social work relationship genogram symbols

A sample of the formats and symbols used to represent various familial relationships is included in the Intake form. This sketchnote version of a genogram symbol key is now available via the links below. The genogram gives the play therapist a visual representation of the family structure and history. In art or play-based genogram interventions, symbols can be replaced with colors, toys, stickers, or figures. Ask your client how they would like to be represented, and work collaboratively. The standard symbols (included in the key) and expanded symbols (included in the flashcards) still don’t come close to capturing this fully. This feels especially poignant around gender and sexual identity symbols. Once you’ve learned the language, improvise and adapt to your client or patient’s needs. It gives you vocabulary that weaves together into a meaningful language. Learning/memorizing symbols is important. Centering client experience and self-identification helps this tool empower and spark growth rather than label and pathologize. In the opinion of this author, the ethical use of genograms integrates an individual’s own self-representations and symbolic identifications as the basis.

Learning/memorizing genogram symbols is important. If you are interested in learning more about genograms, check out Genograms: Assessment and Interventions (by Monica McGoldrick, Randy Gerson Ph.D., and Sueli Petry Ph.D.) The visual language of Genograms concisely represents the complexity of relationships and intergenerationally transmitted issues. Genograms can serve as a bridge between the seen and unseen, accessible to artists and non-artists alike. While art therapy offers a more visual approach, art therapy can be off-putting to individuals who don’t identify as artists. Seeing something tangible that has only been discussed in the intangible can bring clarity for many individuals. For visual thinkers, however, visual aids help make important connections. I think talk-therapy has incredible value. Recently Added Updates to this Genogram Key: Once aware, we can become empowered to make more informed decisions about our own behaviors. (The field of intergenerational trauma seeks to understand these links in psychology and genealogy.) The genogram is a helpful tool to help us notice patterns. These systems may be sources of support or conflict and are noted as such.

In America, we are especially individualistic and often forget how influenced we are both explicitly and implicitly by our ancestors. What are the components of an ecomap Ecomaps feature symbols and circles filled in to create a web-like chart of the connections between the family ecology and their social environment.

It can even be used to track seemingly random events through generations, like religious devotion, teenage pregnancy, miscarriages, sexual abuse, or just about any other human experience. Genograms can be developed for an individual specifically to track addictions, cancers, emotional fusions, estrangements, psychiatric disorders, and more. While there are some standard symbols – many illustrated in this chart – genograms can be adapted in countless ways. One thing I love about genograms is that a genogram can be very flexible.

Social work relationship genogram symbols