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.
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
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
Abuse Patterns
Symbols documenting abusive dynamics—directional arrows indicate perpetrator to victim.
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)
Create Your Genogram
Use GenogramAI to map emotional relationships using standard clinical notation.
Start Free