Holding the story, holding the professional: a pilot study of genetic counselling supervision in Portugal.

The increasing complexity of genomic medicine has intensified the emotional, ethical, and relational demands placed on genetic counselling professionals. In response to these demands, genetic counselling supervision has been increasingly recognised as a core component of safe and sustainable practice. However, its implementation across Europe remains uneven, and empirical evidence on feasible and acceptable supervision models in clinical settings is limited. This study reports a mixed-methods pilot evaluation of a narrative-informed, group-based genetic counselling supervision programme implemented within Portuguese public genetic services. This is a foundational component of the first phase of the MAG-SUDOE project, a transnational initiative supported by the Interreg SUDOE programme aimed at developing a joint supervision solution for genetic counselling professionals in Portugal, Spain, and France. Eight genetic healthcare professionals were recruited, and seven completed the intervention. Feasibility and acceptability were examined through participation and attendance rates, session evaluations, and assessment of the supervisory working alliance. Preliminary impact was explored using self-report measures of psychological well-being and perceived counselling quality, complemented by qualitative data from written narratives, semi-structured interviews, and a final focus group. The programme demonstrated high feasibility, with strong engagement and completion despite clinical workload constraints, and high acceptability, reflected in positive session evaluations and strong supervisory working alliance. Qualitative findings indicated that participants experienced supervision as a safe and reflective space that reduced isolation, supported emotional regulation, and enhanced reflective awareness. Overall, this pilot study provides promising indications of benefit for reflective practice and professional well-being, supporting its further adaptation and implementation within a transnational European framework.