Personalized Genetic Counselling

Genetic counselling is a critical process that provides individuals and families with information and support related to genetic conditions, genetic testing, and family planning. If you're considering genetic testing, or you have a family history of a genetic condition, genetic counselling can help you understand the risks, benefits, and limitations of genetic testing, and how the results can impact your health and your family's health. 

Here are a few reasons why genetic counselling is so important:

1. It can help you understand your risk for genetic conditions. Genetic counsellors can assess your personal and family medical history to determine if you're at risk for certain genetic conditions. They can also explain how genetic testing can provide more information about your risk.
2. It provides education and support. Genetic counsellors can help you understand complex medical information and the implications of genetic testing. They can also provide emotional support and connect you with resources that can help you manage the impact of a genetic condition on your life.
3. It can inform your family planning decisions. If you're planning to start a family or expand your family, genetic counselling can help you understand the risk of passing a genetic condition to your child. Genetic counsellors can discuss the options available for reducing the risk of passing on a genetic condition, such as preimplantation genetic diagnosis, prenatal testing, sperm and egg donation, or adoption.
4. It can assist in the interpretation of genetic test results. Genetic counsellors can help you understand the results of genetic testing and the potential implications for your health and your family's health. They can also help you decide what actions to take based on the results.

In summary, genetic counselling is an essential part of the genetic testing process. It provides individuals and families with information, education, and support related to genetic conditions, genetic testing, and family planning. If you're considering genetic testing or have a family history of a genetic condition, genetic counselling can help you make informed decisions about your health and your family's health.

Reading this and you’re not sure if genetic counselling would benefit you? Set up a complimentary 15 minute telehealth chat or speak with your healthcare provider for a referral to your local genetics clinic.

 Did you know there are approximately 270 genetic counsellors across Canada? 

For general health, individuals that visit a genetic counsellor include those who have been diagnosed with a genetic condition, those who are at risk of having a genetic condition, or those who would like to know their risk of passing a genetic condition on to their children. Additionally, some populations around the world are known to be at higher risk of certain conditions – for these populations, ethnicity based or expanded carrier screening may be available. 

Individuals meeting with a genetic counsellor can discuss family planning, possible preventative measures, management tools and genetic testing options. 

For reproductive health, meeting with a genetic counsellor is important when someone has experienced three or more miscarriages, for couples or individuals who have had issues conceiving, or there is a genetic condition diagnosed in the family. 

Speaking with a genetic counsellor can help people receive important information about genetic conditions and how they might affect them and their families. Genetic counsellors are available to provide support while allowing families to make the best decision for themselves.  

Reading this and you’re not sure if genetic counselling would benefit you? Set up a complimentary 15 minute telehealth chat or speak with your healthcare provider for a referral to your local genetics clinic.