Genetic Counseling

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.

The purpose of this manual is to provide an educational genetics resource for individuals, families, and health professionals in the New York - Mid-Atlantic region and increase awareness of specialty care in genetics. The manual begins with a basic introduction to genetics concepts, followed by a description of the different types and applications of genetic tests. It also provides information about diagnosis of genetic disease, family history, newborn screening, and genetic counseling. Resources are included to assist in patient care, patient and professional education, and identification of specialty genetics services within the New York - Mid-Atlantic region. At the end of each section, a list of references is provided for additional information. Appendices can be copied for reference and offered to patients. These take-home resources are critical to helping both providers and patients understand some of the basic concepts and applications of genetics and genomics.

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.

This is an essential manual for the future of genetic counselling. It codifies the theory and practice of laboratory genetic counselling in an accessible and comprehensive format. With contributions from laboratorians, geneticists, and genetic counsellors from more than 30 institutions, it offers a manual of standards and practices that will benefit students and counsellors at any career stage

This text is devoted to research methodology in genetic counselling. The book offers step-by-step guidance for conducting research, from the development of a question to the publication of findings.

For sixty years genetic counselors have served as the messengers of important information about the risks, realities, and perceptions of genetic conditions. More than 2,500 certified genetic counselors in the United States work in clinics, community and teaching hospitals, public health departments, private biotech companies, and universities. Telling Genes considers the purpose of genetic counseling for twenty-first century families and society and places the field into its historical context. Genetic counselors educate physicians, scientific researchers, and prospective parents about the role of genetics in inherited disease. They are responsible for reliably translating test results and technical data for a diverse clientele, using scientific acumen and human empathy to help people make informed decisions about genomic medicine. Alexandra Minna Stern traces the development of genetic counseling from the eugenics movement of the early twentieth century to the current era of human genomics. Drawing from archival records, patient files, and oral histories, Stern presents the fascinating story of the growth of genetic counseling practices, principles, and professionals. -- Troy Duster, Chancellor'

Important scientific discoveries and ever-changing guidelines for how to identify and manage patients with hereditary cancer syndromes are constantly evolving. This Third Edition of Counseling About Cancer is completely updated and expanded to feature five entirely new chapters on breast cancer, colon cancer, other solid tumors, clients and families, and genetic test results and follow-up. This is the only reference and clinical book on the market for cancer genetics counselors and other healthcare providers who must quickly assimilate complex and ever-changing data on the hereditary risk for cancer.

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.