Satisfaction with professional-client encounters was ascertained from 173 genetic counselors for each of 1,044 counseling sessions. Counselors were satisfied with 69% of the sessions and very satisfied with 25%. Counselors were dissatisfied with 5% and very dissatisfied almost never. Professional satisfaction was not associated with client learning of medical information or with discussion of items of greatest concern to clients. The major correlates of professionals' satisfaction were perceptions that they were communicating knowledge successfully. Additional correlates of being “very” satisfied included having better-educated clients, opportunity to use special expertise, and applicability of technology.
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