ADVANCED COUNSELING PRACTICE

Objectives� You will be able to apply a variety of counseling modalities to

genetic counseling scenarios.

� Through role-plays, you will explore counseling challenges enhancing your clinical skills.

� Through a peer lead supervision format, you will continue to develop your counseling style through clinical conversation.

Requirements� You will present a challenging genetic counseling case, integrating a

specific counseling/psychotherapy modality.

� You will engage in a “peer supervision group” format to discuss case presentations and accompanying articles. Replicating a true supervision group.

� You will conduct a role-play following your presentation, demonstrating use of the modality in a genetic counseling situation.

� Handouts will be prepared and distributed by email one week prior to presentation.

RequirementsContinued� You will submit a 3-5 page paper, APA format, summarizing the case

presented, integrating the counseling modality, and a discussion of the role-play. Paper will be due 2 weeks after the presentation.

� Participate actively in peer supervision format group, discussion, and read all assigned materials before class.

� Weekly log

Project� The In-Class Clinical Case Presentation

� The presentation will consist of the application of a counseling modality, theory or area of research, i.e. guilt and shame, person centered, defense mechanisms, grief and bereavement, religion/spirituality, etc., to a counseling case in which you participated as a clinician or an observer. (First choice is as the gc counselor)

� A minimum of 2-3 articles in peer reviewed journals, or book chapters should be cited in the presentation and written summary. Electronic sources are generally not acceptable, and you should consult the instructor before utilizing those sources.

Presentation Outline� Abstract� Background information on the counseling/psychotherapy modality

chosen and the disease/disorder(brief ) � A summary of the genetic counseling encounter� A pedigree/genogram� A discussion of the psychosocial issues involved, reactions and

responses to session� A clear description of how the counseling/psychotherapy modality was,

or could be, applied � Objective for the role-play of counseling session is to demonstrate the

integration of the theory into genetic counseling practice

Presentation Specifics� Presentations should utilize PowerPoint or similar format.

� The PowerPoint file should be emailed to the instructor the day before the presentation.

� All material in the presentation should indicate the source, using citation in the text as would be included in a written article.

� APA publication style should be used for the citations and bibliography

Presentation� Discussion will take place in a supervision group format throughout the

presentation.

� The presenter should plan discussion questions and objectives in advance. Presenter will provide self reflection and case analysis.

� Although the presenter will develop and discuss a specific case using one theoretical framework, during the peer group supervision discussion, all students are encouraged to think flexibly and creatively. Students will be expected to be actively engaged in discussion of case presented.

Handouts� Handouts for class presentations are should be ready for

distribution on the date of the presentation.� Distribute by hand prior to class beginning

� Handouts must include: � An abstract of the presentation, an outline of the contents, and a

bibliography� A pedigree

� Decide case and modality as soon as possible. I am available to meet with you and help you decide an appropriate direction for your case. I will expect you to find your own resources.

� You will need to review the case with me, to evaluate if appropriate for assignment.

� Some topics/theories for class:Guilt and shame Bereavement CounselingPregnancy Loss Countertransference/TransferenceLGBTQ community BoundariesDevelopmental Issues Family Therapy Defense Mechanisms(Anger)Group CounselingIllness Narrative Family Systems Genetic Illness ModelNon-Directive Multicultural CounselingStrengths Perspective Single Session/Brief Therapy Couples Therapy Crisis TheoryPhone Counseling Solution Focused Therapy

Case

Paper/WrittenSummary� The summary is a 3-5 page written version of the presentation� The maximum length of the summary is to be 5 pages, not including

the bibliography � You will discuss elements of the case that were challenging, review

tenants of the theory or body of literature that you think would have been helpful to employ and then discuss how you incorporated them into the role-play.

� Personal reactions regarding your experience of the role-play are important to discuss. Was the approach effective? Did you feel that some of the challenges presented by this case were addressed by the changes in approach? Were there any surprises in the role-play? What else might you consider trying? These are prompt questions to help you formulate how you would approach writing the summary, and in particular, the discussion of the role-play experience.

