Genograms can be prepared by using a complex word processor, or a computer drawing program. Some genogram users also put circles around members who live in the same living spaces. How is genogram made?Ī genogram is created with simple symbols representing the gender, with various lines to illustrate family relationships. Introduce the reader to the general traits you will analyze in the following paragraphs. For example, the genogram may focus on the mother’s side of the family, or on grandparents, parents and children. Write an introductory paragraph that details what you define as the family under analysis. A genogram is also a very helpful tool in the realm of social work. This tool makes it easier for professionals to identify where issues and concerns come from within the family. Genograms help depict the key people in an individual’s life and their relationship with them. Read More: What does a radiation oncology doctor do? What are the benefits of a genogram? The genogram usually includes cultural and demographic information about at least three generations of family members, as well as nodal and critical events in the family’s history, particularly as related to family changes (migration, loss, and the life cycle). … In general, the genogram is useful in gathering information, understanding relationship dynamics and behavioral patterns, promoting the client’s self-understanding, conducting assessments, and guiding the practitioner to interventions. Why is genogram used in social work practice? What are the most important pieces of information to gather in a genogram?Īim to gather information about three generations: the young person’s generation, their parent, and their grandparents.

For example, a family tree might show us that Emily and Kevin are married, while a genogram could tell us that Emily and Ken are married, but they are emotionally distant from one another. Imagine a genogram as a family tree with much more detail about how the family members interact with one another. Its purpose is to help the member of the system (in this case, you) see their context in visual form, so that pivotal moments and notable patterns can be acknowledged and recorded (Kerr & Bowen, 1988).

Step 6: Draw the members of your family in each generation.Ī genogram is a visual representation of a family system, incorporating at least three generations of the system.

Step 2: Decide the number of generations to include.

Step 1: Decide the purpose for making a genogram.

… Most social work practitioners in personal and family therapy use genograms alongside sociograms for personal records and/or to explain family dynamics to their client. What is a genogram in social work?Ī genogram is a picture of a person’s family relationships and history. The genogram allows the patient to see hereditary patterns of behavior and medical and psychological factors that run through families.

The word genogram refers to a diagram illustrating a person’s family members, how they are related, and their medical history.

Purpose of genograms in social work