Genogram example · Family structure
Polyamorous Family Genogram
Quick answer
At a glance
| This example | |
|---|---|
| Generations | 3 |
| Family members | 12 (5 male, 7 female) |
| Birth years | 1952 to 2020 |
| Deceased | 1 |
| Index person | Alex Chen |
| Category | Family structure |
| Tags | Family Structure, LGBTQ+, Educational |
About this genogram
A polyamorous family genogram depicting a consensual non-monogamous triad — two women and one man in a committed polycule — raising children together. This genogram explores the complex relational dynamics, legal considerations, and emotional bonds in ethical non-monogamy. It illustrates how polyamorous families negotiate parenting roles, extended family acceptance, and social stigma. The triad shares a home, co-parents three children (two biological, one adopted), and maintains distinct but interconnected relationships with each partner's family of origin. This example is increasingly relevant in family therapy as more clients present with non-traditional relationship structures.
Family analysis
Overview
This 3-generation genogram maps 12 family members with birth years spanning from 1952 to 2020, comprising 5 males and 7 females (1 deceased). The index patient is Alex Chen (b. 1988), software architect.
Generation by generation
The family system encompasses 3 generations with distinct patterns at each level. The oldest generation includes Margaret, David, Sandra and 3 others. The middle generation includes Alex, Nia, Jordan. The youngest generation includes Zara, Kai, Mia.
This genogram illustrates how family structure shapes individual development and relational patterns. Professionals working with families of this structure can use the genogram to normalize diverse family configurations and identify both strengths and areas for growth in the family system.
How do you read the Polyamorous Family Genogram?
- 1
Find each person and generation
Squares are males and circles are females, and each row is one generation, oldest at the top. This one has 5 males and 7 females across 3 generations. - 2
Check the status markers
Markers on a symbol add facts about that person: Deceased (X) and Index Patient (Arrow). 1 person is marked deceased. The index person, the focus of the assessment, is Alex Chen. - 3
Follow the family lines
Horizontal lines join partners and vertical lines drop to their children, born left to right in birth order. This genogram uses Marriage and Parent-Child lines.
Genogram symbols used in this example
| Symbol | Type | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Male (Square) | Person Symbols | A square represents a male family member in standard genogram notation. |
| Female (Circle) | Person Symbols | A circle represents a female family member in standard genogram notation. |
| Deceased (X) | Status Markers | An X drawn through the symbol indicates the person is deceased. |
| Index Patient (Arrow) | Status Markers | An arrow pointing to a person identifies them as the index patient — the individual who is the focus of the clinical assessment. |
| Marriage | Structural Relationships | A solid horizontal line connecting two individuals represents a marriage or committed partnership. |
| Parent-Child | Structural Relationships | A vertical line descending from a couple line to a child symbol represents a parent-child relationship. |
Build a genogram like this one
Example prompt
- 1
Start from the dashboard
Sign in to GenogramAI and choose Create with AI (paid plans), or open a blank genogram and use Ask AI (any plan). To start from this exact chart instead, use Open as template. - 2
Describe your family
Paste a description like the one above, with your own names, dates, relationships and health history. - 3
Check and adjust
Edit people and lines by hand, or ask the AI for one change at a time. - 4
Export
Download a PNG on the free plan. PDF and SVG export are on paid plans.
The free plan includes 2 genograms and 5 AI credits a month. See the AI genogram creator for what else it can do.
Related resources
- Browse our genogram templates to find structures similar to this example.
- See our 3-generation genogram guide for standard multigenerational mapping techniques.
- The deceased symbol (X through the shape) marks family members who have passed away.
- The marriage symbol connects partnered individuals in this genogram.
Frequently asked questions
What clinical patterns does the Polyamorous Family Genogram reveal?
The Polyamorous Family Genogram maps multigenerational transmission of psychological patterns, emotional dynamics, and relationship structures. Clinicians use it to identify recurring cycles of behavior, attachment styles, and communication patterns that may inform diagnosis and treatment planning in family therapy.
Who would benefit from studying the Polyamorous genogram?
The Polyamorous genogram is valuable for family therapists, social workers, counseling students, medical professionals, and anyone interested in understanding family dynamics and intergenerational patterns through visual family mapping.
What genogram symbols are used in the Polyamorous Family Genogram example?
This genogram uses Male (Square), Female (Circle), Deceased (X), Index Patient (Arrow), Marriage and Parent-Child. All of them follow standard genogram notation, so the chart reads the same way in any genogram program or textbook.
Can I build a genogram like the Polyamorous Family Genogram example?
Yes. Open GenogramAI, choose Create with AI on the dashboard (paid plans) or open a blank genogram and use Ask AI in the editor (any plan), and describe the family in plain words: who is in it, how they are related, key dates and the relationships or health conditions you want to show. The AI draws the symbols and lines, and you can then edit by hand or ask for one change at a time. A family of 12 people like this one takes a short paragraph to describe. The free plan includes 2 genograms and 5 AI credits a month, with PNG export.
About this example
