Genetic Counseling Practice: Advanced Concepts and Skills

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.