Genogram symbols social work how to#
Genogram symbols social work software#
Genogram symbols social work download#

The genogram can be useful in charting the basic family structure, recording individualized information (e.g., biological or legal details) to better understand relationship dynamics, and delineating family relationships (Connolly, 2005). As the genogram is helpful in understanding patterns and connections, it has been noted as “the supreme integrative tool” (Gerson, 1995, p. Seeing family behavior and relationships graphically can also help to reframe and normalize clients’ perspectives on their concerns. Identifying these connections can be useful when clients are stuck in a narrow view of the problem, blaming a particular family member for the issues of concern in the family. Genograms used with families may also be helpful in overcoming resistance “as they begin to see the connections between their concerns and historical family patterns” (McGoldrick, Gerson, & Petry, 2008, p. Similarly, the genogram invites the client to share personal identification in terms of race, gender, ethnicity, and cultural affiliation, which aligns with the discipline’s emphasis on understanding the various aspects of identity. For example, the genogram offers the opportunity to define and explore the family by acknowledging the client as the “expert.” This practice accounts for the evolving conceptualization of the family continually influenced by shifting cultural norms (Connolly, 2005). The genogram offers insight into that very understanding. Such a framework can help practitioners determine the sources of presenting issue(s) and the foci of interventions.Īdditionally, social work emphasizes the “not knowing” stance, acknowledging the client’s socially constructed understanding of his or her world and fit within that world. A central benefit is that this instrument introduces a client to the principles of systems theory, which are fundamental to social work practice (McGoldrick, Gerson, & Petry, 2008). The use of the genogram in social work practice is supported by the profession’s knowledge base as well as its values and ethical standards. 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.

Typically, these are familial relationships. The genogram may be defined as a visual tool for exploring a client’s social relationships across time. Throughout this article, “client” will be used, but it could be interchangeable with client system when appropriate. It is noteworthy that the genogram can be useful for an individual client or a client system (i.e., a family).

This article will discuss the use of genograms in social work and describe how to create a genogram using Microsoft Word. However, genograms can also be helpful when working with adults and serve as a tool to examine issues of interest beyond family dynamics. In child welfare practice, for example, the genogram is useful to incorporate changes over time, which is particularly helpful in charting shifts in custodial care for instances such as adoption or foster placements (Altshuler, 1999). Historically, the genogram is most commonly thought of in relation to practice with children, adolescents, and families to explore the quality of relationships and behavioral patterns across generations. Genograms are a practical tool in social work practice, both in terms of assessment and intervention. Depending on which version of Word you are using, instructions may vary slightly from those provided.)

Also, please note that versions of software vary.

(Editor's Note: To read this article with all illustrations, please download the Spring 2015 issue from the 'digital issues' page of the magazine section of the site. Pope, Ph.D., LCSW, and Jacquelyn Lee, Ph.D., LCSW

Genogram symbols social work how to#

Genogram symbols social work software#

Genogram symbols social work download#