Genogram
•A genogram (pronounced: jen-uh-gram) is a
graphic representation of a family tree that
displays detailed data on relati
•It goes beyond a traditional family tree by
allowing the user to analyze hereditary
patterns and psychological factors that
punctuate relationships among individuals.
Building a Genogram: Basic Rules
•The male is noted
by a square and the
female by a circle.
•A family is shown by
an horizontal line
connecting the two.
Building a Genogram: Basic Rules
•The children are placed below the family line
from the oldest to the youngest, left to right.
Building a Genogram: Basic Rules
Building a Genogram: Basic Rules
Building a Genogram: Basic Rules
Building a Genogram: Basic Rules
Building a Genogram: Basic Rules
Building a Genogram: Basic Rules
Genogram Caselet
Teban, a 40 year old alcoholic, came to therapy for alcohol abuse and depression. He has
been married only once. His marriage to Helena ended in 2020 due to her untimely death at 36
due to a heart condition. Helena used to be very close (intimacy) to her mother in-law. In 2021,
Teban lived together with, Lisa, but they were never married. Teban’s past relationship with Lisa
was chaotic and violent usually related to his alcohol abuse and due to financial difficulties. They
argued on a lot of issues and were always stressed by each other’s company. Currently, he is
separated from Lisa and is living alone.
Armando, 14 years old, is Teban’s and Lisa's son. Armando has three half-siblings: Alfredo,
Camila, Berto. Teban was physically abused by his father. This violent behavior was passed on,
and Teban later emotionally abused his own son, Alfredo, who had a fused relationship with his
late mother. He now has a close relationship (friendship) with his younger brother, Berto.
Meanwhile, Camila is indifferent (apathetic) to his half-brother Armando. However, the four
siblings live together.
Mark , 17-year old child in conflict with the law, was referred for forensic
assessment. He is the third child among four siblings. He has two older half brothers and
one younger brother. His mother was married once with her husband (biological father
of Mark’s older siblings) but later got separated in fact. Mark’s biological father, who was
an alcoholic and beggar in the area, cohabited with Mark’s mother for 10 years but died
from an unknown illness at 49. His mother likewise abuses alcohol and begs on the
public market. Growing up, he lived together with his eldest brother, Marvin, and his
younger brother, Joseph; he never personally met his second older brother, Edwin. He
mentioned that he grew up physically beaten (i.e. “Kulatahon ko”) by his eldest brother,
Marvin. According to him, there was a time when Marvin was imprisoned for drug abuse
and suspected killing. His parents’ inability to care for and protect him led to feelings of
neglect (i.e. “Wala sila’y paki nako. Kuwang… wala’y tarong pagpadako, nagbuwag ra.
Katag akong pamilya”). Prior to age 6, he grew up in the streets with his violent peers
who taught him delinquent behaviors (e.g. stole coins, sniffed rugby with peers in the
streets).