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both doctors and genetic counselors. The researchers also speculated that even
when they are critical of clinicians’ advice, language barriers may prevent
Spanish- speaking women from expressing their concerns.
- Clarify your professional role. When counseling patients who have a strong
desire for advice, you may need to explain that, rather than offering advice, you
will provide as much pertinent information as you can and possibly suggest the
ways patients could go about using this information to arrive at a decision that is
best for them. Such a statement can help to reduce misperceptions for any patient
who expects you to be highly directive.
10.1.6 Advice-Giving Challenges
Several factors, some pertaining to the genetic counselor, some to the patient, and
some to the situation, can make advice giving ineffective. It’s important to be aware
of the following:
Giving Advice to Satisfy Your Own Needs
As Kessler ( 1992 ) eloquently states, “Some [genetic] counselors have the fantasy
and wish that if they could only exert their personal power of persuasion, others will
begin to see the world the way they do.... Perhaps genetic counselors need to learn
what others engaged in personal counseling and psychotherapy have had to resign
themselves to and that is we are not very powerful when it comes to changing the
behavior of others” (p. 16). Advice givers often feel powerful, helpful, and compe-
tent when they give advice (Silver 1991). As these outcomes feel quite good, you
may be tempted to give more advice than you should.
Giving Advice Based on Faulty Assumptions
Silver (1991) suggests that mental health counselors who give advice may hold one
or more of the following beliefs:
- Professionals know what is best.
- Patients do not know what is best.
- Professionals should take charge and make decisions for patients.
- Patients can’t take responsibility for making their own decisions.
- There is one best view and solution, and the professional knows what these are.
- Patients want advice.
- Patients benefit from advice.
- An objective third party is in the best position to give advice.
10.1 Advice Giving