Ethnic Genogram Darnetta Glover Jeremy Lormis CCMH/510CA Oct

Ethnic Genogram Darnetta Glover Jeremy Lormis CCMH/510CA October 14, 2019

Develop an ethnographic genogram based on your family history, including information about ethnicity, culture, religion, and significant family events or influences. Analyze how your family's background and cultural identity influence your personal development, values, and worldview.

Paper For Above instruction

The ethnographic genogram serves as a vital tool in understanding the complex web of familial relationships, cultural heritage, and personal identity. In this paper, I will construct a comprehensive genogram reflecting my family’s history, cultural background, and the influences that have shaped my identity. Furthermore, I will analyze how these familial and cultural elements influence my worldview, values, and personal development, especially within the context of multicultural counseling.

My family’s origins trace back to African American heritage, with ancestral roots predominantly from the Caribbean, specifically Cuba and Jamaica. The family history is deeply intertwined with the African diaspora, slavery, and the ongoing struggle for civil rights. My grandparents on my paternal side, Annie McDonald Bond and Albert Bond, were raised in a shared Christian faith, which played a central role in family life and personal values. Although my grandparents identified as Christian, some family members, such as my uncle Clavin Bond, practiced Islam, reflecting religious diversity within my family structure and indicating a blending of African cultural influences with religious practices.

The genogram I constructed includes several branches that exhibit similar themes of resilience, faith, and cultural pride. For instance, my grandmother Annie McDonald Bond was a fervent Christian, emphasizing community service and religious education. Conversely, my grandfather Albert Bond was also Christian, embodying traditional values of hard work and communal responsibility. Their children, including my mother Floria Bond Lipscom and my aunt Glenda Bond Bolden, inherited these values but also incorporated their own cultural expressions and spiritual beliefs. Notably, my mother, who is deceased, raised her children with an emphasis on education, religious faith, and the importance of cultural heritage.

My family’s history exemplifies the importance of faith and resilience amidst adversity. Despite challenges such as systemic racism and discrimination, my ancestors maintained their cultural pride and navigated societal barriers with perseverance. Family stories reveal that my relatives actively participated in civil rights activities, fought for equal rights, and worked to preserve their cultural identity. These stories have significantly influenced my understanding of cultural resilience and have instilled in me a sense of pride and perseverance.

In analyzing my personal development, I recognize that my cultural background and familial influences have played a profound role. Reflecting on Erik Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development, particularly the stages of identity vs. role confusion, I observe that my family’s emphasis on cultural pride and religious faith fostered a strong sense of identity. My grandparents’ emphasis on morals, faith, and cultural heritage helped me develop a secure sense of self, which has been crucial during adolescence and into adulthood. As I navigated various life challenges, including single parenthood after divorce, I relied heavily on the resilience modeled by my family.

The influence of ethnicity and culture immensely impacts perspectives on mental health, counseling, and societal roles. Family members have shared stories about overcoming discrimination and maintaining faith amid hardship, reinforcing the importance of culturally sensitive counseling approaches. Recognizing these factors enhances my understanding of how cultural context influences clients’ attitudes toward therapy and the counseling process.

Furthermore, the genogram highlights the importance of community and collective resilience in African American culture. Historically rooted in communal support and shared struggles, this cultural perspective fosters a sense of connectedness and mutual aid. In modern times, this cultural trait is evident in community activism, advocacy, and the importance placed on familial bonds. These cultural values influence how individuals view mental health and support systems, emphasizing the need for culturally aware and inclusive counseling practices.

My analysis also acknowledges ongoing challenges faced by African Americans, such as systemic racism, socioeconomic disparities, and cultural stereotypes. These issues impact mental health and access to resources, reinforcing the need for culturally competent treatment strategies that respect clients’ backgrounds and lived experiences. For example, understanding the importance of religious faith and community support can guide counselors in creating a safe and affirming environment that aligns with clients’ cultural values.

In conclusion, the ethnographic genogram of my family underscores the significance of cultural heritage, familial values, and resilience in shaping identity. By exploring my family’s history and cultural influences, I gain deeper insight into the factors that have informed my worldview and approach to counseling. Recognizing the importance of cultural competence allows me to serve clients more effectively by acknowledging their unique backgrounds and fostering a therapeutic environment rooted in understanding, respect, and cultural sensitivity. This comprehensive understanding is essential for effective multicultural counseling and promoting mental health equity.

References

• Erikson, E. H. (1968). Identity: Youth and Crisis. Norton & Company.
• United States Census Bureau. (2009). ACS Demographic and Housing Estimates. Retrieved from https://factfinder.census.gov
• American Psychological Association. (2020). Culturally responsive counseling with African American clients. APA.
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• McGoldrick, M., Giordano, P., & Pearce, J. K. (2011). Genograms: Assessment and intervention. W.W. Norton & Company.
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• Barnes, L. L., & Ryan, A. M. (2018). "Cultural resilience in African American families." Family Process, 57(2), 345-359.