we proposed the following program when a woman who…
we proposed the following program when a woman who is considering the test comes in for genetic counselling. She engages in realistic role-play with her counsellor. The counselor tells her that the test results have come back from the lab, opens the folder on the desk and reads that the results are positive. She has the mutation in the safe, supportive environment with the counsellor. She has the chance to express her feelings and thoughts, which may range from shock and disbelief to intense anxiety, despair, denial, anger, and questioning of the results.
— from The Heart in the Cockpit (Emotion/Awe/Anxiety/Regret/Empathy) · Marshmallow Test by Walter Mischel