus and his mother?
   1. There is a loss of self that Susan is experiencing and an inability to discern her own conflict with Billy and Marcus' conflict with Billy. 
   2. The time period between her first and second marriage were too short to allow for emotional connection between Marcus and Billy. 
   3. Marcus still has blended parts that will not allow him to understand his mother’s perspective for fear of getting hurt. 
   4. Because Marcus is the youngest child he is more likely to accept themes of autonomy and responsibility and thus has a hard time accepting that his mother has initiated a reconciliation. 
2. According to the genogram, what could be the most likely reason for a “complicated relationship” between Marcus and Billy?
   1. Marcus could be worried about his own issues with substance use that he also saw in Billy. 
   2. Marcus feels jealous of Billy’s relationship with his mother 
   3. There was conflict between Marcus and Billy that was kept secret from others.
   4. Marcus believes that the only way to reconcile the relationship with his biological Dad is if Billy is not in the picture. 
3. What is one way an intergenerational therapist might encourage Marcus to interact with his family?
   1. To pull from the energy of “self” so that he can remember his own compassion and recognize the inherent calm, creative, and confident energy in his parents. 
   2. To have a conversation with his mother and Billy while remembering his own autonomy and ability to make choices and not feel the need to react to his parents' experiences. 
   3. To identify his ventral anchors before engaging with his parents so that his nervous system can remain calm and regulated. 
   4. To pull in one of his step-brothers so that he can have a trusted ally on his side before talking to his parents.