What is a Genetic Counsellor and What Do They Do?

Genetic counselling is an incredibly important service that helps individuals and families how have been impacted by a genetic condition.

While genetic counselling may not be well-known, it is becoming increasingly common in situations where people discover they or their family are affected by genetic conditions that can have life-altering impacts.

Genetic counsellors can help you understand the impacts of a condition, what options are available in terms of treatment or mitigation, and provide a path forwards for you and your family.

What is a genetic counsellor?

Genetic Counsellors are healthcare professionals who have specific training and qualifications in the field of genetic counselling.

They specialise in counselling, education, support, and advocacy for individuals and families impacted by genetic conditions.

The work of genetic counsellors is very different from other counselling fields such as psychiatric counselling and therapy. There are courses, certificates and qualifications specific to genetic counselling that counsellors need to obtain before they can offer services.

What do Genetic Counsellors do?

Genetic Counsellors are professionals who help people understand genetic information and how it affects their health.

They can work directly with patients, or in different fields like analysing reports for testing companies, doing research, teaching, or making policies.

When they work in clinics or hospitals, they talk with doctors and healthcare teams to help patients. They might offer general advice or focus on specific areas like family planning, children's health, cancer, or neurological conditions.

Reasons to see a Genetic Counsellor

There are many reasons why you may choose to see a Genetic Counsellor.

These can include:

• Planning a pregnancy,
• Family history of a genetic health condition,
• Concerns related to your child’s health and development,
• Concern for increased risk of family related cancers, and
• Positive genetic test results.

Misconceptions about Genetic Counsellors

Genetic Counsellors help people understand genetic information and make choices about their health without pushing any particular decision on them.

Here are three of the top misconceptions people have about genetic counsellors.

1. You don't need to have had genetic testing to see a Genetic Counsellor.

   Even if you haven't had testing yet, a counsellor can assist you with deciding which tests might be helpful and explain your options. They won't push you to do anything.

2. Genetic Counsellors aren't psychologists/licensed therapists.

   They support patients through tough times, discussing genetic testing choices and treatment paths, but they're not psychologists. Their qualifications and role is specific to genetic counselling.

3. Genetic Counsellors won't determine if you can have kids.

   Their main job is to give information, making complex genetic details easier to understand. They empower you to make informed choices about your healthcare, providing guidance when you need it.

Genetic Counselling at Lumi

Every carrier screening test from Lumi Health includes complimentary genetic counselling.

If you receive an increased chance result, we'll help organise an appointment with one of our dedicated, accredited, counsellors who will help walk you through your results and explain what options are available to you.