Psychosocial issues are integral to all genetic counseling interactions. They include counselees' beliefs about the cause of birth defects and genetic disorders, the cognitive procession of medical information and risk figures, emotions such as anxiety and guilt, and the complex process of decision making. Drawing on direct clinical experience and the growing body of relevant literature, Psychosocial Genetic Counseling provides a comprehensive, integrated approach to understanding these issues and their applications to genetic counseling. The book combines theoretical and practical approaches, including many clinical vignettes and examples of dialogue. It is written in an engaging style that conveys the emotional immediacy of genetic counseling. The emotional and social effects of genetic disorders are discussed with reference to the individual and to couple, family, and social interactions. Counseling techniques and the agenda of the genetic counseling session are then addressed in detail. Specialized aspects of prenatal diagnosis counseling, cancer risk counseling, and genetic counseling with children and adolescents are integrated with these general principles. Nondirective counseling and the psychology of risk interpretation and decision making are discussed from theoretical and historical perspectives, leading to recommendations for their application to clinical practice. The influences of ethnocultural history, beliefs and practices, for counselee and counselor, are then discussed as they enter into all aspects of genetic counseling.

Genetic Counseling: Psychological Dimensions deals with the psychosocial aspects of genetic counseling, specifically the various issues and processes involved. This book is based on two premises: first, genetic counseling deals with human behavior and psychological functioning; and second, a strong kinship exists between genetic counseling and other areas of personal counseling. The book is organized into two major sections. The initial chapters focus on principles of genetic counseling, with an attempt to integrate these with specific counseling practices. The second section consists of eight chapters dealing with representative genetic disorders. This book, therefore, is of importance to all who deal with genetic problems and engage in genetic counseling, regardless of their background or specialty.

This manual is essential reading for genetic counsellors and counsellors of all disciplines.

The second edition of Genetic Counseling Practice: Advanced Concepts and Skills, provides in-depth content regarding the advanced competencies for meeting patient needs across the changing landscape of genetic counseling practice. The content aligns with the Reciprocal Engagement Model (REM) of practice which integrates the biomedical knowledge and psychosocial aspects of genetic counseling. This edition has been revised and expanded to reflect advances made in the present-day field. Edited by a team two genetic counselors and a psychologist, the chapters offer a holistic picture of genetic counseling. Chapter authors are all recognized experts in the profession. The chapters are grounded in evidence-based practice and research. Each chapter includes learning activities to help readers apply concepts and skills. Featured topic areas include: Meeting the needs of culturally diverse patients Addressing challenging patient dynamics Working with children, adolescents and families Using emerging service delivery models for genetic counseling Engaging in self-reflective, deliberate practice Promoting genetic counselor professional development Genetic Counseling Practice is an indispensable guide to the complex and evolving field of genetic counseling, and this updated second edition will help practitioners and trainees alike navigate its most pressing and practical challenges with skill and care.

The first book devoted exclusively to the principles and practice of genetic counseling—now in a new edition First published in 1998, A Guide to Genetic Counseling quickly became a bestselling and widely recognized text, used nationally and internationally in genetic counseling training programs. Now in its eagerly anticipated Second Edition, it provides a thoroughly revised and comprehensive overview of genetic counseling, focusing on the components, theoretical framework, and unique approach to patient care that are the basis of this profession. The book defines the core competencies and covers the genetic counseling process from case initiation to completion—in addition to addressing global professional issues—with an emphasis on describing fundamental principles and practices. Chapters are written by leaders in the field of genetic counseling and are organized to facilitate academic instruction and skill attainment. They provide the most up-to-date coverage of: The history and practice of genetic counseling Family history Interviewing Case preparation and management Psychosocial counseling Patient education Risk communication and decision-making Medical genetics evaluation Understanding genetic testing Medical documentation Multicultural counseling Ethical and legal issues Student supervision Genetic counseling research Professional development Genetics education and outreach Evolving roles and expanding opportunities Case examples A Guide to Genetic Counseling, Second Edition belongs on the syllabi of all medical and human genetics and genetic counseling training programs. It is an indispensable reference for both students and healthcare professionals working with patients who have or are at risk for genetic conditions.

Raising hopes for disease treatment and prevention, but also the specter of discrimination and "designer genes," genetic testing is potentially one of the most socially explosive developments of our time. This book presents a current assessment of this rapidly evolving field, offering principles for actions and research and recommendations on key issues in genetic testing and screening. Advantages of early genetic knowledge are balanced with issues associated with such knowledge: availability of treatment, privacy and discrimination, personal decision-making, public health objectives, cost, and more. Among the important issues covered: Quality control in genetic testing. Appropriate roles for public agencies, private health practitioners, and laboratories. Value-neutral education and counseling for persons considering testing. Use of test results in insurance, employment, and other settings.

