Historically genetic counseling programs have not included strong educational components or sound educational foundations. This paper deals with some of the drawbacks of current genetic counseling programs and the implications for education in the genetic counseling process. The author adopts a broad definition of genetic counseling which emphasizes a supportive communication process geared towards counseling and educating a patient through a potentially traumatic experience. The paper includes a description of this educational model for the genetic counseling process. (Author/DOW)