A genogram is a visual tool, similar to a map, that reveals relationship dynamics throughout generations. The genogram includes details such as marriage and divorce, birth order of children, and the health of each relationship. This tool can reveal familial patterns across generational lines that may not otherwise be obvious, revealing both a family's generational strengths and weaknesses that were passed down.
Create Your Own Family Genogram
You can do this on a computer or by hand; just make sure to give yourself plenty of space! The beauty of a genogram is that you can go as detailed as you want as you dive deeper into family dynamics and patterns.
Additional relational details that are not included on the example above include:
• Education
• Occupations
• Major life events
• Traumas
• Chronic illnesses
• Social behaviors
• Mental health diagnoses
• Addictions
• Strengths
Now that you have your own personal genogram, explore the prompts below to dig a little bit deeper as you answer a few of them. These can be great topics to explore further with a therapist.
- How did your family deal with difficult emotions (such as conflict, grief etc.)?
- What family patterns or themes are most likely to be triggers?
- How might your family of origin experiences influence your relating to personality types you find difficult?
- What were the major triangles in your family, and what steps might you take to de-triangle from any that still exist?
- How might you want to change to be more yourself with your family?
- What family messages did you receive about interacting with those who are different from you (such as race, gender, religion, disabilities etc.)?
- What painful losses or problems did your family members have to face in the past?
- What are some of the strengths and assets of the family?
- What meaning do members give to their past stresses, and how may this relate to their cultural background?
- Do members seek support from others within, or outside the family? Has anyone sought a therapist’s advice? Is seeking outside guidance viewed negatively or positively?
