Ideally you’ll start with three generations, but that’s not always possible. There are families where an entire generation has disappeared, or they don’t have contact with some members. It’s important to give yourself a realistic goal. Decide on the number of generations you’ll analyze In any case, the important thing is to determine the purpose before you start. There are also times when a genogram has one specific purpose. It’s perfect if you’re asking yourself: where does my depression come from? You can trace a particular condition down through the different generations. G enograms also include valuable information about recurring or common emotional problems in a family. They may be psychological patterns picked up and spread through the family environment. Family history is also genetic history and helps you visualize inherited physical strengths and weaknesses. Sometimes the data you get is extremely useful for doctors.

But you can use that information in many different ways. The first thing to do is determine what the purpose of the genogram will be. Of course, they all have to do with information about a person’s family history and family environment.

Recollection of basic information about a person’s family.

You make a genogram in three basic steps: They’re also valuable tools for increasing your self-knowledge. In many cases, it helps you come to a theory about the root causes of certain problems. It could be about personality, emotional management, etc.

It’s particularly useful for finding patterns: genetic issues, inter- or intragenerational problems, and environment-based behavioral patterns.Ī genogram helps you quickly visualize the way your family structure looks. This information is useful when it comes to a medical treatment and education.īut anyone can make their own genogram to get to know themselves better. We use it to gather and organize information about a person’s immediate environment. You are a leaf that doesn’t know it is part of a tree.” “ If you don’t know history, then you don’t know anything.

Social work genogram example