Genetic Counseling Dynamics: Transference, Countertransference, Distress, Burnout, and Compassion Fatigue

Abstract

Being an effective genetic counselor requires an awareness of issues that impact the relationships counselors form with patients. This chapter discusses several critical dynamics that affect genetic counseling relationships. The chapter begins by defining patient transference and identifying ways to recognize and respond to transference and by defining genetic counselor countertransference and ways to manage this experience. Next genetic counselor distress, burnout, and compassion fatigue are defined (sources, symptoms, risk factors, etc.), and compassion fatigue is distinguished from distress and burnout. A range of strategies for coping with distress, burnout, and compassion fatigue is described. The content and related activities and written assignments in this chapter are designed to assist students in developing skills that will allow them to “thrive” as opposed to “survive” in their work and throughout their career.