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Common Referral Sources
Support groups (genetic condition)
Bereavement groups
Agencies (SSI, medical assistance, WIC, social services, respite care)
Services (infant stimulation, schools, The Arc)
Medical (genetics as well as other specialists)
Psychological (short-term therapy, long-term therapy, psychiatric, career/vocational counseling,
family therapy)
Financial services
Adoption agencies
Social workers
Online resources
Clergy/spiritual leaders
Parenting classes
Drug/alcohol rehabilitation
Domestic abuse centers
Homeless shelters
Food banks
Developmental specialists
Unemployment center
Parents/individuals who are experienced with a condition and who are willing to talk with
recently diagnosed patients/families7.5 Closing Comments xv
You have a great deal of responsibility for beginning and ending genetic counseling
sessions and relationships and for helping patients establish feasible goals. Advanced
preparation, observing common courtesies, carefully listening to your patients, and
setting goals and plans for achieving them will assist you in these important genetic
counseling activities. As we’ve mentioned in other chapters, these responsibilities
will become less challenging for you over time and with experience. You will gradu-
ally develop your style of structuring genetic counseling relationships and sessions.
6.7 Class Activities
Activity 1: Structuring the Session (Think-Pair-Share Dyads or Small Groups)
Students discuss the following:
- What concerns/questions do you think patients have about genetic counseling?
- What patient questions are you unsure about how to address? Afraid to address?
6 Structuring Genetic Counseling Sessions: Initiating, Contracting, Ending, and Referral