GENOGRAM LEGEND

A genogram is a graphical representation of family relationships showing the quality and proximity of relationships
and patterns across generations. Genograms can be used as a visual tool to encourage young people to talk
about their family, and can be approached as a ‘work in progress’, developed over time, allowing the young
person to tell their story at their own pace. This enables the worker to more sensitively respond to elements of
the story when and if the young person feels safe enough to share. A key of commonly used symbols follows.

Basic symbols

Male Female Transgender Birth Date Age Death Date Death = X

’77 ’09

X
26

female to male to written written written

male female above left inside above
of symbol symbol right of
symbol

Marriage De-facto Relationship Lesbian Couple Gay Couple

m. 2003 LT 2010

LT = Living Together

• Two people who are married or de-facto are connected by lines that go
down and across.

Separation Divorce Getting back together after

divorce

s. 2006 m. 2003 d. 2010 d. 2010 remar. 2015

GENOGRAM LEGEND
Children: List in birth order beginning with oldest on the left

‘01 ‘02 ‘03 ‘12 ‘13 ‘14 ‘14 ‘15 ‘15

X
15 14 13
M

Biological Foster Adopted Stillbirth Miscarriage Twins Identical Pregnancy

Child Child Child Twins

Symbols denoting interactional patterns between people

Close Distant Fused Focused On

Cutoff Hostile Physical Abuse Sexual Abuse

Symbols Denoting Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) and/or Mental / Physical
Problems
Alcohol or Other Suspected AOD Previous AOD Mental Health or AOD Problem and
Drug Problem Problem Problem Physical Problem Mental Health or
Physical Problem

View a genogram demonstration video

https://youtu.be/F1tcrVdIYpw
supporting the youth alcohol
Order Dovetail Guide 05: Working with families and significant others and drug sector in Queensland
www.dovetail.org.au www.dovetail.org.au