An introduction to genograms and their benefits in social work

Families pass down aspects of themselves from generation to generation. Some of these inherited traits are positive, like cultural traditions, wisdom, and cherished belongings. Others may be small, like a particular hair texture or eye colour. However, not all inherited traits are beneficial. Some families pass down genetic predispositions to conditions like addiction or depression. Others unknowingly reinforce unhealthy behaviours and attitudes, shaping the way their descendants think and interact with the world.

Genograms offer a structured way to examine these by mapping out both strengths and weaknesses within a family, genograms help individuals and professionals better understand generational influences. This awareness paves the way for strengthening positive traits while working to overcome harmful cycles.

What is a Genogram?

A genogram (pronounced: jen-uh-gram) is a detailed visual representation of a family tree that includes much more than just lineage. Unlike traditional family trees, which simply outline family connections, genograms delve deeper by identifying behavioural, emotional, and relational patterns within families. This makes them an invaluable tool for identifying trends that may affect a person’s mental and emotional well-being.

First introduced in clinical settings by Monica McGoldrick and Randy Gerson in 1985, genograms have since become widely used in fields like medicine, psychology, social work, genetic research, and education. These diagrams allow professionals to analyse family structures, health conditions, and relationship dynamics, providing insights that might not be immediately obvious from a simple pedigree chart.

A genogram typically includes basic details such as names, birth and death dates, and gender, similar to a traditional family tree. However, it can also incorporate more in-depth information, such as:

• Education and employment history
• Major life events
• The nature of relationships between family members
• Behavioural patterns and social habits
• Chronic illnesses and medical conditions

The level of detail included depends on the purpose of the genogram and the information available. Unlike a basic family tree, which focuses solely on ancestry, a genogram provides valuable context about how family members relate to one another. For instance, a traditional family tree may show that "Emily and Kevin are married," while a genogram would reveal that "Emily and Kevin are married but emotionally distant from each other."

The Role of Genograms in Social Work

Genograms become particularly useful when they span multiple generations. They can make recurring patterns more apparent, helping professionals and families recognise behavioural cycles that might otherwise go unnoticed. If a family has a history of strained marriages, for example, a genogram can help pinpoint underlying issues like emotional detachment or alcohol abuse as contributing factors.

In social work and therapeutic practice genograms offer an essential tool for understanding family dynamics. They provide a visual representation of how family members interact, revealing both strengths and challenges. This deeper level of insight allows professionals to develop more effective intervention strategies, addressing the root causes of familial struggles rather than just surface-level symptoms.

Co-constructing a genogram with families can have numerous benefits, including:

• Mapping out who’s who in a child’s life and identifying key relationships beyond immediate family, such as close friends and community members (Allen et al., 2011; DeMaria et al., 2020; McGoldrick et al., 2020).
• Identifying important support networks, which can aid in safety planning and Family Group Conferences (FGC) (Shemmings & Shemmings, 2011).
• Encouraging families to consider alternative narratives and perspectives on their relationships and behaviours.
• Supporting children in care with life story work, helping them understand their family network, history, and identity (Turns et al., 2019).
• Providing insight into risks and strengths across generations, allowing families to recognise and address patterns in their history (Turner et al., 2019).
• Helping professionals identify potential alternative carers for children in cases where family members may step in for guardianship, particularly in legal proceedings (Royal Borough of Greenwich v A & Ors, 2019).

Bringing it all together

Genograms provide a powerful lens through which we can explore the connections, patterns, and narratives that shape family life. Whether used to uncover intergenerational trauma, highlight strengths, or identify key support networks, they serve as a valuable guide for both families and professionals seeking clarity and change. As the landscape of social work continues to evolve, tools like genograms remind us of the importance of looking beyond the surface - of asking not just who someone is connected to, but how those connections function and why they matter.

For services looking to integrate genogram work into their assessments, there are now simple ways to do so digitally. Some platforms, like FamilyAxis, offer a free genogram tool to support practitioners in capturing these insights efficiently while keeping the child and wider family context in focus.

Sources:

• Allen, S., DeMaria, R., & McGoldrick, M. (2011). Genograms in Family Assessment.
• DeMaria, R., Weeks, G. R., & Hof, L. (2020). Focus on the Family: Family Therapy and Beyond.
• Firmin, C. (2019). Contextual Safeguarding: Rethinking Child Protection to Account for Abuse in Extra-Familial Contexts.
• Hecker, L. L., & Wetchler, J. L. (2003). An Introduction to Marriage and Family Therapy. (Cited by Turner et al., 2019).
• McGoldrick, M., Gerson, R., & Petry, S. (2020). Genograms: Assessment and Intervention.
• Shemmings, D., & Shemmings, Y. (2011). Understanding Disorganized Attachment: Theory and Practice for Working with Children and Adults.
• Turns, B., Coker, J. K., & Frey, L. M. (2019). Play Therapy with Families: A Systemic Approach.
• Stoddart, K. (1999). (Cited in Turns et al., 2019).
• Taylor, J., et al. (2013). Using Genograms to Enhance Family Work in Social Care.
• Royal Borough of Greenwich v A & Ors (2019). Case Law Summary.