Frequently Asked Questions

Discern Genomics may be helpful for individuals or families seeking clearer understanding of genetic or genomic information in a supportive, non-clinical setting.

You may find the service helpful if you:

• Have received genetic test results or genomic information and would like support understanding the terminology, concepts, or scientific context

• Have questions relating to inherited conditions or family history

• Are exploring information arising from research studies, screening programmes, or direct-to-consumer genetic testing

• Would like support discussing scientific literature or emerging genomic research relevant to your questions

• Would value supportive space to reflect on uncertainty, emotional responses, or communication considerations relating to genetic information

Sessions are educational, supportive, and non-clinical in nature and are not a substitute for clinical genetics services or medical care.

Discern Genomics provides educational discussion and supportive communication to help individuals and families better understand genetic and genomic information.

Sessions may include:

• Explanation of genomic terminology and concepts

• Discussion of genetic reports or genomic information

• Discussion of scientific literature and emerging genomic evidence

• Exploration of family history questions and inherited conditions

• Supportive reflection on uncertainty, emotional responses, or communication challenges relating to genetic information

The approach combines evidence-based genomic education with counselling-informed communication practices that support non-directive, person-centred discussion.

The service is educational, supportive, and non-clinical in nature.

Discern Genomics does not provide medical diagnosis, clinical genetic counselling, psychotherapy, treatment, or medical advice.

Sessions may help you:

• Better understand complex genetic or genomic information

• Develop clearer understanding of terminology, uncertainty, and scientific context

• Explore relevant scientific literature or emerging genomic evidence

• Organise questions for healthcare professionals

• Reflect on emotional or practical responses to genetic information

• Feel more confident engaging with healthcare or research discussions

Sessions provide dedicated time and supportive space to explore and better understand genetic information in an accessible and client-led setting.

Outcomes vary depending on your questions and circumstances.

Sessions may help support:

• Greater understanding of genomic terminology or reports

• Improved understanding of scientific context and limitations

• Better organisation of questions or concerns

• Increased confidence in discussing information with healthcare professionals

• Supportive reflection around uncertainty or emotional impact

Sessions are educational and supportive in nature and do not provide medical diagnosis, clinical genetic counselling, psychotherapy, treatment, or medical advice.

Sessions may include educational discussion relating to:

• Inherited or familial conditions

• Rare genetic conditions

• Naturally occurring genetic variation and genomic diversity

• Variants of uncertain significance (VUS)

• Family history questions

• Genomic information from clinical services, research studies, or direct-to-consumer testing

• Scientific literature or emerging genomic research relevant to client questions

Discussions are educational and supportive in nature and do not replace clinical healthcare services.

Yes.

Where relevant to your questions, sessions may include discussion of scientific literature, genomic research findings, and emerging evidence.

The aim is to help make complex information more understandable and accessible in a non-clinical educational setting.

Discussion of scientific literature does not constitute clinical interpretation or medical advice.

Yes.

Genetic information can raise uncertainty, stress, difficult emotions, or complex family discussions.

Discern Genomics offers counselling-informed supportive discussion to help individuals reflect on these experiences in a calm and non-clinical setting.

The service does not provide psychotherapy, mental health treatment, crisis support, or psychiatric care.

Where appropriate, clients may be encouraged to seek additional support from regulated healthcare or mental health professionals.

No.

Genetic test results are not required.

Sessions may still be helpful if you would like to:

• Explore family history questions

• Understand genomic concepts

• Discuss scientific literature or research findings

• Prepare for healthcare appointments

• Reflect on uncertainty before or after testing

Sessions can be booked as standalone appointments or through a membership support option.

Depending on your questions and preferences, sessions may involve:

• Educational discussion

• Explanation of genomic concepts and terminology

• Discussion of scientific literature or genomic reports

• Reflective and supportive conversation

• Preparation for healthcare discussions

During booking, you may select the session focus outlined in the Five Support Areas to help match the questions and support you are seeking.

After booking, you may be invited to share brief background information ahead of your session.

Sessions are available online and, where available, in person (Falmer).

For additional guidance, please see:

• “Before You Book: What to Expect & Choosing a Session” on the Appointments page

• “How Membership Support Sessions Work” on the Memberships page.

Session length, fees, and booking information are provided during booking and checkout. Cancellation and rescheduling terms are outlined in the Website Terms of Sale.

Yes.

Personal information is handled in accordance with UK data protection and privacy requirements.

Information may be shared with carefully selected service providers who support the operation of Discern Genomics, such as secure payment processing, online booking, or video communication platforms. These providers process information only as necessary to deliver the service and are expected to handle data securely and in accordance with applicable data protection requirements.

Personal information is otherwise handled confidentially and is not used or disclosed except where necessary for service provision, or where legally permitted or required within the bounds of Data Protection Legislation and your legal rights.

We are committed to protecting your confidentiality. For more information about how personal data is collected, used, stored, and protected, please refer to the Privacy Policy.

No.

Discern Genomics is an independent, non-clinical educational service.

NHS and regulated clinical genetics services may provide:

• clinical risk assessment,

• diagnostic testing,

• medical management,

• and regulated genetic counselling.

Discern Genomics provides research-informed genomic education with counselling-informed communication and support to help individuals and families better understand and discuss genetic information.

The service does not provide medical diagnosis, clinical genetic counselling, psychotherapy, treatment, or medical advice.

Yes.

Professional and educational consultations are available for healthcare professionals, researchers, organisations, and patient communities seeking:

• Genomic education

• Discussion of scientific literature and emerging genomic research

• Communication-focused support relating to genetic information

• Educational discussion of ethical and communication considerations in genomics

These consultations are educational and non-clinical in nature.