WHAT IS A GENOGRAM?

A "genogram" is a pictoral vision of a family through three or more generations. Often called a "Family Tree," this picture can record much rich information about a family.

Genograms capture family history by noting relationships, births, losses, connections, patterns, roles, occupations, alignments, communication patterns, health history and supports.

The genogram tool can help a family. When a family draws their own family map, they often see their family in new ways, often identify new supports, or recognize patterns that can change. By beginning the life planning process with a genogram, we hope that families will learn to identify the real strengths and possible limitations of future caregivers in their family.

Service providers gain a rich knowledge of the family history of their clients. We understand that families may want to review, revise or redraw their genogram over time. Family Ties Project staff only request that we receive a copy of the most recent genogram.

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF USING GENOGRAMS IN TREATMENT?

By involving a family in the genogram drawing process, they may feel more comfortable talking about certain relationships, losses, or histories. The genogram also opens up a natural means for the case manager to gather information for the life planning process. For example, when identifying a possible future caregiver, a case manager could say "Oh, look here, in your genogram you said that your children were close to Aunt Susie. Has something happened recently to change that?" Finally, the use of a genogram at the beginning, can provide specialty service providers with concise, but detailed information that will help in the family’s life plan. A Family Ties Project attorney said, "If I had only had this genogram on the family from the beginning . . . I would have been so much better at helping them!"