Learning Goal: I’m working on a writing project and need the explanation and answer to help me learn.
Family of Origin Paper Components
For your Family of Origin Paper, you will select one model of family therapy (Structural, Bowen, Communication, Contextual, etc.) and apply the model to your family of origin. Include all of the following parts in your paper, using headings for each section:
- Problem Description: Before you apply a theory to explain the causes of the problem, first describe the problem in your own words. For the purposes of the paper, the presenting problem should be tied to a particular point or event in time.
- Hypothesis: Using the concepts of one family theory that we studied, describe the family dynamics, including any patterns that may have contributed to or caused this problem in your family. What is your hypothesis about the causes of the issue or problem in your family, according to the model you have chosen? For example, how would a Structural Family Therapist discuss the dynamics around the problematic issue? Or, how would Bowen describe the family dynamics or patterns that contributed to the problem or issue?
- Sociocultural Factors: Discuss any relevant sociocultural factors (race, gender, class, etc.) that may have contributed to the development of the problem or provided support to your family in resolving the problem.
- Family Strengths: Describe any strengths that you see in your family as a whole, or in any individual members – including yourself. These strengths can be those tied to solving the problem or can be any strengths in general.
- Family Life Cycle Stage: Describe the tasks or transitions associated with the family life cycle stage that your family was in when the problem appeared or worsened.
- Reflection on Process: In a short (no more than 1 page) reflection, discuss your experience of completing both the genogram and the theory application paper. Did you gain any insights about yourself or your family that might help you in your future work with clients?
In your responses to the above prompts, cite 4 or more scholarly readings from this course. Your paper should be 6-7 double-spaced pages (not including title page or reference page) in 12-point, Times New Roman font. Make sure that your paper is formatted in APA style, including a title page, reference page, and headings.