TY - JOUR
T1 - Is self-disclosure part of the genetic counselor's clinical role?
AU - Thomas, Brittany C.
AU - Veach, Patricia Mc Carthy
AU - LeRoy, Bonnie S.
PY - 2006/6
Y1 - 2006/6
N2 - The role of genetic counselor self-disclosure in clinical practice is unclear as there are few published investigations of this issue. In the present study, 11 genetic counselors who previously received genetic services were interviewed about their opinions and use of disclosure. Several themes were extracted from their responses. All participants reportedly disclosed to patients; however, not all disclosed their receipt of genetic services. Patient requests for self-disclosure influenced many participants' disclosure decisions. Opinions regarding potential benefits of disclosure varied. Nearly all participants stressed the importance of self-disclosing judiciously, stating that it may be counterproductive to client goal attainment. Four individuals with expertise in genetic counseling and psychotherapy were invited to react to these themes and to provide their opinions of self-disclosure. Their views are compared to those of the present sample, and practice and research recommendations are given.
AB - The role of genetic counselor self-disclosure in clinical practice is unclear as there are few published investigations of this issue. In the present study, 11 genetic counselors who previously received genetic services were interviewed about their opinions and use of disclosure. Several themes were extracted from their responses. All participants reportedly disclosed to patients; however, not all disclosed their receipt of genetic services. Patient requests for self-disclosure influenced many participants' disclosure decisions. Opinions regarding potential benefits of disclosure varied. Nearly all participants stressed the importance of self-disclosing judiciously, stating that it may be counterproductive to client goal attainment. Four individuals with expertise in genetic counseling and psychotherapy were invited to react to these themes and to provide their opinions of self-disclosure. Their views are compared to those of the present sample, and practice and research recommendations are given.
KW - Counselor opinions of self-disclosure
KW - Genetic counselor self-disclosure
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U2 - 10.1007/s10897-006-9022-y
DO - 10.1007/s10897-006-9022-y
M3 - Article
C2 - 16770705
AN - SCOPUS:33745593470
VL - 15
SP - 163
EP - 177
JO - Journal of Genetic Counseling
JF - Journal of Genetic Counseling
SN - 1059-7700
IS - 3
ER -