Effects of genetic counselor disabilities on their professional experiences: A qualitative investigation of North American counselors' perceptions.

The National Society of Genetic Counselors' policies recognize the value of diversity in the profession. Yet North American genetic counselors are very homogeneous with respect to self-identified disabilities. One step towards diversifying the profession is understanding the experiences of genetic counselors who have disabilities. This is the first study to specifically explore academic and professional experiences of genetic counselors who self-identify as having a disability and their perceptions of whether/how their disability has played a role in their experiences. Participants were recruited through an online screening survey sent via NSGC and American Board of Genetic Counseling e-blasts. Twenty-four respondents who met eligibility criteria and provided contact information participated in individual semi-structured phone interviews. Questions explored challenges and supports, interactions with others, and effects of disability on career development. Inductive analysis yielded three themes: Disability Affects Career Choices, Disability Poses Unique Career Supports and Challenges, and Disability Affects Professional Functioning in Various Ways, and seven domains (major topics within themes). Experiences included, among others, counselors must balance their disability (e.g., management, treatment) with work and/or academic demands; they desire open communication around disability and accommodation needs; disability enhances their ability to empathize with patients; countertransference is prevalent; positive and negative interactions, respectively, contribute to feelings of inclusion and exclusion; a clinicalized healthcare culture views persons with disabilities as symptoms and not individuals, and subtle stigma and discrimination exist and is perceived as possibly worse for counselors whose disabilities are not visible. Understanding academic and professional experiences of genetic counselors with disabilities and efforts to improve access and supports may promote a more inclusive environment and help to diversify the profession.

Spanish language concordance in genetic counseling sessions in the United States: Counselor experiences and perceptions of its effects on processes and outcomes.

Prior research suggests language concordance positively affects physician-patient communication and their relationship, but few studies have investigated language concordance in genetic counseling sessions for Spanish-speaking patients. This study explored Spanish-speaking genetic counselors' experiences and perceptions of the effects of Spanish language concordance on session processes and outcomes using the Reciprocal-Engagement Model (REM) of practice as a conceptual framework. There are 17 REM goals associated with four goal factors. A secondary purpose was to explore whether perceived effects are modified when the genetic counselor identifies as Latinx. Ten Latina and nine non-Latina Spanish-speaking genetic counselors who practice in the U.S. participated in semi-structured phone interviews. Directed content analysis yielded four themes reflecting how spoken language concordance promotes REM goal factors (Understanding and Appreciation, Support and Guidance, Facilitative Decision-Making, and Patient-Centered Education) and individual goals within each factor. Six additional themes also emerged: Patients feel grateful/relieved to have a genetic counselor who communicates directly in Spanish; Challenges are lessened (e.g., no need for an interpreter); Language interacts with other cultural similarities to achieve REM goals; Use of Spanish conveys genetic counselor is 'going above and beyond' for patients; Communicating medical information is difficult even when Spanish proficient; and Genetic counselor still able to achieve REM goals without language concordance. There were no apparent thematic differences between Latina and non-Latina genetic counselors. Results suggest language concordance positively influences relationship building and communication and facilitates achievement of REM goals. Proficiency in more than one language is 'value added' for genetic counseling services and should be encouraged in genetic counseling graduate programs and continuing education opportunities. Future research could assess patient perceptions of genetic counseling sessions in which the genetic counselor and patient use the patient's preferred language.

Experiences of United States genetic counseling supervisors regarding race/ethnicity in supervision: A qualitative investigation.

