TY - JOUR
T1 - Does receiving genetic counseling impact genetic counselor practice?
AU - Peters, Elizabeth
AU - Veach, Patricia Mc Carthy
AU - Ward, Erin E.
AU - LeRoy, Bonnie S.
PY - 2004/10
Y1 - 2004/10
N2 - This study was an investigation of whether genetic counselors have received genetic counseling and if so, how they believe it affects their practice. One thousand genetic counselors were mailed surveys about the nature of genetic counseling services received, impact on their clincal practice, frequency and reasons for disclosing about their receipt of counseling to their clients, and demographics. Ninety-three of the 510 respondents reported receiving genetic counseling. Of these, almost three-fourths were practicing genetic counselors while receiving services. Reasons for services include prenatal concerns, family history of cancer, and history/risk of other genetic conditions. Frequently endorsed effects on practice include increased empathy and understanding of client decisions, feeling more connected with clients, greater emphasis on psychosocial support, and sympathy. Forty-six respondents disclosed to clients about their receipt of genetic counseling. Prevalent reasons include client asked, help clients feel they are not alone, demonstrate counselor understanding, decrease client anxiety, build rapport, and normalize client feelings. Practice and research recommendations are given.
AB - This study was an investigation of whether genetic counselors have received genetic counseling and if so, how they believe it affects their practice. One thousand genetic counselors were mailed surveys about the nature of genetic counseling services received, impact on their clincal practice, frequency and reasons for disclosing about their receipt of counseling to their clients, and demographics. Ninety-three of the 510 respondents reported receiving genetic counseling. Of these, almost three-fourths were practicing genetic counselors while receiving services. Reasons for services include prenatal concerns, family history of cancer, and history/risk of other genetic conditions. Frequently endorsed effects on practice include increased empathy and understanding of client decisions, feeling more connected with clients, greater emphasis on psychosocial support, and sympathy. Forty-six respondents disclosed to clients about their receipt of genetic counseling. Prevalent reasons include client asked, help clients feel they are not alone, demonstrate counselor understanding, decrease client anxiety, build rapport, and normalize client feelings. Practice and research recommendations are given.
KW - Genetic counselor practice
KW - Genetic counselors as clients
KW - Self-disclosure
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=16644393736&partnerID=8YFLogxK
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/citedby.url?scp=16644393736&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1023/B:JOGC.0000044200.20288.ac
DO - 10.1023/B:JOGC.0000044200.20288.ac
M3 - Article
C2 - 15604638
AN - SCOPUS:16644393736
SN - 1059-7700
VL - 13
SP - 387
EP - 402
JO - Journal of Genetic Counseling
JF - Journal of Genetic Counseling
IS - 5
ER -