Genograms used with families may also be helpful in overcoming resistance “as they begin to see the connections between their concerns and historical family patterns” (McGoldrick, Gerson, & Petry, 2008, p. Similarly, the genogram invites the client to share personal identification in terms of race, gender, ethnicity, and cultural affiliation, which aligns with the discipline’s emphasis on understanding the various aspects of identity. For example, the genogram offers the opportunity to define and explore the family by acknowledging the client as the “expert.” This practice accounts for the evolving conceptualization of the family continually influenced by shifting cultural norms (Connolly, 2005). The genogram offers insight into that very understanding. Such a framework can help practitioners determine the sources of presenting issue(s) and the foci of interventions.Īdditionally, social work emphasizes the “not knowing” stance, acknowledging the client’s socially constructed understanding of his or her world and fit within that world.
A central benefit is that this instrument introduces a client to the principles of systems theory, which are fundamental to social work practice (McGoldrick, Gerson, & Petry, 2008). The use of the genogram in social work practice is supported by the profession’s knowledge base as well as its values and ethical standards. In general, the genogram is useful in gathering information, understanding relationship dynamics and behavioral patterns, promoting the client’s self-understanding, conducting assessments, and guiding the practitioner to interventions. Typically, these are familial relationships. The genogram may be defined as a visual tool for exploring a client’s social relationships across time. Throughout this article, “client” will be used, but it could be interchangeable with client system when appropriate. It is noteworthy that the genogram can be useful for an individual client or a client system (i.e., a family). This article will discuss the use of genograms in social work and describe how to create a genogram using Microsoft Word. However, genograms can also be helpful when working with adults and serve as a tool to examine issues of interest beyond family dynamics. In child welfare practice, for example, the genogram is useful to incorporate changes over time, which is particularly helpful in charting shifts in custodial care for instances such as adoption or foster placements (Altshuler, 1999). Historically, the genogram is most commonly thought of in relation to practice with children, adolescents, and families to explore the quality of relationships and behavioral patterns across generations. Genograms are a practical tool in social work practice, both in terms of assessment and intervention. Depending on which version of Word you are using, instructions may vary slightly from those provided.) Also, please note that versions of software vary. (Editor's Note: To read this article with all illustrations, please download the Spring 2015 issue from the "digital issues" page of the magazine section of the site. Pope, Ph.D., LCSW, and Jacquelyn Lee, Ph.D., LCSW
In qualitative research of the supportive and nonsupportive interactions experienced by male family caregivers, the interactive use of genograms and ecomaps (a) facilitated increased understanding of social networks as a context for caregiving, (b) promoted a relational process between researcher and participant, and (c) uncovered findings such as unrealized potential in the participant's social network that may not be revealed with the use of the genogram or ecomap alone, or the noncomparative use of both.By Natalie D. Although development and utilization of genograms and ecomaps is rooted in clinical practice with families, as research tools they provide data that can enhance the researcher's understanding of family member experiences. A genogram is a graphic portrayal of the composition and structure of one's family and an ecomap is a graphic portrayal of personal and family social relationships. This article argues for the concurrent and comparative use of genograms and ecomaps in family caregiving research.