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

ABSTRACT

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.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.

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Notes on contributors

Allan Edward Barsky

Allan Edward Barsky, JD, PhD, is a professor of social work at Florida Atlantic University. His book credits include Ethics and Values in Social Work, Clinicians in Court, and Conflict Resolution for the Helping Professions. He is a former chair of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) National Ethics Committee and chaired the committee to update the NASW Code of Ethics in 2017.