Genetic Counseling Practice: Advanced Concepts and Skills

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.

CONTRIBUTORS.

PREFACE.

1 INTRODUCTION (Bonnie S. LeRoy, Patricia McCarthy Veach, and Dianne M. Bartels).

PART I GENETIC COUNSELING DYNAMICS.

2 COMPLICATED SHADOWS: A CRITIQUE OF AUTONOMY IN GENETIC COUNSELING (Robert G. Resta).

3 ACTIVELY ENGAGING WITH PATIENTS IN DECISION MAKING (Andrea Zanko and Michelle Fox).

4 RISK COMMUNICATION: A COMPLEX PROCESS (Shannan DeLany Dixon and Yasmine L. Konheim-Kalkstein).

5 GRIEVING: AN INEVITABLE JOURNEY (Elizabeth Gettig).

6 FACING PATIENT ANGER (Bonnie Jeanne Baty).

7 RESISTANCE AND ADHERENCE: UNDERSTANDING THE PATIENT’S PERSPECTIVE (Jon Weil).

8 COUNTERTRANSFERENCE: MAKING THE UNCONSCIOUS CONSCIOUS (Jon Weil).

PART II CLIENT CULTURAL AND INDIVIDUAL CHARACTERISTICS.

9 HONORING DIVERSITY: CULTURAL COMPETENCE IN GENETIC COUNSELING (Linwood J. Lewis).

10 GENETIC COUNSELING STRATEGIES FOR WORKING WITH FAMILIES (Deborah L. Eunpu).

11 DEVELOPMENTALLY BASED APPROACHES FOR COUNSELING CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS (Stephanie Austin).

12 GENETIC COUNSELING FOR WOMEN WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES (Brenda Finucane).

PART III GENETIC COUNSELOR DEVELOPMENT.

13 GENETIC COUNSELORS: CARING MINDFULLY FOR OURSELVES (June A. Peters).

14 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT: REFLECTIVE GENETIC COUNSELING PRACTICE (Kimberly W. Zahm).

15 MOBILIZING GENETIC COUNSELOR LEADERSHIP SKILLS (Nancy P. Callanan).

INDEX.