In art or play-based genogram interventions, symbols can even be replaced with colors, toys, stickers, or figures. Ask your client how they would like to be represented, and work collaboratively. Think of it as an extremely detailed family tree. This feels especially poignant around gender and sexual identity symbols: which the standard symbols (included in the key) and expanded symbols (included in the flashcards) still donвЂ™t come close to capturing fully. A genogram is a family map or history that uses special symbols to describe relationships, major events, and the dynamics of a family over multiple generations. Learning/memorizing symbols is important вЂ“ it gives you vocabulary that weaves together into a meaningful language, but once youвЂ™ve learned the language, improvise and adapt to your client or patientвЂ™s needs. 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 individualвЂ™s own self-representations and symbolic identifications as the basis.

Learning/memorizing genogram symbols is important вЂ“ it gives you vocabulary that weaves together into a meaningful language, but once youвЂ™ve learned the language, improvise and adapt to your client or patientвЂ™s needs.

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. It is more than the traditional family tree giving insights into the medical history and behaviors of at least three generations of the family. Genograms can serve as a bridge between the seen and unseen, accessible to artists and non-artists alike. A genogram is a visual mapping tool that illustrates a persons family tree, relationships, and history. While art therapy offers a more visual approach, art therapy can be off-putting to individuals who donвЂ™t identify as artists. It can also be referred to as family genogram, a Lapidus schematic, or McGoldrickGerson study.A genogram example depicts hereditary patterns as well as psychological factors that form relationships. Seeing something tangible that has only been discussed in the intangible can bring clarity for many individuals. the increasing popularity of genograms in the training and practice of social work, medicine, psychology, nursing, counseling, and many related fields. The genogram is a pictorial display of the relations of a family as well as includes family medical history. I think talk-therapy has incredible value, but for visual thinkers, visual aids help make important connections more rapidly.