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Dovetail

Genograms: When a picture is worth a thousand words

by Dovetail

This video contains information about genograms and a demonstration of how to make a genogram. 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.

Find the Dovetail Genogram Legend here, and Dovetail's "Guide 05: Working with families and significant others" here.