This course will explore the power of genograms as a clinical tool for psychologists, counselors, and social workers. Genograms go beyond traditional family trees by visually mapping patterns of relationships, emotional dynamics, and intergenerational influences on mental health. This course will provide an in-depth understanding of how to construct, analyze, and apply genograms in clinical practice to uncover family-based trauma, communication patterns, and systemic factors that impact client well-being. Participants will learn how to use genograms to facilitate client insight, family therapy interventions, and culturally sensitive assessments. Through case studies, interactive exercises, and discussion, attendees will leave with practical strategies to integrate genograms into their therapeutic work for a deeper understanding of family systems and client concerns.
Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to
- Construct a genogram, including key symbols, relationship indicators, and generational patterns.
- Develop skills to interpret genograms to identify intergenerational trauma, relational dynamics, and systemic influences on mental health.
- Identify how genograms can be used in treatment to enhance assessment, guide interventions, and support treatment planning.
Syllabus:
Introduction
- Welcome and Overview
Objective #1: Construct a Genogram Using Standardized Symbols and Indicators
- Understand the basics of genogram structures and the symbol system (i.e. gender, relationship lines)
- Differentiate genograms from family trees.
- Understand how to create a 3-generation genogram
- Identify how to document mental health conditions (i.e. substance abuse, trauma)
- Introduce digital and manual tools for genogram construction
Objective #2: Develop Skills to Interpret Genograms for Clinical Insight
- Identify repeating patterns (e.g., estrangement, loss, enmeshment)
- Us genograms to recognize intergenerational trauma and unspoken rules
- Map family roles and emotional legacies
- Practice tools on a case vignette
- Identify culturally informed interpretation and intersectionality
Objective #3: Apply Genogram Use in Clinical Assessment & Treatment Planning
- Understand how to incorporate genograms into intake and psychosocial assessments
- Use genogram findings to guide intervention planning and goal setting
- Integrate genograms into trauma-informed care and family systems interventions
- Practice tools on a case vignette
- Identify ethical considerations and culturally respectful engagement in genogram work
Key takeaways/Q&A
- Key takeaways and reflections
- Open discussion and final thoughts
Social workers completing this course receive 2 Clinical asynchronous continuing education credits.
For other board approvals, this course qualifies for 2 Clinical continuing education training.
Instructor: Samantha Silverberg-Stout, LPC, PsyD
Recording Date: May 15, 2025
CEUS On-Demand, LLC, provider #2274, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 08/7/2026 - 08/6/2027. Social workers completing this course receive 2hrs Clinical continuing education credits.
CEUs On-Demand, LLC has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7091. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. CEUs On-Demand, LLC is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
System Requirements: Firefox, Chrome, Brave, Safari, Edge on any modern operating system (Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, iOS). A desktop browser is recommended. We do not provide support resources for issues encountered using a mobile device.
Request for Special Accommodations: Learners can request special accommodations by contacting the administrative team at admin@ceus-ondemand.com