A genogram
resembles a family tree but includes much more detailed information. This
is an example of a completed genogram. The information that is included is
not comprehensive. Rather, the information included focuses on several themes.
Some of the themes explored are family illnesses, geographical locations,
professions, and relationships. Most genograms examine a family system in
three generations. I encourage you to decide on who will be included in your
genogram based on the theme or family issue that you are exploring. Map out
a basic tree of the pertinent family members in relation to you. Include such
information as birth and death, marriage and divorce, and other information
important to your theme. After you have completed the basic structure and
information about individuals, continue by drawing in lines that represent
significant relationships. Notice how you can show excessive closeness (enmeshment),
distance, and balance by using different types of lines. Pay particular attention
to triangles that form in your identification of important relationships.
Use the example below as a reference in creating your own genogram. To find
out more information about a particular symbol or component of the genogram
example, move the pointer over the corresponding area and click on it. You
can also select one of the links listed below the genogram to find out more
information on a particular topic.
Triangle 1
Triangle 2 Symbol
Key
