415.630.92 THERAPEUTIC GENETIC COUNSELING I

Prepares students to develop an applied theory for genetic counseling practice. Presents a client-centered approach as adapted for short-term therapy related to genetic conditions, using case examples and role-playing to implement concepts and apply them to clinical scenarios; basic attending skills in conjunction with issues of countertransference; and limitations of counseling, particularly for mentally ill clients or those with pathologic grief reactions. Compares and contrasts several counseling theories.

Upon the successful completion of this course, students will be able to (1) understand basic attending skills and assessment of clients' concerns related to genetic conditions and risks; (2) practice establishing and acting on a therapeutic relationship in supervised role plays; (3) adopt a client-centered approach to counseling genetics clients; (4) describe core concepts in existential, cognitive-behavioral, self-in-relation, family systems, feminist and group theories as they relate to genetic counseling; and (5) develop an applied theory of genetic counseling practice.