NHGRI logo

​Non-Directiveness

updated: December 22, 2024

Definition

 



Narration

Non-directiveness is an approach we use in providing genetic information in counseling in as balanced a fashion as possible without exerting pressure or coercion as to what the clients' decision should be or what their actions should be following our session. Non-directiveness is really most often thought about within the context of decision making when it comes to childbearing issues, but extends into almost any aspect of genetic counseling when helping a family, helping an individual, make decisions that are based upon their values, their beliefs, and the issues that they feel most important.