Workshop Overview

Unexpected DNA discoveries can evoke profound emotional, relational, and identity challenges. This 2½-day immersive workshop is designed to help individuals process these experiences and work.

Workshop Overview

Unexpected DNA discoveries can evoke profound emotional, relational, and identity challenges. This 2½-day immersive workshop is designed to assist individuals in processing these experiences and progressing toward healing, clarity, and connection.

Whether your discovery involves:

• Not-Parent Expected (NPE)

• Donor-Conceived (DC)

• Late-Discovery Adoption (LDA)

This workshop provides a safe, trauma-informed space to explore your story and begin to rebuild your sense of self and family identity.

What You’ll Experience

Evidence-Based Counseling: Insights from hundreds of research interviews with individuals who have faced unexpected DNA revelations

• Trauma-Informed Therapy: Practical strategies to process grief, identity disruption, and family dynamics

• Identity & Narrative Work: Guided exercises to help integrate your discovery into a new personal story

• Peer Connection & Support: Share and learn with others who understand your journey

Workshop Highlights

• 2½ days of clinician-led sessions and peer support circles

• Interactive exercises including genograms, journaling, and disclosure planning

• Grounding techniques and coping strategies for emotional overwhelm

• Closing reflection to leave with clarity, tools, and a personal growth plan

Who Should Attend

This workshop is ideal for:

• Adults who have experienced an unexpected DNA discovery (NPE, DC, LDA)

• Family members impacted by a loved one’s DNA discovery

• Individuals seeking emotional support, identity integration, and practical coping tools

Details

• Duration: 2½ days (Friday & Saturday from 9am-5pm, and to Sunday afternoon until 1pm)

• Format: In-person

• Facilitator: Michele Grethel, Ph.D., LCSW

• Approach: Trauma-informed therapy, evidence-based research, and peer connection

Registration & Contact

Workshop Fee: $650
Housing is not included and is the participant’s responsibility.

Your registration includes:

• 2½ days of clinician-led sessions

• All workshop materials and handouts

• Access to peer support circles and guided exercises

• Coffee & beverages for the morning and lunch each day.

• Event Location & Lodging

  The workshop will be held at the Mystic Hilton in Mystic, Connecticut. A block of rooms has been reserved for attendees.

  Room Reservations: If you would like to share a room to reduce costs, please indicate this on the registration Google Form. We will help connect you with another participant interested in sharing.

  Local Attractions: The hotel is conveniently located near Mystic’s historic seaport, aquarium, and charming downtown shops and restaurants.

  Transportation:

  Airports: Hartford (BDL) and Providence (PVD) are each about 45–60 minutes away.

  Train: Amtrak’s Northeast Regional line runs between Boston and NYC, with Mystic as an easy stop. Metro-North service also connects to Amtrak in New Haven for seamless travel.

  Please fill out this Workshop Google Form if you would like to register; otherwise, write to us to learn more about the workshop.

  
  Please reach out through the Contact US form for more information and registration.

  Spaces are limited to ensure a safe, intimate environment focused on healing, clarity, and connection.