Focused Genograms: Intergenerational Assessment of Individuals, Couples, and Families

327 Pages·2017·3.766 MB·English

by  Rita DeMaria, Gerald R. Weeks, Markie L. C. Twist

Focused GenoGrams
Focused Genograms provides a cutting-edge guide to utilizing the Intersystem
Approach meta-framework and attachment theory to construct focused gen-
ograms. Focused genograms are graphic representations of intergenerational
family interactions, and can be tailored to themes. This new volume includes
nearly two decades of research, clinical experience, and theory; including rap-
idly expanding empirical support of attachment theory, gender, and trauma
theory. It will allow the reader to comprehensively develop assessment and
treatment planning for a wide range of client-systems. The clinical approach
to using Focused Genograms traces intergenerational patterns of attachment
and helps the therapist create an attachment-focused bond with client-systems
of all types.
Rita DeMaria, PhD, LMFT, CST, is a senior staff clinician at Council for
Relationships and faculty member and supervisor in the Post-Graduate Couple
and Family Therapy Program. She is on the faculty in the Couple and Family
Therapy Program at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia.
Gerald R. Weeks, PhD, ABPP, CST, is a professor emeritus in the Marriage
and Family Therapy Program at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. He is the
founder of the Intersystem Approach.
Markie L. C. Twist, PhD, LMFT, LMHC, CSE, is an associate professor
in the Human Development and Family Studies Department and Marriage and
Family Therapy Program at the University of Wisconsin-Stout.
“I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book’s update on Weeks’ Intersystem
Approach and Focused Genogram practices. By adding material developed
through theory (e.g., attachment), experience, and research (e.g., neuroscience),
the authors have expanded and deepened the usefulness of the Focused Geno-
gram as a meta-framework assessment tool for systemic treatment of individ-
uals, couples, and families regardless of preferred therapy approach. Useful for
novice therapists as well as seasoned clinicians and trainers/supervisors.”
Thorana Nelson, PhD, professor emerita,
Utah State University
Focused GenoGrams
Intergenerational Assessment
of Individuals, Couples,
and Families
2nd Edition
Rita DeMaria, Gerald R. Weeks,
and Markie L. C. Twist
Second edition published 2017
by Routledge
711 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10017
and by Routledge
2 Park Square, Milton Park, Abingdon, Oxon, OX14 4RN
Routledge is an imprint of the Taylor & Francis Group, an informa business
© 2017 Taylor & Francis
Figure Concepts © Rita DeMaria, PhD; Figures Created by © Dennis Haggerty
The right of Rita DeMaria, Gerald R. Weeks, and Markie L. C. Twist
to be identified as authors of this work has been asserted by them in
accordance with sections 77 and 78 of the Copyright, Designs and
Patents Act 1988.
All rights reserved. The purchase of this copyright material confers the
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parts of this book may be reprinted or reproduced or utilized in any
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Trademark notice: Product or corporate names may be trademarks
or registered trademarks, and are used only for identification and
explanation without intent to infringe.
First edition published by Routledge, 1999
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Names: DeMaria, Rita, author. | Weeks, Gerald R.,
1948– author. | Twist, Markie L. C., author.
Title: Focused genograms: intergenerational assessment of individuals,
couples, and families / by Rita DeMaria, Gerald R. Weeks, and
Markie L.C. Twist.
Description: 2nd edition. | New York, NY: Routledge, 2018. |
Includes bibliographical references and index.
Identifiers: LCCN 2017001473 | ISBN 9781138714076 (alk. paper) |
ISBN 9780415806640 (alk. paper) | ISBN 9781315230771 (alk. paper)
Subjects: LCSH: Family psychotherapy. | Family
psychotherapy—Technique. | Behavioral assessment—Charts,
diagrams, etc. | Genograms.
Classification: LCC RC488.5 .D39 2018 | DDC 616.89/156—dc23
LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2017001473
ISBN: 978-1-138-71407-6 (hbk)
ISBN: 978-0-415-80664-0 (pbk)
ISBN: 978-1-315-23077-1 (ebk)
Typeset in Bembo
by codeMantra
Children are the messages we send to a time we will not see.
Postman, N. (1982, pg. xi.)
With gratitude:
To my mother, June Selma Krugh, and my father, Lawrence
William Mulligan, Sr.
To my husband, Richard Anthony DeMaria
And for the ‘time I will not see’
My children: Amanda Elizabeth and Jeffrey Scott
and Katherine Tyler Schoen
—Rita DeMaria
To my wife Nancy for her enduring love and support:
—Gerald R. Weeks
For the guide of my past—my grandmother, Sydney Jane Brannin
Dodge, and the guide of my future—my child, Leif Brenmark
Christianson Blumer
—Markie L. C. Twist
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contents
List of Figures and Tables xi
About the Authors xiii
Preface xvi
Acknowledgments xx
Abbreviations xxiii
Introduction xxiv
Part I
the Intersystem approach and Integration
of attachment theory 1
1 The Intersystem Approach: Intergenerational Assessment
and Clinical Practice 3
Overview 3
The Intersystem Approach in Current Practice 13
Summary 15
References 16
2 Focused Genograms and Assessment of Intergenerational
Transmission of Attachment 19
Overview 19
Attachment Theory and the Intersystem Approach 20
viii Contents
The Development of Therapeutic Posture 23
Exploring the Attachment Terminology Dilemma 26
Intergenerational Transmission of Attachments 32
Attachment Theory in Context 34
Summary 37
References 38
Part II
re-Introducing Focused Genograms
and therapeutic Posture 43
3 A Guide to the Focused Genogram, Maps, and Timelines 45
Overview 45
A Guide to the Focused Genogram 46
Overview of Mapping and Timeline Tools 51
Mapping Tools 52
Timeline Tools 71
Summary 78
References 79
Appendix 1: Family Connections Map
Questionnaire and Scoring 84
FCM Questionnaire Directions 84
4 Therapeutic Posture: The Attachment-Based
Therapeutic Alliance with Individuals, Couples,
and Families 87
Overview 87
Part I Theoretical Background and Clinical Implications
of Therapeutic Posture 89
Part II A Guide to Forming a Therapeutic Posture 97
Part III Focused Genograms as an Attachment Narrative
Process 107
Summary 111
References 112
Contents ix
Part III
the new and expanded attachment Focused
Genograms 117
5 The Attachments Focused Genogram: Expanding the
Basic Genogram 119
Overview 119
Foundations of Attachment Theory 120
Re-introducing the Attachment Focused Genogram 121
Developing the Attachment Genogram 122
Summary 150
References 151
6 The Fairness Focused Genogram: A Contextual Therapy
Perspective 158
Introduction to the Fairness Genogram 158
Overview 160
The Family Justice System 162
Meet the Blases 168
Constructing the Fairness Genogram 170
Summary 180
References 181
7 The Gender Focused Genogram 183
Overview 183
Reintroducing the Gender Genogram 184
Developing the Gender Genogram 185
Summary 210
References 210
8 The Sexuality Focused Genogram 217
Overview 217
History of Sexuality Assessment 218