What does this genetic diagnosis mean? Living well with uncertainty

In the realm of genetic counseling, understanding and support are crucial for families facing daunting medical news. When I sat down with Anna Chassevent, a seasoned genetic counselor, she shared valuable insights about the importance of walking alongside families during their journeys through uncertain medical terrain. In this post, we’ll explore her thoughts on meaningful communication, the role of personal experience in counseling, and how to foster a supportive environment for families in need.

Key words: genetic counseling, living well, meaning, resilience, uncertainty, patient experience, psychosocial support, healthcare, mental health, genetic diagnosis

Key Takeaways:

• The importance of walking alongside families through unknowns
• Integrating personal lived experience into clinical practice
• Making meaning of challenging news and decisions
• The role of hope, resilience, and living well

Guest Bio:

Anna is a board certified genetic counselor at the Kennedy Krieger Institute, specializing in pediatric neurogenetics. She graduated from The Johns Hopkins/National Institutes of Health Genetic Counseling Training program. She is also an associate professor, guest lecturer, student mentor, and published research author.

She is passionate about supporting families in living well no matter their or their child’s diagnosis through uncovering what is meaningful to them, holding onto their strengths, and recognising their freedom and responsibility amidst life’s unexpected challenges.

Anna has received training in a range of counseling methods and frequently incorporates logotherapy into her practice. In 2020, Anna was nominated by a patient for the esteemed Heart of Genetic Counseling Award.

She is also a cancer survivor and parent to a child with developmental and behavioral delays, which has profoundly shaped how she cares for the families she sees.

Resources:

• “Man’s Search for Meaning” book by Viktor Frankl
• What is logotherapy?
• Findageneticcounselor.org to search for a genetic counselor near you

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