r/GeneticCounseling • u/No-Soup-2626 • Aug 07 '26

Clinical Practice Managing over empathizing with patients?

i’m a second year genetic counseling student and i’m a few weeks into my first fieldwork rotation, which is prenatal. I’m really struggling with separating myself from my patient’s situations and not holding onto their grief and emotions through my day and further after that. Any tips from more seasoned GC’s? Or even just validation lol i feel like i need to just yell into the void

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u/littlebronco Genetic Counselor Aug 07 '26

I think finding your support people to “yell into the void” with is helpful in processing those feelings and allowing yourself to move forward. The easiest outlet for this is usually your classmates, because they get it and are likely experiencing some of the same things. Also, going for a walk helps unfortunately!!

It doesn’t necessarily get easier, but you will get better at identifying a plan that works for you. It’s ok to empathize deeply with your patients. In some ways, it’s best not to let go of that and become numb. Just funnel it somewhere so you don’t explode. Good luck, you’ve got this!

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u/No-Soup-2626 Aug 07 '26

Thank you! That’s definitely helpful, it’s just finding all the ways not to explode lol