ABSTRACT
This chapter provides the reader guidance in reflecting upon how their experience of their family of origin can influence how well they begin to find their feet in the surgery. It looks at the different types of "culture" found in surgeries. The setting of the general practice surgery has similarities to that of a family in the way problems arise and are solved. An individual may react to a problem or conflict in the "surgery family" that may make a situation worse rather than better. As in families, people may seek allies, try to apportion blame to others, and it is not unknown for individuals to become scapegoats, albeit at an unconscious level of intent. The retirement of a senior partner after many decades can disrupt the homeostasis of the surgery in a similar way to a death in the family. The procedure for keeping counselling records may be established before the counsellor's present employment in the surgery.
