Testing Options

Tools for the Genetic Counseling Session

While including spiritual assessment in genetic counseling sessions is important, the implementation does not have to be daunting. On the contrary, the counselor’s approach can be quite simple and targeted. “Genetic counselors need only be concerned with whether their counselees have religious or spiritual beliefs that may influence their ability to interpret and respond to their risks and circumstances, and whether those influences are authentic, reasonable, and beneficial” (White, 2009). Mary T. White suggests by simply adding one or two questions to the discussion, the genetic counselor can assess whether further tools are needed to help the client through the decision making process. If the client is unresponsive to the few additional questions, no significant time is lost, but if the questions provide a meaningful response that leads to further exploration of religion and spirituality, White argues that the time is well spent (2009).

Suggested questions for the initial interview include:

  • Has your [presenting problem] affected you religiously or spiritually [or vice versa]? If so, in what way(s)? (Pargament, 2007)

  • Has your religion or spirituality been involved in the way you have coped with your problem? If so, in what way(s)? (Pargament, 2007)

  • What helps you get through your tough times? (Mueller et al., 2001)

  • What meaning does this illness have for you? (Mueller et al., 2001)

  • Is faith (religion, spirituality) important to you in this illness? (Koenig, 2000)

  • Is there anything with respect to other areas in your life that we can help you with that will make this process easier for you? (Cadge et al., 2009)

  • Are you a spiritual person? (Fick et al., 2006)

  • Do you have spiritual beliefs or practices that are important to you? (Tanenbaum, 2009)

  • Do you have religious beliefs? (Tanenbaum, 2009)

  • Does this raise spiritual issues for you? (Anderson, 2002)

  • Do you see yourself as a religious or spiritual person? If so, in what way? (Pargament, 2007)

  • Are you affiliated with a religious or spiritual denomination or community? If so, which one? (Pargament, 2007)

  • Has your problem affected you religiously or spiritually? If so, in what way? (Pargament, 2007)

The comfort level of the genetic counselor is critical. Each counselor should review and modify existing assessment tools as needed to identify specific words and approaches that he/she can use with ease and authenticity. It may be helpful to practice using some questions in role play settings with colleagues or students before using the questions in clinic. Practicing may help fine tune optimal wording that is consistent with your personal counseling style. In the following section, we suggest various tools that can be used in genetic counseling and other health care settings to better assess clients’ religious and spiritual views and practices.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pages: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21