What is the primary purpose of a genogram in therapy?

• A. To diagnose genetic disorders
• B. To document family financial history
• C. To map family relationships, events, and patterns
• D. To assess personality traits

Answer: (C)

Genograms in therapy are visual maps of a client’s family that show relationships, roles, and significant life events across generations. The main purpose is to illuminate how family dynamics, patterns, and histories influence current problems, so you can better understand the client and plan effective interventions. By tracing patterns such as recurring conflicts, alliances or estrangements, caregiving roles, or health issues, the therapist and client can see intergenerational influences and discuss how these patterns shape present feelings and behavior. It’s not used to diagnose genetic disorders, which require medical testing, nor to document financial history or simply assess personality traits; its value lies in revealing relational and historical patterns that inform therapy.