Supervision for Practicing Genetic Counselors: An Overview of Models

Abstract

Supervision has traditionally been a concept that refers primarilyto a means by which to train genetic counseling students. However, supervision-redefined-can afford anextraordinary opportunity for practicing genetic counselors to regularly update and enhancetheir counseling skills. This paper provides a new definition of supervision for experiencedgenetic counselors and discusses the process and advantages of different types ofsupervision. The leader-led peer supervision group will be highlighted as especiallyamenable to the needs of genetic counselors for a collegial forum in which to discuss thepsychosocial components of their work. Immediately following, in a separate paper, will bea description of a currently ongoing supervision group for practicing genetic counselors.