While addressing culture in supervision is important, research suggests genetic counseling supervisors are unsure how to discuss it within the supervisory relationship. This study explored the perceptions of genetic counselor supervisors from the United States regarding how their supervisors approached racial/ethnic differences in their supervisory relationships when they were students, effects on those relationships, and subsequent influences on their supervision practices. Nine genetic counselors who self-identified as White/Caucasian, and nine who self-identified as racial/ethnic backgrounds other than White/Caucasian, were purposively recruited to participate in semi-structured phone interviews. Questions explored participant perceptions of how their supervisors approached racial/ethnic differences in supervision, effects on those supervisory relationships, and influences of their experiences as students on their current supervision practice. Thematic analysis revealed four major themes, with most participants agreeing that (1) recognition of race/ethnicity in supervision was limited as a student and in their current supervision practices; (2) supervisors vary in their comfort discussing race/ethnicity; (3) prior student supervision experiences of racial/ethnic differences have limited effects on current supervision practice; and (4) supervisors desire more training in how to approach conversations around race/ethnicity. Further professional discussions about the role of race/ethnicity in the supervisory relationship and training in addressing the cultural context in supervision are needed.

Differences in genetic counseling student responses to intense patient affect: A study of students in North American programs.

Research indicates genetic counseling patients often experience intense emotions. No studies, however, have investigated how genetic counseling students respond to patient affect. This survey study investigated student responses to patient emotions and select factors affecting their responses. One-hundred fifty-one genetic counseling students in North American programs wrote a response to each of three hypothetical prenatal scenarios, identical except for the patient affect expressed (anger, fear, or sadness). They also completed measures of empathy tendency and tolerance of negative affect and demographic questions. Multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA), used to analyze the effects of major study variables on the types of responses given by participants, was significant. Follow-up univariate ANCOVAs indicated small to moderate effect sizes for student clinical experience, race/ethnicity, and relationship status within and across scenarios. For example, as number of patients counseled increased, participants used more feeling reflections and fewer self-involving statements. There were no significant differences in responses due to empathy tendency or affect tolerance. Most common responses were information provision and feeling reflections for the Anger scenario, information provision for the Fear scenario, and influencing responses for the Sadness scenario. Responses to each scenario typically involved multiple thoughts (range: 1-14; means ranged from 3.25 in the Sadness scenario to 3.62 in the Fear scenario). Most students (82%) reported the Anger scenario was the most difficult. Thematic analysis of reasons a scenario was difficult yielded four themes: Discomfort with situation/emotion, Positive countertransference, Uncertain how to respond, and Negative countertransference. Findings that clinical experience affects how participants responded to patient affect support the essential role of applied experience. Findings also support training and supervision to help genetic counseling students in North America learn ways to respond to strong patient emotions and recognize and manage countertransference.

Content analysis of Journal of Genetic Counseling research articles: A multi-year perspective.

Content analyses of published papers in journals inform readers, editors, and members of the profession about historical publication patterns and how the journal has represented the field. This study is a content analysis of original research papers published in the Journal of Genetic Counseling from January 2011 through December 2017. This is the first study of its kind for the flagship journal of the National Society of Genetic Counseling. Of 794 papers published in the 7-year period, 428 were original research included in the analysis. Content analysis yielded categories reflecting the types of data analyses, genetic counseling practice specialties, characteristics of the study sample, and major topics/issues investigated in each study. There was an overall positive linear trend in the number of articles published during this period (p = .002). Approximately equal percentages of studies used qualitative (34%), quantitative (31%), and mixed (35%) analyses, and these proportions did not vary significantly across volumes (p = .73). Cancer (27%), prenatal (13.3%), and general genetics (12.6%) were the most prevalent specialties represented. The number of studies about prenatal and pediatrics was less, and the number of studies about neurogenetics was greater than would be expected based on the clinical workforce (p<.001). Patients were the most common sample (55.6%). While there was a significant increase in the number of articles with diverse samples (p = .001), the proportion of such articles did not increase over time (p = .86). The most common content areas were genetic counseling practice (16.8%); attitudes, perceptions, and beliefs about genetics services (16.1%); and decision-making (14.5%). In contrast, relatively few studies focused on laboratory genetic counselor, male, gender non-conforming, and adoptee populations. The trends and gaps highlighted in this content analysis can inform future research endeavors.

Adult adoptees and their use of direct-to-consumer genetic testing: Searching for family, searching for health.

