Genogram editor

Genogram editor

Genogram – a brief description

A genogram is a kind of extended family tree which, beyond biological kinship, also shows relationships, personality traits, illnesses, conflicts and special events within a family across several generations. It works with standardised symbols (e.g. lines for close, distant or conflict-laden relationships).

Use in coaching:

Recognising patterns: recurring themes such as divorces, career choices, illnesses or conflicts become visible across generations.

Encouraging self-reflection: clients recognise which values, beliefs and patterns of behaviour they have taken on from their family of origin.

Clarifying relationships: the dynamics with parents, siblings or partners become more tangible and easier to discuss.

Working on goals and decisions: for example with questions about career or life – “Whose lead am I actually following here? Which pattern do I want to continue or to break?”

Career and business coaching: here, too, it helps to identify patterns shaped by the family (e.g. entrepreneurship, pressure to succeed, money issues).

In short: a genogram makes the “invisible family system” visible and serves in coaching as a foundation for deeper self-reflection and change.