This paper describes a qualitative study of the processes employed within a
generic counselling consultation. These processes, it is argued, can be se
en to provide the patient with a genetic identity. But unlike the new ident
ity conferred by the diagnosis of many chronic medical conditions a genetic
identity is presented as an old one that is now revealed. This represents
a reversal of the stigmatising process: instead of a spoiled identity repla
cing an actual one, the genetic consultation involves revealing an actual i
dentity in the place of a previously presumed one. In this way, genetic cou
nselling reconstructs identity in the past as well as in the future. (C) 19
98 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.