Genetic Counseling

Paper Summary:

This paper relates that as genetic screening becomes more common so will the need to deal with persons who are displeased with its results and revelations. The paper then discusses how clinicians must acquire grief and bereavement counseling skills if they are to provide advice and information about interpreting and making decisions about a genetic screening. The paper emphasizes the importance of having such skills and presents examples of situations that illustrate why grief and bereavement counseling skills are so important in genetic screening. The paper concludes that, if the counseling experience is to be satisfactory, the counselor must help parents meet the immediate and long-term social needs of affected individuals in addition to their medical needs.

From the Paper:

"However imperfectly it is disseminated, via phone, or arranging for another appointment at a later date, follow-up counseling is just as essential as follow-up physical care. Many counselors believe "the couple should be advised not to have another child until the grieving process has been completed. Counseling should be directed at helping the couple overcome feelings of guilt, feelings of decreased self-worth and feelings of defectiveness. Referral to support groups may be helpful or the use of non-judgmental counseling and support structures that are accessible within the couple's own community (Rosenfeld 1992:1). Providing advice about creating such groups within communities without access to the more extensive array of options in urban locations should be a long-term goal pursued by the health care community."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Baker, Schuette & Uhlmann. (Eds.) (1998). A guide to genetic counseling.
• Beery, Theresa A & Kerry A. Schooner. (Nov 2004). "Family History: The First GeneticScreen." Nurse Practioner. Retrieved 23 Jun 2007 at <http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3958/is_200411/ai_n9469874/pg_5
• Biesecker, Barbara. (24 Feb 2001). "Prenatal diagnoses of sex chromosome conditions: parents need more than just accurate information."
• British Medical Journal. Retrieved 23 Jun 2007 at <http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0999/is_7284_322/ai_71820689/pg_3>Murray, R.F. (1976). "Psychosocial aspects of genetic counseling." Social Work Health Care. Fall; 2(1):13-23.
• Rosenfeld, Jo Ann. (Jan 1992). "Emotional responses to therapeutic abortion."American Family Physician. Retrieved 23 Jun 2007 at <http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m3225/is_n1_v45/ai_11899635/pg_3>

More papers on Genetic Counseling:

• Analytical Essay # 87132 : "Genetic Counseling"
• Analytical Essay # 132234 : "Genetic Counseling from a Christian Perspective"
• Essay # 90383 : "Genetics in Pigeons"

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