Includes bibliographical references and index.

Introduction / Bonnie S. LeRoy, Patricia Mccarthy Veach, and Nancy P. Callanan -- Complicated shadows : the limitations of autonomy in genetic counseling / Robert G. Resta -- Actively engaging with patients in decision-making / Andrea Shugar and Cheryl Shuman -- Risk assessment and communication : a complex process / Shannan Delany Dixon, MaryAnn W. Campion, and Claire N. Singletary -- A genetic counselor's guide to understanding grief / Nadia Ali and Cecelia Bellcross -- Patient anger : insights and strategies / Lynn Schema -- Resistance and adherence : understanding the patient's perspective / Krista Redlinger-Grosse -- Countertransference : making the unconscious conscious / Krista Redlinger-Grosse -- Supporting family communication about genetic conditions / Marion Mcallister, Rhona Macleod, and Alison Metcalfe -- Developmentally-based approaches for counseling children and adolescents / Stephanie Austin and Kelly Schoch -- Cultural competency and genetic counseling : key concepts / Nancy Steinberg Warren -- Cultural competency : application to genetic counseling / Nancy Steinberg Warren -- Education in genetic counseling : the impacts of genetic literacy and adult learning / Andrea L. Durst and Rachel Mills -- Adapting genetic counseling practice to different models of service delivery / Angela Trepanier and Dawn C. Allain -- "Oh the places you'll go!" The genetic counselor professional development journey / Catherine A. Reiser -- Development of the genetic counseling profession : a professionalization process / Bonnie Jeanne Baty

"Rapid increases in tests and technologies, media attention, and the expansion of genetic medicine and testing beyond conditions that are exclusively genetic in nature to common chronic illnesses with both genetic and environmental components (e.g., diabetes, heart disease, cancer), have raised demand for genetic counselling services and changing the scope of practice. Genetic counselors help individuals and families understand complex medical information, including diagnosis, prognosis, management options, risk, and heredity issues. They aid patients in decision-making while respecting ethical, familial, and cultural standards"-- Provided by publisher.