369- Outline options: List all alternatives in the column on the left side of the grid. In
this step, it is important to identify as many options as possible. Brainstorming
with other students or colleagues may reveal possibilities you might miss by
completing the grid alone. - Review criteria and resolve: Criteria are the values and practical considerations
relevant to the situation. List these in the corresponding columns. Next, go
through each option, placing a plus (+) where the criterion is met or a minus (−)
in each column where that criterion is violated. You may decide in this process
that one criterion is more important than the others. In that case, you would give
the criterion more weight. Looking over the grid, you will find that some options
meet more of your defined criteria than others do, and thus they are more viable
options for action. - Affirm position and act: Now that you have done the moral analysis and decided,
based on that analysis, what you will do, you need to consider a strategy for act-
ing on that moral commitment. Try to anticipate any obstacles to acting. - Look back: After taking action, consider how successful you were and what
worked and didn’t work in the analysis of the ethical dilemma and the action
taken. In this process, you will learn what works for you and which pieces of the
model you will take with you into your daily counseling practice and ethical
decision-making.
As you gain more experience, you will recognize commonly occurring ethical
situations. Although you will still experience ethical dilemmas, you will become
more comfortable knowing you have the tools and resources to address them.
13.5 Reflective Practice and Professional Development xviii
Each chapter in this book presents multiple activities and exercises that challenge
you to reflect on your experiences as you learn and practice skills. Self-reflection is
a crucial component of professional growth and development. In this section, we
further define and describe reflective practice and discuss its relationship to profes-
sional development.
13.5.1 Professional Development in Genetic Counseling
As students complete their genetic counseling training program, they are eager to
embark on their post-degree professional journey. As you transition from training to
practice, you will likely feel excitement, but perhaps some anxiety. You may be ask-
ing yourself “Am I really ready to see patients on my own?” or “Did I make the right
decision about accepting this job offer?” This can be a good time to think about
what it means to grow and develop professionally as a genetic counselor.
13.5 Reflective Practice and Professional Development