Use of direct-to-consumer genetic testing (DTC-GT) is rapidly growing in the United States. Yet little is known about how specific populations like domestic and intercountry adoptees use DTC-GT. Adoptees often have little to no biological family history, which may affect how they use DTC-GT. This study aimed to examine adult adoptees' motivations to pursue DTC-GT, experiences completing a test, and reasons for not completing one. An online survey consisting of 41 closed-ended questions was distributed to domestic and intercountry adult adoptees in a snowball convenience method addressing seven areas: (a) demographics and adoption experience, (b) family health history, (c) familiarity with DTC-GT, (d) actual DTC-GT experience, (e) hypothetical DTC-GT experience, (f) health results, and (g) satisfaction with DTC-GT. Descriptive statistics were performed on participant demographics and adoption characteristics, and chi-squared and Fisher's exact tests compared demographics and adoption characteristics by familiarity with DTC-GT and completion of DTC-GT. A total of 117 adoptees met criteria and completed the survey. Adoptees were motivated to use DTC-GT to search for biological family (83.0%), verify race and ethnicity (72.3%), and find out where ancestors came from (66.0%). Most participants completed DTC-GT (80.3%); completion was significantly associated with searching for biological relatives (p < 0.01) and with older age (p = 0.05). For those who received health information (59.6%), 44.4% of participants reported talking with a health provider. Adoptees are using DTC-GT to search for biological relatives, confirm their ethnicity and ancestry, and gain information about their health. Genetic counselors and health professionals should be prepared to address DTC-GT with adoptees as nearly half discussed their results with providers; findings from this study provide insight into how this unique population uses DTC-GT, and the possibility of patient-centered, tailored care for adopted patients who do not have family health history.

Genetic counseling student demographics: an empirical comparison of two cohorts.

Genetic counseling student characteristics may be evolving with the expansion and diversification of the genetic counseling field. We compared characteristics and previously accrued experiences of genetic counseling students enrolled in the 2018-2019 academic year with genetic counseling students surveyed by Lega et al. (Journal of Genetic Counseling, 14, 395; 2005). Four-hundred thirty students completed a survey (60% response rate) assessing demographics, select application experiences, encouragement and discouragement to apply to genetic counseling programs, and career certainty and motivations. Data analyses comprised descriptive statistics, content analysis of open-ended responses, and t tests and chi-square tests to compare responses to variables also assessed by Lega et al. Similarities between the two cohorts included most students being female, White/Caucasian, and biology majors; they reported a similar amount and type of support and discouragement; and they had strong career certainty. Salient group differences included the current cohort having a larger proportion of males (8% versus 3%; p=.007), greater percentage of parent(s) with a high socioeconomic status (SES; 31% versus 17%; p=.005), a lower first application cycle acceptance rate (71% versus 80%; p<.001), and they were more strongly influenced to pursue genetic counseling by future income (p<.001), desire to help others (p=.002), the profession's prestige (p<.001), and programs' 2-year duration (p<.001). Students applied to an average of six programs during their first application cycle and paid, on average, $1,648 for all application and interview expenses in their acceptance year. A vast majority (99%) had advocacy experiences (most commonly crisis intervention) and shadowing opportunities (94%), and 26% worked as genetic counseling assistants prior to their acceptance. Most students were interested primarily in cancer genetics at the time of survey completion. The genetic counseling field should continue efforts to improve racial and gender diversity and identify ways to increase program accessibility/affordability for individuals at all SES levels.

Effects of monitoring versus blunting on the public's preferences for information in a hypothetical cancer diagnosis scenario.

