Genogram vs Ecomap:
What's the Difference?
Both are essential social work tools, but they serve different purposes. Learn when to use each one for effective client assessment.
What is a Genogram?
A genogram is a graphic representation of a family tree that displays detailed information about relationships, medical history, and emotional patterns across multiple generations. It looks inward at the family system.
- Maps 3+ generations of family members
- Shows marriages, divorces, deaths, births
- Tracks emotional relationships (close, hostile, etc.)
- Records medical and mental health history
- Identifies multigenerational patterns
- Uses standardized McGoldrick-Gerson symbols
What is an Ecomap?
An ecomap is a diagram that shows an individual or family's connections to external systems and resources—work, school, healthcare, community, etc. It looks outward at the ecological environment.
- Maps connections to external systems
- Shows work, school, healthcare, church, etc.
- Indicates resource flow direction
- Identifies support systems and stressors
- Captures current snapshot only
- Uses circles and lines with varying thickness
Visual Comparison
See how genograms and ecomaps differ at a glance
Genogram Structure
Vertical hierarchy showing generations
Squares = males, Circles = females
Ecomap Structure
Radial layout with family in center
External systems arranged around
Feature Comparison
Side-by-side comparison of genograms and ecomaps
When to Use Each Tool
Choose the right tool for your assessment needs
Use a Genogram For:
- Family therapy sessions to identify patterns
- Medical intake to record family health history
- Couples counseling to understand family-of-origin issues
- Child custody evaluations
- Substance abuse treatment to identify family patterns
- Genetic counseling
Use a Ecomap For:
- Social work case assessment
- Discharge planning from hospitals
- Child welfare investigations
- Community resource mapping
- Aging services needs assessment
- Refugee resettlement support planning
Pro Tip: Use Both Together
For comprehensive assessment, many practitioners create both a genogram (to understand family dynamics and history) and an ecomap (to identify external resources and stressors). Together, they provide a complete ecological perspective.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between a genogram and ecomap?
A genogram focuses on family relationships across multiple generations, showing biological connections, emotional bonds, and family patterns. An ecomap focuses on an individual or family's connections to external systems like work, school, healthcare, and community—showing where they get support and experience stress.
Can you use both a genogram and ecomap together?
Yes! Many social workers and therapists use genograms and ecomaps together for comprehensive assessment. The genogram reveals internal family dynamics and patterns, while the ecomap shows external resources and stressors. Together, they provide a complete picture of a client's social environment.
When should I use a genogram vs an ecomap?
Use a genogram when you need to understand family history, multigenerational patterns, emotional dynamics, or medical history. Use an ecomap when you need to assess a client's current support systems, identify resources, or understand their connections to community services.
Who uses genograms and ecomaps?
Genograms are commonly used by family therapists, marriage counselors, medical professionals (for family history), and genealogists. Ecomaps are more common in social work, case management, and community health nursing where understanding external support systems is critical.
What do the lines mean in an ecomap?
In an ecomap, solid thick lines indicate strong, supportive relationships. Thin or dotted lines show weak or tenuous connections. Hatched or jagged lines indicate stressful or conflicted relationships. Arrows show the direction of resource flow (giving vs. receiving support).
Can GenogramAI create ecomaps?
GenogramAI is specifically designed for genograms with 48 relationship types, medical tracking, and emotional overlays. While you could use it to create simple ecomap-like diagrams using the 'Association' relationship type, dedicated ecomap software may be better for that specific purpose.
Ready to Create a Genogram?
GenogramAI makes it easy to create professional genograms with AI assistance. 48 relationship types, medical tracking, and more.
Create Free Genogram