Your objective is to work with the graph to create a genogram that is easy to view and can be understood at a glance.Īnalysis: Once you have completed your genogram, you will need to interpret your family map. You can shorten or lengthen lines, move entire family units around to maximize space, and more. GenoPro gives you the freedom you need to manipulate your genogram to allow enhanced viewing on a computer system.It would also be a good idea to include labels (a word or two will do) about each family member’s strengths-especially those that are either known by the index person or have a relevant connection to them. Even though this is not required for the successful completion of the assignment, it may be helpful to interview other family members about important areas of their family history. In order to make it easy to understand, ensure that there are notes on the genogram graphic regarding people, family events, etc., in their appropriate places (for example, on the side of a relevant person or generation).The legend must only include items represented on the genogram. Include a legend at the bottom right corner of the genogram document.This only crowds the graphic and makes it difficult to read. Do not use the “normal” line provided by GenoPro.
#WHAT IS GENOGRAM SOFTWARE#
Use the symbols as illustrated within the GenoPro software to indicate the nature of many of the relationships among family members.In the case where the index person is either a parent or a grand-parent, his/her children must be included in the genogram. It would also be imperative that, in the event of the index person being involved in a marital or significant relationship, mention must be made of the significant other involved, including their immediate family such as their parents, siblings, and children. Two preceding generations-that is, the genogram must include the index person, his/her parents, and his/her grandparents (three generations, in all).Make sure to include the following items: You will also need to attach your narrative on an MS Word document. This submission will come in as a GenoPro document. Of course, you should also address any issues and concerns that may be discovered however, do not make the genogram problem-focused, even though this is typically how it is used in counseling.Ĭonstruction: You will submit your genogram through the assignment manager via GenoPro, found by clicking the “assignments” button. Index Person: In constructing the genogram, identify yourself as the “index person” and complete the genogram on your family.įocus: The focus of this genogram will be on family strengths and resilience, family patterns, rules or ways of being, and the overall health of the family. 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.