Monitoring and blunting are coping styles that characterize how people respond when faced with personally threatening situations. High monitors tend to pay more attention to, scan for, and amplify threatening cues; high blunters tend to avoid information and seek distractions when faced with a threatening event. This study sought to investigate possible differential effects of monitoring and blunting coping styles on information preferences in a hypothetical cancer diagnosis scenario in the adult general public of Minnesota. In a survey administered at a large public venue (2016 Minnesota State Fair), participants were asked to imagine they carried a gene mutation and were diagnosed with colon cancer. They indicated their information preference [modified Cassileth Information Styles Questionnaire (MCISQ)], completed two coping style measures [Miller Behavioral Style Scale (MBSS) and Threatening Medical Situations Inventory (TMSI)], rated their perceived severity of colon cancer (low, moderate, high), and answered demographic questions. Eight hundred fifty-five individuals provided usable data. Participants classified as monitors on the TMSI had significantly higher MCISQ scores (i.e., preferred more information) than those classified as blunters (p = .004). Those scoring high on monitoring and low on blunting on the MBSS preferred significantly more information than those scoring high on both monitoring and blunting (p = .04). Linear regression analysis revealed being a monitor (TMSI), scoring high on monitoring (MBSS), rating colon cancer as more severe, and having a higher education level were significant positive predictors of MCISQ scores. Results suggest individual differences in coping style, perceived severity, and education level affect desire for information. Genetic counselors should consider these patient characteristics (e.g., asking patients about their information preferences) and tailor their approaches accordingly.

A Systematized review of experiences of individuals in Arnett's emerging adulthood stage who live with or are at-risk for genetic conditions.

Emerging adulthood, a distinct developmental period between ages 18 and 29 years, comprises five features: identity exploration, experimentation/possibilities, negativity/instability regarding one's outlook, self-focus, and feeling in-between adolescence and adulthood. A growing literature examines the impact of genetic conditions on individuals who chronologically fit the emerging adulthood period. This systematized literature review uses the emerging adulthood theory to determine whether individuals living with or at-risk for a genetic condition experience the features of this period as well as similarities and differences between these two groups. A literature search yielded 1,303 peer-reviewed papers from the 17 years since emerging adulthood theory was published. Ten papers met inclusion criteria-five for those Living With a genetic condition (e.g., cystic fibrosis) and five for those At-Risk for a genetic condition (e.g., hereditary breast and ovarian cancer). Content analysis yielded themes consistent with the five emerging adulthood features for both individuals Living With and At-Risk for genetic conditions. Negativity/instability was most prevalent, and feeling in-between was least prevalent in both groups. Results further suggest unique challenges related to one's genetic conditions/risk with respect to independence (from family, healthcare providers), career/education, relationships/social life, family planning, and life perspective experiences. Salient differences were apparent between the groups in their experiences of the emerging adulthood features. For instance, Living With individuals reported challenges concerning their ongoing physical symptoms, whereas At-Risk individuals reported challenges regarding genetic testing decisions and anticipation of physical symptoms. Thus, emerging adults Living With and At-Risk for genetic conditions appear to experience the main emerging adulthood features, but they face unique challenges related to their genetic conditions/risk. Understanding emerging adults' experiences can aid genetic counselors in addressing their specific concerns.

Familial implications of autoimmune disease: Recurrence risks of alopecia areata and associated conditions in first-degree relatives.

Alopecia areata (AA), a complex autoimmune hair loss condition, affects approximately 2.1% of the population. Individuals with AA have increased susceptibility to diseases such as atopy and autoimmune disorders, but little is known about first-degree relatives' risk to develop AA and associated conditions. Genetic counseling for multifactorial conditions, including autoimmune disease is complex, but potentially valuable. Anecdotally we know patients with AA ask medical providers about recurrence risk for family members as well as question whether they and their relatives are at risk for other conditions. Data on AA recurrence risks and comorbid conditions among relatives of affected individuals comprise valuable information that may guide clinical management by genetic counselors. This study investigated the recurrence risk of AA and compared the prevalence of associated conditions among first-degree relatives to the general population. The study also assessed the validity of self-reported conditions for a subset of participants. Relatives of individuals with AA (N = 155), recruited from the National Alopecia Areata Foundation Registry, completed telephone surveys about their personal medical history for 70 medical conditions associated with AA. Medical records for 60 participants were compared to self-reported responses. One-sided proportional tests, in which it is assumed the disease prevalence in first-degree relatives is higher than for those in the general population, yielded a 7.8% estimated risk of AA versus the general population prevalence of 2.1%. Furthermore, there are increased risks of 33 associated conditions, including atopy and other autoimmune conditions. Comparison of medical reports to self-reported conditions indicated only 12% was incongruent. The findings may help genetic counselors better serve patients and their families by informing them of lifetime risk estimates of developing AA and comorbid conditions, resulting in early diagnosis of autoimmune diseases in AA families. Findings also provide evidence supporting the validity of self-report data in AA families.

