The Dynamics of a Genetic Counseling Peer Supervision Group.
Supervision is a practice that is utilized by a variety of practitioners to hone their counseling skills. Genetic counselors have embraced the supervision process, and some seek out supervision in a group setting with peers. Researchers have described the structure and content of genetic counseling peer supervision groups, and provided evidence for the benefits of seeking peer supervision. This study aimed to describe the interpersonal aspects of one genetic counseling peer supervision group, including personality traits and group dynamics, and how those factors influenced our experiences within the group. We also describe how the process of evaluating these factors impacted us individually and collectively. There was consensus that the group was a safe and trusting one, which was united by similar goals and mutual respect. Members reported gaining insights about how their own personality functioned within the group milieu, and also how the group setting impacted them. Based on our experiences, we recommend that other peer supervision groups consider similar self-evaluations on a periodic basis, both to enhance group functioning and to allow for increased self-awareness and professional growth.
Medical Genomics and Metabolic Genetics Branch, National Institutes of Health, 10 Center Drive, Building 10, Room 3C710C, Bethesda, MD, 20892-1253, USA. lewiskatie@mail.nih.gov.
Katie L
KL
Lewis
Social and Behavioral Research Branch, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.|Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
Lori A H
LAH
Erby
Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.|Ambry Genetics, Aliso Viejo, CA, USA.
Amanda L
AL
Bergner
Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.|Clinical and Continuing Education Program, The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME, USA.
E Kate
EK
Reed
Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.|University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
Maria R
MR
Johnson
Greater Baltimore Medical Center, Towson, MD, USA.
Jessica Y
JY
Adcock
American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics, Bethesda, MD, USA.
Meredith A
MA
Weaver
D000328:Adult; D000072117:Counselors / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D005817:Genetic Counseling; D006126:Group Processes; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D010379:Peer Group; D010551:Personality
Genetic counseling; Group dynamics; Peer supervision; Personality; Professional development