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.

Bonnie S LeRoy, MS, Department of Genetics, Cell Biology,
& Development, University of Minnesota, USA

Patricia M Veach, PhD, Department of Educational
Psychology, University of Minnesota, USA

Diane M Bartels, PhD, Center for Bioethics, University of
Minnesota, USA

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 vii

PREFACE xi

1 INTRODUCTION 1

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 13

Robert G. Resta

3 ACTIVELY ENGAGING WITH PATIENTS IN DECISION MAKING 31

Andrea Zanko and Michelle Fox

4 RISK COMMUNICATION: A COMPLEX PROCESS 65

Shannan DeLany Dixon and Yasmine L. Konheim-Kalkstein

5 GRIEVING: AN INEVITABLE JOURNEY 95

Elizabeth Gettig

6 FACING PATIENT ANGER 125

Bonnie Jeanne Baty

7 RESISTANCE AND ADHERENCE: UNDERSTANDING THE PATIENT'S
PERSPECTIVE 155

Jon Weil

8 COUNTERTRANSFERENCE: MAKING THE UNCONSCIOUS CONSCIOUS
175

Jon Weil

PART II CLIENT CULTURAL AND INDIVIDUAL
CHARACTERISTICS.

9 HONORING DIVERSITY: CULTURAL COMPETENCE IN GENETIC COUNSELING
201

Linwood J. Lewis

10 GENETIC COUNSELING STRATEGIES FOR WORKING WITH FAMILIES
235

Deborah L. Eunpu

11 DEVELOPMENTALLY BASED APPROACHES FOR COUNSELING CHILDREN AND
ADOLESCENTS 253

Stephanie Austin

12 GENETIC COUNSELING FOR WOMEN WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES
281

Brenda Finucane

PART III GENETIC COUNSELOR DEVELOPMENT.

13 GENETIC COUNSELORS: CARING MINDFULLY FOR OURSELVES 307

June A. Peters

14 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT: REFLECTIVE GENETIC COUNSELING
PRACTICE 353

Kimberly W. Zahm

15 MOBILIZING GENETIC COUNSELOR LEADERSHIP SKILLS 381

Nancy P. Callanan

INDEX 401