Genetic counselor and proxy patient perceptions of genetic counselor responses to prenatal patient self-disclosure requests: Skillfulness is in the eye of the beholder.

Research demonstrates some genetic counselors self-disclose while others do not when patients' request self-disclosure. Limited psychotherapy research suggests skillfulness matters more than type of counselor response. This survey research assessed perceived skillfulness of genetic counselor self-disclosures and non-disclosures. Genetic counselors (n = 147) and proxy patients, women from the public (n = 201), read a hypothetical prenatal genetic counseling scenario and different counselor responses to the patient's question, What would you do if you were me? Participants were randomized either to a self-disclosure study (Study 1) or non-disclosure study (Study 2) and, respectively, rated the skillfulness of five personal disclosures and five professional disclosures or five decline to disclose and five redirecting non-disclosures. Counselor responses in both studies varied by intention (corrective, guiding, interpretive, literal, or reassuring). Participants also described what they thought made a response skillful. A three-way mixed ANOVA in both studies analyzed skillfulness ratings as a function of sample (proxy patient, genetic counselor), response type (personal, professional self-disclosure, or redirecting, declining non-disclosure), and response intention. Both studies found a significant three-way interaction and strong main effect for response intention. Responses rated highest in skillfulness by both genetic counselors and proxy patients in Study 1 were a guiding personal self-disclosure and a personal reassuring self-disclosure. The response rated highest in skillfulness by both samples in Study 2 was a redirecting non-disclosure with a reassuring intention. Proxy patients in both studies rated all literal responses as more skillful than genetic counselors. Participants' commonly described a skillful response as offering guidance and/or reassurance. Counselor intentions and response type appear to influence perceptions, and counselors and patients may not always agree in their perceptions. Consistent with models of practice (e.g., Reciprocal-Engagement Model), genetic counselors generally should aim to convey support and guidance in their responses to prenatal patient self-disclosure requests.

Improving recommendations for genomic medicine: building an evolutionary process from clinical practice advisory documents to guidelines.

Genomic sequencing and multigene panel tests are moving rapidly into clinical practice for a range of indications, but the evidence to guide appropriate use is currently limited. Well-crafted advice is needed to reduce unjustified practice variation, minimize risk of error and harm to patients, and encourage best practices. In the absence of definitive evidence, provisional advice can be helpful if it clarifies the potential benefits and risks of different courses of action and identifies the knowledge gaps most important to address in future research. This paper proposes an evolutionary process starting with clinical practice advisory documents (CPADs) and culminating in clinical practice guidelines (CPGs), using two case examples to illustrate the need for this process. When evidence is limited, CPADs can clarify current practice options and identify key knowledge gaps. Added evidence can then support updates to the CPADs over time. Ultimately CPADs can provide the foundation for definitive CPGs as the evidence base matures. This approach addresses an important challenge in genomics and may be applicable to other fields in which technology and practice are outpacing evidence generation.

An exploration of novice genetic counselors' transitional challenges: Commencement is just the beginning.

