Special Issue Introduction: Dealing with Psychological and Social Complexity in Genetic Counseling

• Published in: Journal of genetic counseling Vol. 26; no. 2; pp. 195 - 198
• Main Authors: Djurdjinovic, Luba, Peters, June A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York Springer US 01-04-2017; Blackwell Publishing Ltd
• Subjects: Biomedical and Life Sciences; Biomedicine; Cancer; Cardiovascular disease; Clinical Psychology; Cognition & reasoning; Commentary; Counseling; Ethics; Genetic counseling; Genetics; Genomes; Gynecology; Human Genetics; Parents & parenting; Prenatal development; Psychotherapy; Public Health; United Kingdom > UK; United States > US
• ISSN: 1059-7700; 1573-3599
• DOI: 10.1007/s10897-017-0080-0

First some background material, then several papers on genetic counselor training, genetic counseling in specialty practices of cardiovascular and cancer genetics, papers presenting legal and ethical issues, incorporation of new counseling models, and finally, consideration of similarities and differences of genetic counseling and psychotherapy. Recent research has also emphasized the addition of social psychological theories and shared decision-making models. Since its inception we have aimed to deconstruct the Bcounseling^ in genetic counseling through a new definition [Resta 2006], defining training competencies (Ferrier et al. 2013; Fine et al. 1996), publication of peer-reviewed papers that offer insights into the counseling process and more recently defining and validating a proposed genetic counseling model, the Reciprocal Engagement Model (REM) (Hartmann et al. 2015; Mc-Carthy-Veach et al. 2007; Redlinger-Grosse et al. 2016). [...]we especially wanted to address the tension between trying to encourage rich psychological encounters between genetic counselors and our clients and the need to clearly define and distinguish the professional roles of genetic counselors and psychotherapists. [...]in conjunction with this new paper, we have invited a commentary about the intersection of genetic counseling and psychotherapy (Redlinger-Grosse 2016). [...]we close this issue with a paper that explores the interpersonal experience of several genetic counselors and their patients who maintained an ongoing personal connection after the completion of genetic counseling (Williams et al. 2016).