Paper/SummaryContent� A brief discussion of case with review of the psycho-social

challenges� A brief description of the counseling theory and the elements of

the theory and it’s applicability to your case � A clear description of how the counseling/psychotherapy modality

was applied in the role-play� Conclusion: What did you learn from applying the theory as

opposed to presenting it in an academic way? What do you think is important to recognize in considering this approach to your work? What did you learn in the role-play?

� A bibliography� Paper due within 2 weeks of presentation

WrittenWorkMusts� Have page numbers� Use subheadings for discreet sections� Utilize references in the text, and reference section which follow the

current APA format as per the APA Publication Guide� No reference should be listed in the reference section if it is not cited in

the text� There are a number of on-line sources that help clarify APA publication

format. A good one is: http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/01/

� Electronic sources should be included only with the permission of the instructors. For APA format regarding electronic media, please consult: http://blog.apastyle.org/apastyle/2010/11/how-to-cite-something-you-found-on-a-website-in-apa-style.html

WritingExpectations

� Use formal/professional language

� Please proof carefully

� Use writing center as needed

MockSessions

� Each student will conduct a mock genetic counseling session for the second half of class. The mock session will replicate the same scenario the student presented in his/her clinical presentation.

� The mock session should emphasize psychosocial issues, rather than information-giving.(emphasis is not on the diagnosis, but the psychosocial components) The mock sessions operate on the assumption that the family/medical histories have already been completed.

Mock� Start by “contracting” with the client/couple/family about the session, to

begin the role-play and set the stage.

� Your mock session “clients” should be prepared/briefed about their role before the class.

� The mock session will be interrupted at regular intervals so the observers can give feedback/suggestions to the participants.

� The entire class serves as case consultants, and all students are expected to contribute to the discussion.

� Each student is encouraged to serve as a mock client in at least two of these mock sessions.

Questions?

ComponentsofCasePresentation

1. Abstract2. Introduction and Background3. Case Presentation4. Discussion5. Summary

ComponentsofaGeneticCounselingCasePresentation

ABSTRACTBrief summary of the presentation, include definition of main idea, usefulness or occurrence in genetic counseling and a very brief summary of the case to be described. Should be no more than 200 words. Include 3-10 Key words at the bottom of the abstract page.This is where you hook your reader!

Intro/Background� Set the stage for your case. Why do you feel compelled to research this

topic? Why is it important? Think about this as Chapter 1 and draw your reader into the story. Why did you choose this particular case?

� Review of the literature regarding modality

� Each topic should be discussed separately if necessary

� You need to think about how best to compellingly set up your case

� Should establish expectations for what you plan to address in your case

� This is not intended to be the location for summarizing your case

CasePresentation� Include information about the client(s) such as indication for referral,

who attended, pedigree and other relevant genetic information.

� Outline the key points of the genetic counseling session, include dialogue and client/counselor behaviors where appropriate.

� Pedigree must be included even if you have only limited information!

� After case presentation and peer lead discussion, end the presentation with self analysis/reflection of case.

CasePresentationContinued

� Briefly summarize the key points of the presentation and how the theory might be useful to genetic counselors.

� This is often a restatement of the abstract with a bit more emphasis on how the modality fits the field of genetic counseling

Discussionforgroupsupervisionformat� Why did you choose this case? What were the issues that made you

pause and reflect about the case afterwards? What responses did you have to the counselee(s)? Process focused. What were your reactions, emotions and feelings during and or after the session?

� Outline what the session would look like if the modality had been used, or showcase how the modality was used. You can use hypothetical dialogue, if appropriate.

� Identify key strategies from the readings that may prove helpful in this case and how they may be useful in genetic counseling.

� Not all aspects of a theory or modality need be addressed. Theories are our aides, they help us see an interaction from a perspective that enhances communication.