Genetic Counseling: Who? What? Why? When? How?

While you might not be in need of a genetic counselor, it is important to know who they are and why they are out there.
 

Joanna Rudnick (In The Family) reviews pedigree with counselor

Who: Genetic counselors, individuals trained to counsel on matters specifically related to medical genetics, play an essential role in understanding genetic disorders and their implications. Genetic counselors not only serve to educate their clients, but also to support them emotionally.

What: Genetic counseling is directed towards those affected by or at risk of developing an inherited disorder, significant others and relatives of those affected by disorders, and carriers and potential carriers of a heritable disorder.

Why:  Counseling provides advice regarding the consequences and nature of a disorder as well as the consequences of obtaining testing, the probability of developing or transmitting diseases, and the options open to them in management and family planning in order to prevent the transmission of the diseases.

When:  Different people seek genetic counseling at different points in their lives. For some, it is important to find out if they are a carrier for a disease or if they have gene mutations at a young age. Others would rather not consider these things until a later in their lives. Seeing a genetic counselor is a personal decision, but it is also important to keep in mind that genetic testing does not have to be performed the same day as the counseling session.  It can be postponed until the client is prepared for the information.

How:  To gain a better understanding of genetic counseling, you can observe part of a counseling session.