A CRITICAL NEW APPROACH FOR LEARNING AND THRIVING IN A FIELD OF CHANGE The scope and responsibilities of today's genetic counselors exceed the reasonable capacity of any one educational resource. While the field's first-year curriculum may be relatively fixed, the landscape of what comes after that -- a dizzying mix of practice, ethics, research design, and professional competencies -- is increasingly broad. Advanced Genetic Counseling offers an overdue extension of the field's core curriculum. From navigating ethical dilemmas and potential conflicts of interest to confronting the biases and patterns of thought that can limit counselors' interactions with clients, it prepares readers to face the profession's most challenging aspects with confidence. Drawing on techniques from psychotherapy, social psychology, and health behavior, Advanced Genetic Counseling is an essential resource for trainees and mid-career professionals. It offers a roadmap not just for addressing client needs, but for the future of genetic counseling education.

The second edition of Genetic Counseling Practice: Advanced Concepts and Skills, provides in-depth content regarding the advanced competencies for meeting patient needs across the changing landscape of genetic counseling practice. The content aligns with the Reciprocal Engagement Model (REM) of practice which integrates the biomedical knowledge and psychosocial aspects of genetic counseling. This edition has been revised and expanded to reflect advances made in the present-day field. Edited by a team two genetic counselors and a psychologist, the chapters offer a holistic picture of genetic counseling. Chapter authors are all recognized experts in the profession. The chapters are grounded in evidence-based practice and research. Each chapter includes learning activities to help readers apply concepts and skills. Featured topic areas include: Meeting the needs of culturally diverse patients Addressing challenging patient dynamics Working with children, adolescents and families Using emerging service delivery models for genetic counseling Engaging in self-reflective, deliberate practice Promoting genetic counselor professional development Genetic Counseling Practice is an indispensable guide to the complex and evolving field of genetic counseling, and this updated second edition will help practitioners and trainees alike navigate its most pressing and practical challenges with skill and care.

Genetic diseases affect the lives of millions of people, regardless of age, race, religion, ethnicity, or social status. Every day, discoveries point to the complex role of genetics in common disorders such as cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s disease. Experience and research have shown that being at risk for a genetic disease can have devastating psychological effects on patients and their families. Genetic counseling helps families and patients cope with the medical, psychological, and social effects of genetic diseases. It is to this end that genetic counselors must be sensitive to the needs of patients and families, understand the psychological meaning of clients’ behaviors, and communicate that understanding in ways that leave clients emotionally enriched, psychologically stronger, and more competent to deal with their own lives. This insightful book covers topics such as: Management of guilt and shame Roles of directiveness in patient care How a healthcare professional can expand counseling skills Understanding the distinction between education and counseling Detailed analysis of a genetic counseling session Providing practical and clinically meaningful ways to enhance counseling skills of genetic counselors, physicians, nurses, social workers, and other healthcare professionals, Psyche and Helix: Psychological Aspects of Genetic Counseling consists of essays compiled over two decades, which will serve as a primary source of information for healthcare professionals who render genetic counseling.

The first advanced-level genetics counseling skills resource As genetic medicine and testing continue to expand, so the role of the genetic counselor is transforming and evolving. Genetic Counseling Practice: Advanced Concepts and Skills is the first text to address ways that genetic counselors can deepen their skills to meet expanding practice demands. This timely resource not only helps readers further develop their abilities to gather relevant data and interpret it for patients, it also aids them in surpassing their usual role by truly understanding patient situations, incorporating patient values into clinical practice, providing in-depth support, and facilitating thoroughly informed, autonomous decisions. Edited by an expert cross-disciplinary team consisting of a genetic counseling program director, a licensed psychologist, and a nurse/bioethicist/family social scientist, this authoritative reference provides specific and detailed instruction in addressing psychosocial aspects of genetic counseling practice and professional development and training issues of genetic counselors. Provides a process view of genetic counselor service provision; i.e., skills that promote desired genetic counseling outcomes are emphasized (such as relationship skills, patient characteristics, client behaviors, and extra-clinical skills) Includes experiential activities in every chapter to help readers apply concepts and skills Draws on the experience of widely recognized experts in genetic counseling theory, practice, and research, who serve as chapter authors Features numerous specific, real-life examples from clinical practice Genetic Counseling Practice addresses issues relevant to practicing genetic counselors as well as students of genetic counseling programs. In addition, oncology nurses, social workers, and psychologists working with genetic counseling patients and families; medical geneticists and physicians training in the field; and physician assistants will also benefit from this resource.