Use of the Genogram

Rationale and clinical utility of the family map

The genogram is much more than a family tree; it is a fundamental clinical tool for mapping the emotional and relational structure of the couple through several generations.

Its usefulness lies in its ability to visualize at a glance complex information that would otherwise take many sessions to reveal through the standard verbal interview.

By constructing the genogram with the couple, we not only obtain data, but we also make it easier for them to narrate their story themselves.

This helps them make sense of their own identity and understand where their current behaviors come from.

It functions as a mirror that allows them to see their history in perspective, often revealing forgotten events or family secrets that are unconsciously impacting the present.

Technical Symbology and Relationship Tracing

Technically, the genogram uses standardized symbols: squares for men, circles for women (or other shapes for non-binary identities), and lines to connect kinships. However, its real power lies in the lines of relationship.

Beyond who is the child of whom, the genogram allows us to plot the quality of the links.

We use different types of strokes or colors to indicate whether a relationship is very close (fused), distant, hostile, or if there is an emotional break (total break).

Markers can also be added for critical events such as mental illness, addiction or abuse.

By seeing graphically that, for example, the husband has a "hostile" relationship with his father identical to the one he is developing with his own son, insight or awareness is facilitated.

Identifying Repetitive Patterns and Invisible Loyalties

One of the main functions of the genogram is to trace the transgenerational transmission of patterns.

It allows the detection of "echoes" from the past: repeating patterns of divorce, inherited rigid gender roles, or ways of handling conflict that have been copied from parents.

This helps to identify what in systemic therapy are known as invisible loyalties.

For example, a woman may be sabotaging her professional success not because of lack of ability, but because of an unconscious loyalty to women in her lineage who were never able to work.

By making these patterns visible on paper, the couple can consciously choose which legacies they wish to keep and which they need to break in order to heal their own current relationship.

Creative techniques and use of objects

Although the genogram can be done with software or paper and pencil, there are powerful creative variations.

One effective technique is the use of physical objects such as stones, animal figures or buttons to represent family members.

A client might be asked to choose one stone to represent his mother and another for his father.

The choice of object (a smooth stone vs. a rough, sharp stone) and the physical distance at which he places them on the table provide immense qualitative information about his internal emotional experience.

This technique, often used with children, is surprisingly revealing with adults, as it bypasses verbal defenses and accesses a more symbolic and emotional representation of the family system.

Summary

The genogram maps generational emotional structures facilitating the historical narrative. It allows to visualize hidden and secret patterns unconsciously impacting the present of the current relationship.

Standardized symbology depicts kinship while lines plot bonding qualities. Identifying hostile or fused dynamics promotes the insight needed to heal damaged bonds today.

Creative techniques such as physical objects bypass verbal defenses by revealing internal representations. These tools detect invisible loyalties allowing to choose which legacies to keep or break for good.