Overview of Genetic Counseling: History of the Profession and the Reciprocal-Engagement Model of Practice

Abstract

Genetic counseling is a unique medically based health-care practice. Genetic counselors help patients and their families navigate a wide variety of situations. Regardless of a patient’s circumstances, the process of genetic counseling is dynamic and complex. This chapter highlights major aspects of the history of the genetic counseling profession and defines genetic counseling; describes the tenets, goals, and values comprising the empirically derived Reciprocal-Engagement Model (REM) of genetic counseling practice; and describes some genetic counseling strategies and behaviors for accomplishing REM goals. The REM provides a theoretical framework and defines the tenets of genetic counseling that apply to all areas of clinical practice. Connections are made between the REM and approaches that historically have been used to characterize genetic counseling, including Carl Rogers’ Person-Centered Counseling and person-oriented (counseling) and content-oriented (teaching) approaches.