Genogram Relationship Symbols
Complete guide to emotional relationship notation
Genograms use standardized symbols to represent emotional relationships between family members. Based on the work of Monica McGoldrick, Randy Gerson, and colleagues, these symbols provide a universal language for documenting family dynamics in therapy, research, and clinical practice.
About these guides: Each symbol page includes the standard notation, clinical significance, therapeutic applications, and step-by-step instructions for use in GenogramAI. Content is based on "Genograms: Assessment and Treatment" (4th ed.) by McGoldrick, Gerson, and Petry.
Positive Relationships
Symbols indicating healthy emotional bonds, closeness, and supportive connections.
Close
Two parallel lines
Warm, supportive emotional bond with healthy boundaries
Connected
Single line
Basic relationship connection exists
Harmony
Single green line
Balanced, peaceful relationship
Friendship
Teal line with two circles
Non-familial supportive bond between individuals
Limerence
Pink line with circles and arrow
Intense involuntary romantic attraction or infatuation
Distance & Boundary Patterns
Symbols indicating issues with emotional proximity—from over-involvement to complete disconnection.
Fused/Enmeshed
Three parallel lines
Over-involved relationship with blurred boundaries
Distant
Dotted line
Emotional disconnection despite structural relationship
Estranged
Dashed line with break
Between distant and complete cutoff
Cutoff
Line with two slashes
Complete emotional disconnection - no contact
Cutoff Repaired
Line with slashes and circle
Previously cutoff relationship now restored
Indifferent
Wide dashed gray line
Lack of emotional investment or concern for the other
Never Met
Dashed line with X mark
Family members who have never had contact
Conflict Patterns
Symbols indicating antagonism, hostility, and conflicted relationships—including mixed patterns.
Hostile/Conflict
Zigzag line
Active antagonism, frequent arguments, tension
Close-Hostile
Parallel lines + zigzag
Volatile intimacy - intense closeness with conflict
Distant-Hostile
Dotted line + zigzag
Cold antagonism with limited contact
Fused-Hostile
Three lines + zigzag
Enmeshment combined with active conflict
Violence
Tight red zigzag
Relationship marked by physical violence or threat of violence
Hate
Triple dashed red lines
Deep-seated animosity and active emotional rejection
Distrust
Line with two X marks
Lack of trust or suspicion between individuals
Abuse & Control Patterns
Symbols documenting abusive, controlling, and neglectful dynamics—directional arrows indicate perpetrator to victim.
Emotional Abuse
Zigzag with outline arrow
Psychological harm - criticism, manipulation, control
Physical Abuse
Zigzag with filled arrow
Physical violence or harm
Sexual Abuse
Zigzag + arrow + double lines
Sexual violation or exploitation
Neglect
Gray line with circle and arrow
Failure to provide adequate care, attention, or support
Control
Purple arrow
One person exerts dominant control over another
Manipulative
Dashed purple line with outlined arrow
Covert influence or psychological manipulation
Directional Relationships
Symbols indicating asymmetrical relationships where one person's focus or attention flows toward another.
Quick Visual Reference
Standard genogram notation based on McGoldrick, Gerson, & Petry (2020)
Download Genogram Symbol Chart (PDF)
Get a printable reference guide with all 29 emotional connection symbols. Perfect for quick reference during sessions or teaching.
- • All structural relationship symbols
- • All emotional relationship symbols
- • McGoldrick-Gerson notation standard
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