Client Guilt, Shame, Anger: Counseling Strategies to Support Decision-Making and Improve Outcomes

Client guilt, shame and anger can negatively affect genetic counseling processes and outcomes, including comprehension of genetic information, client-centered autonomous decision-making, and psychosocial adaptation. This session will teach and apply evidence-based counseling skills and interventions grounded in existential positive psychology, mindfulness, and cognitive therapy to help manage intense client emotions. Using case studies, reflective practices, and breakout groups, participants will build competency in accurately recognizing and managing client emotions to enhance the outcomes of genetic counseling. This session aims to cultivate self-reflective practice on strong emotions and foster professional growth. This session is applicable to genetic counseling students and genetic counselors, regardless of specialty area or level of experience. 

Presented by:
1. Kendra Schaa, ScM, CGC
2. Janeta Fong Tansey, MD, PhD
3. Ananya Jain, ScM, LCGC
4. Lori A. H. Erby, ScM, PhD, CGC 

Learning Objectives:
1. Analyze the role of strong motions in client decision-making, autonomy, and psychological adaptation, with particular attention to guilt, shame, and anger.
2. Identify root causes of strong emotions.
3. Illustrate counseling techniques that acknowledge and harness emotions of guilt, fear, and anger towards enhancing client autonomy, informed decision-making, and psychosocial adaptation.
4. Evaluate one's own positionality to strong emotions and their impact on the therapeutic alliance. 

Continuing Education Unit Approval:
The National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) has authorized National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) to offer up to 1.5 Category 1 contact hours for Client Guilt, Shame, Anger: Counseling Strategies to Support Decision-Making and Improve Outcomes. The American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC) will accept CEUs earned at this program for the purposes of genetic counselor certification and recertification. 

Successful Completion:
1. View recording
2. Pass quiz
3. Complete evaluation