Genetic Counseling Theory and Practice II

Catalog description

This class teaches students the basic tenets of counseling theory and how they can be applied to genetic counseling sessions. Theories covered include person-centered counseling emphasizing genuineness, empathy, and positive regard. Narrative Medicine will be covered in detail, and students will be required to digitally record a narrative medicine interview with an individual or parent of an individual with a genetic disease. The recordings are analyzed and reviewed. Standardized patient assessments will be performed to monitor students' acquisition of more advanced counseling skills. Students will learn the integration of process in the genetic counseling session and how to address sensitive patient issues such as sharing challenging news and working with angry patients. They will learn to use active listening and value-free communication to manage a genetic counseling session in a culturally responsive manner.