Although transitional challenges exist in many professions, no research has explicitly investigated challenges novice genetic counselors encounter as they enter the workforce. This qualitative study explored challenges genetic counselors face when transitioning from student to practicing counselor and their strategies for managing them. Fifteen novice genetic counselors (~1-2 years post-degree experience), recruited via the National Society of Genetic Counselors, participated in semi-structured phone interviews. Interview questions explored professional and personal challenges faced in their first 6 months, how challenges changed over time, strategies they used to manage these challenges, and resources they thought would have been helpful to have from the beginning. Inductive analysis of interview data yielded themes including: interpersonal challenges with colleagues (e.g. handling differences of opinion); intrapersonal challenges (e.g. lacking confidence, not feeling ready to 'go solo'); patient care challenges (e.g. being viewed as young/inexperienced); and logistical challenges (e.g. billing). Personal challenges included moving to a new location, preparing for boards, establishing a work-life balance, and factors associated with one's significant others. Strategies to address challenges included seeking support and guidance from experienced genetic counselors and peers, using peer supervision groups, and involvement in community activities. Participants recommended connecting with recent graduates through national and local programs to facilitate the transition from student to genetic counselor. Results suggest the 'transition years' pose a variety of professional and personal challenges. Support and guidance are key to evolving from student to practicing counselor. Creating venues to help novice counselors make connections with colleagues and other recent graduates may be beneficial.

Genetic counseling supervisor strategies: An elaboration of the Reciprocal-Engagement Model of Supervision.

Clinical supervision plays a key role in the training of genetic counselor practitioners. The Reciprocal-Engagement Model of Supervision (REM-S) is a recently published model of genetic counseling supervision centered on the supervisor-student relationship. The REM-S comprises five tenets and 16 goals that reciprocally interact to achieve three broad supervision outcomes. Lacking, however, is a comprehensive set of supervisor strategies that correspond to the tenets and goals. This study aimed to elaborate the REM-S by identifying strategies genetic counselor supervisors use to accomplish each REM-S goal when they supervise students in clinical rotations. Nineteen prenatal, pediatric, and cancer genetic counselor supervisors from clinics in a major Midwestern city participated in one of three focus groups. Eleven semistructured questions were asked about strategies they use when attempting to accomplish each REM-S goal. Directed content analysis yielded a total of 14 different strategy domains that vary in their frequency for accomplishing each REM-S goal. Participants identified between nine and 13 strategy domains for each goal. Across all REM-S goals, the most frequent strategy domains are: Assess student; Practice self-reflection to increase supervisor self-awareness; and Establish student goals and expectations. The present findings elaborate the REM-S by identifying supervisor strategies corresponding to the REM-S goals. These strategies can inform training in clinical supervision, and they can be the focus of observational studies designed to identify supervisor behaviors that characterize each strategy.

Beyond medical actionability: Public perceptions of important actions in response to hypothetical genetic testing results.

Rationales for returning results from whole genome sequencing (WGS) and genetic testing have historically focused on medical utility. Understanding the wide array of actions individuals might take following genetic testing results could have important implications for clinical care. We aimed to survey the public regarding their perceptions of the importance of a wide variety of different actions one might take upon receiving hypothetical results from a WGS test where the results indicate a high risk of developing a genetic condition. We assessed whether demographic characteristics, type of condition, and perceived severity of the condition differentially affected importance ratings of actions they would take. In a survey administered at the 2015 Minnesota State Fair, 909 participants imagined that they had a blood test that looked at their genes and indicated that they were at high risk of developing one of three randomized conditions (Alzheimer's disease, macular degeneration, or colon cancer). Participants rated the importance of 35 actions. Principal component analysis, used to categorize actions, yielded eight categories: (1) medical management and communication; (2) partner support; (3) support and life fulfillment; (4) diet and exercise; (5) distal planning; (6) religion/spiritual support; (7) reproductive actions; and (8) proximal planning. Participants rated a wide range of actions as important, with medical management and communication, and partner support receiving the highest mean ratings. Linear regression yielded significant associations between importance ratings and demographics variables (age and gender), genetic condition, and perceived severity of the condition for different action categories. Genetic counselors and other healthcare professionals should consider a variety of possible patient actions beyond medical actionability when discussing genetic testing results.

Managing Couple Conflict During Prenatal Counseling Sessions: An Investigation of Genetic Counselor Experiences and Perceptions.

