How Can Stoic Philosophy Inspire Psychosocial Genetic Counseling Practice? An Introduction and Exploration

Abstract

Stoicism is an ancient philosophical tradition with the goal of teaching individuals how to live virtuously and attain tranquility. Stoicism was built upon the concept of fate and the limits of an individual’s power to change their fate (i.e. external circumstances). Many Stoic practices aim to remind oneself of the limits of their power and to shift one’s attention and concern to phenomena in which they have control. The goal is to cultivate a rational, healthy internal locus of control. There is minimal exploration of philosophical traditions in the genetic counseling literature, and Stoic practices may lend themselves to psychosocial genetic counseling work. Themes and applications of Stoic philosophy are explored here, and these practices may aid patients in developing an internal locus of control. The theme of reorienting one’s perception of control over their diagnosis, health, or situation may have benefit in patient psychosocial adaptation. This work serves to introduce genetic counselors to therapeutic applications of Stoic philosophy which may aid advanced counseling practice. We hope to stimulate future exploration and discussion regarding this and similar approaches in clinical genetic counseling.