Some of the most common features on a genogram are information related to the number of families, children in a given family, and the birth order of the family members-including the number of births and deaths. The structure of a genogram is by and large determined by the imagination and creativity of its author. The genogram also does a better job than a pedigree chart in mapping out relationships and traits.Įven though there are a plethora of books and websites on the subject of genograms, it is worth noting that Monica McGoldrick and Randy Gerson are responsible for its initial development and popularity in clinical settings. This instrument facilitates the practitioner and his client’s identification an understanding of patterns in family history. The genogram resembles a family tree however, it includes additional relationships among individuals. It is a convenient organizing device to help you identify family patterns or develop hypotheses about family functioning” (). A genogram (pronounced: jen-uh-gram) is “a pictorial representation of family relationships across several generations.

Genogram legend