Cultural Genogram Article - Hardy

Cultural Genogram Article - Hardy

• Social constructivism – is the biases we have because of our own culture
• Cultural Genograms for therapists promote cultural awareness and help to develop cultural sensitivity
• Imperative for family therapy training programs to devote greater attention to preparing culturally competent therapists.
• Awareness - cognitive function, intellectual processing
• Sensitivity – individual, response emotionally to stimuli with delicacy and respectfulness.
• These functions are intertwined.
• Brings joining between client in therapist and insight into clients psyche.
• Help the trainees to understand their own background
• Accomplishes:

o   Illustrate and clarify the cultural influence on the family system

o   Assist trainees in identifying the groups which contribute to the formation of their cultural identity

o   Encourage candid discussions that reveal and challenge cultural based assumptions and stereotypes

o   Assisting trainees in understanding their culturally based emotional triggers

o   Assisting trainees exploring how their unique cultural identities impact their style and effectiveness

o   Can heighten cultural biases – objectivity is limited by our

·         Steps to the genogram –

o   Organize

o   Define one’s cultural of origin

o   Organize principles and pride/shame issues

§  Fundamental values

o   Establish a frame

o   Putting it together

o   Create cultural framework charts