Pastoral Counseling in the Context of Clinical Genetics

The objective of the proposed research is to identify the nature and extent of the clergy's role in genetics counseling as understood by genetic counselors and other healthcare professionals. Through a series of focus group interviews with a variety of healthcare professionals who are on the front lines of genetics testing, the research will: 1) explore whether and how pastoral counselors might help individuals understand and cope with the ethical and religious issues that may arise in the course of genetic testing and treatment', 2) identify the knowledge and skill competencies for clergy that are necessary for them to serve as effective pastoral counselors in genetics cases', 3) identify the institutional and professional barriers and facilitators that prevent or encourage clergy's involvement in the genetic counseling process. On the basis of the qualitative data collected, the research team will prepare reports for healthcare organization leaders, clinical professionals, and religious educators that outline the current roles of clergy, the ideal or expected roles they could play, and the ways in which institutional and professional practices may be overcome or used to help patients and their families address the ethical and religious questions that arise.