Research shows couple conflict occurring during prenatal genetic counseling sessions may be challenging for some genetic counselors. Yet, no study has explored couple conflict in depth. The current study investigated genetic counselors' experiences and perceptions of the nature and context of couple conflict in prenatal sessions and counselor conflict management strategies. Sixteen prenatal genetic counselors recruited through the National Society of Genetic Counselors participated in semi-structured phone interviews asking about how they recognize couple conflict; topics that trigger conflict and when it occurs; individual, cultural, and situational factors associated with conflict; conflict management strategies; and specific examples from their practice. Inductive and cross-case comparison methods revealed a number of themes. Genetic counselors recognize couple conflict through non-verbal and verbal cues, and conflict can occur at any time, particularly during decision-making about testing and test results and during results review of an affected pregnancy. Factors associated with conflict include cultural customs, age, emotional state, religious beliefs, and being forced to attend counseling. Participants identified 23 conflict management strategies classified into five themes: facilitate decision-making, encourage couple expression, act within one's scope of practice, provide psychosocial support, and support the identified patient. Counselors emphasized that their strategies are couple dependent. Patients may benefit from genetic counselors assessing couple conflict and intervening when it impedes genetic counseling goals. Clinical examples from this study may contribute to informing genetic counselor practice, program curricula, and continuing education workshops.

Elaboration of the Reciprocal-Engagement Model of Genetic Counseling Practice: a Qualitative Investigation of Goals and Strategies.

As the genetic counseling field evolves, a comprehensive model of practice is critical. The Reciprocal-Engagement Model (REM) consists of 5 tenets and 17 goals. Lacking in the REM, however, are well-articulated counselor strategies and behaviors. The purpose of the present study was to further elaborate and provide supporting evidence for the REM by identifying and mapping genetic counseling strategies to the REM goals. A secondary, qualitative analysis was conducted on data from two prior studies: 1) focus group results of genetic counseling outcomes (Redlinger-Grosse et al., Journal of Genetic Counseling, 2015); and 2) genetic counselors' examples of successful and unsuccessful genetic counseling sessions (Geiser et al. 2009). Using directed content analysis, 337 unique strategies were extracted from focus group data. A Q-sort of the 337 strategies yielded 15 broader strategy domains that were then mapped to the successful and unsuccessful session examples. Differing prevalence of strategy domains identified in successful sessions versus the prevalence of domains identified as lacking in unsuccessful sessions provide further support for the REM goals. The most prevalent domains for successful sessions were Information Giving and Use Psychosocial Skills and Strategies; and for unsuccessful sessions, Information Giving and Establish Working Alliance. Identified strategies support the REM's reciprocal nature, especially with regard to addressing patients' informational and psychosocial needs. Patients' contributions to success (or lack thereof) of sessions was also noted, supporting a REM tenet that individual characteristics and the counselor-patient relationship are central to processes and outcomes. The elaborated REM could be used as a framework for certain graduate curricular objectives, and REM components could also inform process and outcomes research studies to document and further characterize genetic counselor strategies.

Characterizing Clinical Genetic Counselors' Countertransference Experiences: an Exploratory Study.

Countertransference (CT) refers to conscious and unconscious emotions, fantasies, behaviors, perceptions, and psychological defenses genetic counselors experience in response to any aspect of genetic counseling situations (Weil 2010). Some authors theorize about the importance of recognizing and managing CT, but no studies solely aim to explore genetic counselors' experiences of the phenomenon. This study examined the extent to which clinical genetic counselors' perceive themselves as inclined to experience CT, gathered examples of CT encountered in clinical situations, and assessed their CT management strategies. An anonymous online survey, sent to NSGC members, yielded 127 usable responses. Participants completed Likert-type items rating their CT propensities; 57 of these individuals also provided examples of CT they experienced in their practice. Factor analysis of CT propensities tentatively suggested four factors: Control, Conflict Avoidance, Directiveness, and Self-Regulation, accounting for 38.5% of response variance. Thematic analysis of CT examples yielded five common triggers: general similarity to patient, medical/genetic similarity, angry patients, patient behaves differently from counselor expectations, and disclosing bad news; six common manifestations: being self-focused, projecting feelings onto the patient, intense emotional reaction to patient, being overly invested, disengagement, and physical reaction; five CT effects: disruption in rapport building, repaired empathy, over-identification, conversation does not reach fullest potential, and counselor is drained emotionally; and three management strategies: recognizing CT as it occurs, self-reflection, and consultation. Results suggest CT is a common experience, occurring in both "routine" and emotionally complex cases. Training programs, continuing education, and peer supervision might include discussion of CT, informed by examples from the present study, to increase genetic counselor awareness and skills for managing the phenomenon.

