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
Birth Date
Transgender
’77
female to
male
Marriage
written
above left
of symbol
male to
female
De-facto Relationship
Age
Death Date Death = X
’09
26
written
inside
symbol
X
written
above
right of
symbol
Lesbian Couple
Gay Couple
LT 2010
m. 2003
LT = Living Together
• Two people who are married or de-facto are connected by lines that go
down and across.
Separation
s. 2006
Divorce
m. 2003
d. 2010
Getting back together after
divorce
d. 2010
remar. 2015
GENOGRAM LEGEND
Children: List in birth order beginning with oldest on the left
‘01
‘02
15
14
Biological
Child
Foster
Child
‘12
‘03
13
Adopted
Child
X
Stillbirth
‘13
‘14
‘14
M
Miscarriage
Twins
‘15
‘15
Identical Pregnancy
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
Drug Problem
Suspected AOD
Problem
Previous AOD
Problem
Mental Health or
Physical Problem
AOD Problem and
Mental Health or
Physical Problem
View a genogram demonstration video
https://youtu.be/F1tcrVdIYpw
Order Dovetail Guide 05: Working with families and significant others
www.dovetail.org.au
supporting the youth alcohol
and drug sector in Queensland
www.dovetail.org.au