

An essential social work skill you need to complete a genogram is attention to detail. Scrutinise your family genogram to ensure the genogram symbols are correct and represent what you want them to represent with no ambiguity.Įnsure the genogram keys are also representing the correct elements and are in its proper place.

Make sure you also validate relationships and dates with family members as you finalise the family genogram. The symbols represent a visual indicator of the information gathered during your conversation with family members. Place your content accordingly and be sure to use the appropriate structure and symbols in your genogram chart. Step 6: Finalise genogram symbols and key to use You can also explore emotional relationships which can provide an in-dept analysis of how members of the family relate to each other. Once you have this, you can then make contact with family members again to ask specific questions about family history and other significant events. Organise the information you already know by noting them on paper. Preparing an initial layout will also help identify where there are gaps to be filled or areas you may need clarification on when you next speak with family members.

This will help with the organisation of the genogram family. Organise the initial layout of your genogram by identifying the genogram symbols you want to use.

Narrative-based primary care: a practical guide.
#Family genogram symbols how to#
How to draw a genogram Taken from Launer, J. Below is an example of genogram template: It shows key information about an individual and their family. In a genogram, you will find symbols representing a person and their family.
#Family genogram symbols professional#
Genograms are not just a pictorial display of relationships, it must include professional judgement about what you need to include, and how to interpret it is key in analytical assessments. Genograms or monograms are also a key part of the process of assessment in social work and other professions, such as nursing. Genograms and ecomaps are like chronologies (the arrangement of events or dates in order of how they occur). In social work practice, they were made popular by the work of Maria McGoldrick and Randy Gerson (1985). Genograms were first used in the 1960s as a means of ‘tracking a presenting problem thorough the generations’ (Bowen, 1978). You may also find this article on Ecomaps useful.