"If It Helps, It's Worth a Try": an Investigation of Perceptions and Attitudes about Genetic Counseling among Southern Manitoba Hutterites.

Few studies have explored the public's views of genetic counseling services, and even fewer focus on founder populations with high prevalence of genetic disease, such as Hutterites. The Hutterites are an Anabaptist religious group grounded in a strong Christian faith. The primary aim of this study was to assess Hutterites' views of genetic counseling services. A secondary aim was to compare their views to those obtained in a study of rural Midwestern U.S. residents (Riesgraf et al., Journal of Genetic Counseling, 24(4), 565-579, 2015). One-hundred eleven individuals from southern Manitoba Hutterite colonies completed an anonymous survey assessing familiarity with and attitudes about genetic counseling; perceptions of its purpose, scope and practice; and willingness to use genetic counseling services. Although many respondents were not familiar with genetic counseling, most had accurate perceptions and positive attitudes. For instance, mean ratings showed endorsement of trust in information provided by genetic counselors and agreement that genetic counseling aligns with their values. Logistic regression indicated reported willingness to use genetic counseling services increased if respondents: had a higher self-rated familiarity with genetic counseling; were younger; agreed with the statement: I would trust the information provided by a genetic counselor; and disagreed with the statements: Genetic counseling is only useful for a small group of people with rare diseases, and Genetic counselors help expectant parents choose the eye color of their child. Thematic analysis of comments regarding willingness to use genetic counseling services yielded themes of personal/family risk, pragmatism (genetic counseling is sensible and practical for managing health concerns), and desire to prevent genetic conditions in the Hutterite population. Comparison of the present findings to those of Riesgraf et al. suggests predictors of Hutterites' willingness to use genetic counseling are unique and culturally-based. Limited replication of Riesgraf et al. was achieved. Additional findings, practice implications and research recommendations are presented.

Development, Experience, and Expression of Meaning in Genetic Counselors' Lives: an Exploratory Analysis.

Genetic counselors routinely engage with patients and families who grapple with questions of meaning while making decisions about genetic risk. Research and theory demonstrate genetic counselors gain important personal insights through their work and develop professionally from self-reflective practice regarding their beliefs and values. Data are lacking, however, about the nature of the meaning genetic counselors bring to their profession and how they directly experience and/or navigate issues of meaning within clinical practice over time. Accordingly, a national sample (N = 298) of practicing genetic counselors completed a brief survey assessing their demographic characteristics and willingness to participate in a semi-structured telephone interview exploring their views on meaning as they relate to their clinical work and professional development. Sixty-eight individuals of varied experience levels were interviewed about: 1) how they define a meaningful life for themselves; 2) lifetime sources of influence on their sense of meaning; 3) how they experience meaning within both personal and professional contexts; 4) work-related contexts that reaffirm and challenge their sense of meaning; and 5) how their sense of meaning has changed over time. Twenty-five interviews were analyzed using Consensual Qualitative Research methods, at which point, data saturation was reached. Five themes, 32 domains, and 29 categories were extracted. Common findings include: importance of satisfying relationships; helping others; personal fulfillment; personal and patient experiences of illness and loss; religious and/or spiritual foundations; value conflicts; competing obligations; challenges to meaning; development of empathy; resiliency; and increased humility. Results suggest the importance of professional venues for discussions of meaning (e.g., genetic counseling program curricula, continuing education, and peer supervision/consultation). Additional findings, practice implications, and research recommendations are presented.