The Genogram as a Counseling Tool: Philosophical Foundations and Practical Implications
-
Published: 31 December 2024
-
Page: 368-376
Abstract
Genogram as a tool in the counselling process has a long history and is not just a term, but it is based on a clear philosophical foundation. This study uses a qualitative approach with a literature review method that includes primary articles and books. The results of the study indicate that a genogram is a diagrammatic representation of family conditions and information from several generations, which can explain status, work patterns, lifestyle, illness, gender, and other factors. By understanding the good or bad family history, individuals can use this information to anticipate and prevent future problems and guide them to achieve more positive conditions. The use of a genogram in counselling provides deep insight into hereditary patterns and dynamics, helps clients understand interpersonal relationships, and gives them strength to face life's challenges.
- Genogram
- Family Theory
- Philosophical Basis

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
- Balaguer, A., Mary, D., & Levitt, M. (2000). The genogram: From diagnostics to mutual collaboration. The Family Journal, 8(3), 236-244.
- Barrow, J., Wasik, Susan Z., & Whiting, Peggy P. (2019). Cookie Friendships: School Counselors Use of Genograms as an Assessment Tool in the Digital Age. Journal of Counseling Research and Practice, ISSN 2688-3996, https://doi.org/10.56702/twbg1288
- Campacci, Natalia, Grasel, R., Galvão, H., Garcia, Lucas França, Ribeiro, Paula Carvalho, Pereira, Kercy Fram de Jesus de Sena, Goldim, J., Ashton-Prolla, Patricia, & Palmero, E. (2024). The history of families at-risk for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer: what are the impacts of genetic counseling and testing?. Frontiers in Psychology, 15, ISSN 1664-1078, https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1306388
- Dane, Aimee, Berkman, Jennifer, DeBortoli, Emily, Wallingford, Courtney K., Yanes, Tatiane, & McInerney-Leo, A. (2024). Narrative therapy and family therapy in genetic counseling: A scoping review.. Journal of genetic counseling, ISSN 1059-7700, https://doi.org/10.1002/jgc4.1938
- Dias, Elaine de Araújo, Sampaio, D. C., Rivemales, Maria da Conceição Costa, Oliveira, L., Lima, Claudia Feio de Maia, & Santana, George Mariane Soares (2020). Family Dynamics Of Women With Human T-Lymphotropic Virus Dinâmica Familiar De Mulheres Com Vírus Linfotrópico T Humano La Dinámica Familiar De Las Mujeres Con El Virus Linfotrópico T Humano., https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/d61bf549ea202e79c197146c4e34c6a203193850
- Falasca, T., & Falasca, M. S. T. (2023). Counseling and Family Therapy Scholarship Review Counseling and Family Therapy Scholarship Review., https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/bdd1d992c4fab408bd67efe5cf10c30d22e4fc1a
- García, María del Mar Del Águila, Andújar, A. M. Poyatos, García, Ana Isabel Morales, Atienza, M. Martínez, Linares, Susana García, & Rosa, Rafael Jose Esteban de la (2022). MO022: Digenic inheritance in Alport syndrome. Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation, ISSN 0931-0509, https://doi.org/10.1093/ndt/gfac062.003
- Halevy, J. (1998). A genogram with an attitude. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 24(2), 233-242.
- Lewis, B., & Domene, José F. (2021). A Scoping Review of Life Design Intervention Research: Implications for Counselling and Psychotherapy Practice. Canadian Journal of Counselling and Psychotherapy, 55, 138-157, https://doi.org/10.47634/CJCP.V55I1.70171
- Magnuson, S., & Shaw, H. E. (2003). Adaptations of the multifaceted genogram in counseling, training, and supervision. The Family Journal, 11(1), 45-54.m
- Maione, L., Dwyer, A., Francou, B., Guiochon‐Mantel, A., Binart, N., Bouligand, & Young, Jacques (2018). Genetic counseling for congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and Kallmann syndrome: new challenges in the era of oligogenism and next-generation sequencing., https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/207709941b64bf0c74d0e87fa01c9393fabfbcd7
- McGoldrick, M. (2011). The genogram journey: Reconnecting with your family. WW Norton & Co.
- McGoldrick, M. (2016). The genogram casebook: A clinical companion to genograms: Assessment and intervention. WW Norton & Company.
- McGoldrick, M., & Hardy, K. V. (Eds.). (2008). Re-visioning family therapy: Race, culture, and gender in clinical practice. Guilford Press.
- McGoldrick, M., Gerson, R., & Petry, S. (2020). Genograms: Assessment and treatment. WW Norton & Company.
- Michiel-Derksen, Anita (2022). The seven-generation concentric circular genogram. AlterNative: An International Journal of Indigenous Peoples, 18, 10-18, https://doi.org/10.1177/11771801221088876
- Moher, D., Liberati, A., Tetzlaff, J., Altman, D. G., & PRISMA Group*, T. (2009). Preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses: the PRISMA statement. Annals of internal medicine, 151(4), 264-269.
- Petticrew, M., & Roberts, H. (2008). Systematic reviews in the social sciences: A practical guide. John Wiley & Sons.
- Putri, D.F., Kurniati, Mala, Yustika, Reny, Angelina, Ranowo Usi, & Kusmiati, Reva (2022). Penyuluhan Pemanfaatan Genogram dalam Deteksi Dini Faktor Risiko Penyakit pada Kader Posyandu Lanjut Usia di Kabupaten Pringsewu Provinsi Lampung. Jurnal Kreativitas Pengabdian Kepada Masyarakat (PKM), https://doi.org/10.33024/jkpm.v5i6.6587
- Robinson, A. (2022). An Ethical Profile: How Family and Background Influences Decision Making in Rehabilitation Counseling. Journal of Rehabilitation Practices and Research, ISSN 2583-1593, https://doi.org/10.33790/jrpr1100139
- Shefer, T. (2018). Narrative career therapy: From the problem-saturated story to a preferred story and career path. Australian Journal of Career Development, 27, 107-99, ISSN 2200-6974, https://doi.org/10.1177/1038416218785175
- Storlie, C. A., Hilton, Tracy M. Lara, McKinney, Robin, & Unger, Dana (2018). Family Career Genograms: Beginning Life Design With Exploratory Students. The Family Journal, 27, 84-91, ISSN 1066-4807, https://doi.org/10.1177/1066480718819866
- Supriatna, M. (2009). Layanan Bimbingan Karir di Sekolah Menengah. Bandung.