Coping with a genetic medical challenge in the context of a couple relationship is not easy. When a hereditary medical condition such as Huntington’s Disease, Familial Testicular Cancer, Li-Fraumeni Syndrome, Fanconi Anemia, Hereditary Colon Cancer, or Hereditary Breast/Ovarian Cancer is discovered for one partner, a host of issues become urgent. Couples must work together to understand how intimacy, family formation, healthcare decision-making, and communication will be handled.
Dr. Lindsey Hoskins has worked extensively with couples, families, and individuals providing Medical Family Therapy services in situations where hereditary medical risk is present. Couples often benefit from spending time talking carefully through the myriad issues that may arise relative to a genetic diagnosis. Effective communication, along with the development of respectful caregiving and support techniques, can assist couples in coping with this significant stressor.
