ABSTRACT

The purpose of this chapter is to assess the status of a nondirective ethos in genetic counseling today. I will carry out this assessment by concentrating on the following four questions:

What is a nondirective ethos?

Are the nondirective ethos and value neutrality different concepts? If so, how do they differ?

What are the behaviors of genetic counselors and their clients in the clinical setting?

What are the ways in which value neutrality and nondirective counseling are and are not implemented in practice?