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01-12-2014 | Original Research

The Impact of Supervision Training on Genetic Counselor Supervisory Identity Development

Authors: Carrie L. Atzinger, Kimberly Lewis, Lisa J. Martin, Geoffrey Yager, Catherine Ramstetter, Katie Wusik

Published in: Journal of Genetic Counseling | Issue 6/2014

Abstract

Supervision is critical to the training of genetic counselors. Limited research exists on the influence of supervision training and experience on the development of genetic counseling supervisors. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of supervision training in addition to supervisory and clinical experience on supervisory identity development, and the perceived confidence and competence supervisors have in their own supervisory skills. In addition, we explored genetic counselors’ (N = 291) interest in and barriers to training as well as perspectives on requirements for supervisors. Results indicated clinical experience, supervision experience, and formal supervision training are positively associated with genetic counselors’ supervisory identity development as measured by the Psychotherapy Supervisory Development Scale (PSDS) (p < 0.05). Despite a moderate correlation between supervision experience and formal training (ρ = 0.42, p < 0.001), both had independent effects on PSDS scores (p < 0.04). A majority of genetic counselors were interested in receiving supervision training but noted lack of available training as a barrier. The majority of participants indicated that supervisors should be certified as genetic counselors, but there was no consensus on training requirements. Development of additional supervision training opportunities for genetic counselors should be considered.

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Title: The Impact of Supervision Training on Genetic Counselor Supervisory Identity Development
Authors: Carrie L. Atzinger
Kimberly Lewis
Lisa J. Martin
Geoffrey Yager
Catherine Ramstetter
Katie Wusik
Publication date: 01-12-2014
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Journal of Genetic Counseling / Issue 6/2014
Print ISSN: 1059-7700
Electronic ISSN: 1573-3599
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10897-014-9730-7

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