This half day workshop will enable Keyworkers to learn about Genograms and use them confidently when working with families with complex histories.

A genogram, if used well, is a helpful tool that can be used as part of the ‘Listen and Understand’ section of Early Help Planning. Use of genograms assists in developing greater insight into historic traumatic events and the impact these may be having on current relationships in families.

Families that have experienced complex trauma events may have significant difficulties creating and maintaining healthy relationships, both within and outside of the family home.

By taking a whole family approach when working with children and young people, we endeavour to view the presenting problem within the context of the whole family system. This does not mean necessarily working with every family member, but rather taking account of the wider family system.

Participants will become more confident using genograms when working with families with complex histories.

In this workshop participants will:

• Develop knowledge about the purpose and uses of genograms.


• Review examples showing the different patterns in families that a genogram can help identify.


• Learn how to complete a genogram.


• Practice completing genograms and with this in mind, participants will also be given time to work in pairs and complete their own personal genogram and reflect on the process and any emerging patterns that come to light.

Please note that lunch is not provided on this course, tea coffee and water will be available.