Advanced Genetic Counseling: Theory and Practice

by Barbara B. Biesecker, Kathryn F. Peters, Robert Resta

Overview

A CRITICAL NEW APPROACH FOR LEARNING AND THRIVING IN A FIELD OF CHANGE The scope and responsibilities of today's genetic counselors exceed the reasonable capacity of any one educational resource. While the field's first-year curriculum may be relatively fixed, the landscape of what comes after that -- a dizzying mix of practice, ethics, research design, and professional competencies -- is increasingly broad. Advanced Genetic Counseling offers an overdue extension of the field's core curriculum. From navigating ethical dilemmas and potential conflicts of interest to confronting the biases and patterns of thought that can limit counselors' interactions with clients, it prepares readers to face the profession's most challenging aspects with confidence. Drawing on techniques from psychotherapy, social psychology, and health behavior, Advanced Genetic Counseling is an essential resource for trainees and mid-career professionals. It offers a roadmap not just for addressing client needs, but for the future of genetic counseling education.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780190626440
Publisher:	Oxford University Press
Publication date:	09/27/2019
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	608
File size:	994 KB

About the Author

Barbara B. Biesecker, PhD, MS, CGC, is a distinguished fellow in at RTI International. She directed the Johns Hopkins University/National Human Genome Research Institute Genetic Counseling Training Program for 23 years. Dr. Biesecker has over 35 years' experience in clinical care, education, and research in the field of genetic counseling and is the author of more than 150 publications. Her work focuses on the psychological, social, and health outcomes of living with a genetic condition and the translation of genomics into clinical care. She is the 2014 recipient of the Natalie Weissberger Paul National Achievement Award, the most distinguished honor within the National Society of Genetic Counselors. Kathryn F. Peters, MS, CGC, is a certified genetic counselor and has been involved in clinical care, research, and education in genetic counseling for more than 25 years. Her personal research interests center on the assessment of the background, needs, and expectations of genetic counseling clients and social stigma. She is the 2008 recipient of the National Society of Genetic Counselor's Jane Engelberg Memorial Fellowship. Robert Resta, MS, CGC, is a genetic counselor with more than 35 years of experience. He has published extensively on the historical, ethical, and psychological aspects of genetic counseling. He is a former editor-in-chief of the Journal of Genetic Counseling and a frequent contributor to The DNA Exchange, the most widely read genetic counseling blog. He is the 2013 recipient of the Natalie Weissberger Paul National Achievement Award, the most distinguished honor within the National Society of Genetic Counselors.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction to Genetic Counseling 2. History of Genetic Counseling 3. Practice Definition and Goals 4. Characteristics of Clients and Genetic Counseling 5. Characteristics of Counselors and Genetic Counseling. 6. Applying Ethical Theories to Genetic Counseling Practice 7. Conflict of Interest and the Code of Ethics 8. Relational Genetic Counseling 9. Theories for Genetic Counseling Practice 10. Research in Genetic Counseling 11. Genetic Counseling in the Genomic Era Appendix. Transcript of A Genetic Counseling Session Index

Editorial Reviews

Reviewer: Luis F Escobar, MD, MS (Peyton Manning Children's Hospital)
Description: This is an introductory textbook to the principles of genetic counseling. Written in narrative format, it presents the concepts that gave the genetic counseling profession an identity. It is not intended to be all inclusive, but readers will certainly be able to recognize and learn the basic concepts of genetic counseling.
Purpose: The purpose is to serve as an introductory textbook for the educational curriculum of genetic counseling that covers the scope and responsibilities of today's professionals in the field. The book describes the landscape genetic counselors will navigate in their work. The authors have accomplished their goals well, focusing on early learners of genetic counseling.
Audience: This is an important contribution to the early curriculum of genetic counseling students and the format is well suited for first coursework. It should also be offered to undergraduate students considering future careers in genetic counseling. The authors are well recognized in their fields of study and provide a refreshing, easy-to-read textbook.
Features: This is a narrative and descriptive work. It should not be considered data inclusive. Readers will be immersed in the field of genetic counseling slowly. The authors do a good job introducing the history of genetic counseling and ending with the important role of genetic counselors in today's understanding of genetic disorders. Chapter 8 on relational genetic counseling offers an important perspective on the need to adapt genetic information to social and educational systems in healthcare encounters.
Assessment: The uniqueness of this book relies on the simplicity of its language and approach. The authors have made the book accessible and understandable to all levels of education. They provide an excellent tool to stimulate students' curiosity and make genetic counseling attractive and enjoyable.

Doody's Review Service

"Advanced Genetic Counseling does not assume to answer all of the questions on current practice, but sets them within a history and vision that provoke fresh thinking on recurrent themes ... This is a book that deserves to be read and referred to as the conversation and the practice evolve." — Beverley Speight, Genetics Research

From the Publisher