Sexuality- and Gender-Inclusive Genograms: Avoiding Heteronormativity and Cisnormativity

Social workers use genograms in a collaborative manner with clients to assess family dynamics and to guide their intervention processes. Although genograms are intended to accurately and respectfully depict families, some of the standard genogram symbols and conventions are based on cisnormative and heteronormative assumptions. This article provides social work educators, students, and practitioners with a model for constructing genograms in a manner that accurately and respectfully represents clients and families that include members from diverse genders and sexual orientations.