About the Training

Direct-to-consumer (DTC) genetic testing is transforming family stories, uncovering millions of hidden family secrets. More clients are coming to therapy with life-altering revelations, including:

• Not Parent Expected (NPE): Discovering a parent is not biological

• Unknown Donor Conception (DC): Learning about egg or sperm donation origins

• Late Discovery Adoption (LDA): Finding out about adoption later in life

These discoveries can trigger shock, grief, identity disruption, ambiguous loss, and complex family dynamics.

This 2½-day immersive workshop equips mental health professionals with the trauma-informed skills and clinical frameworks needed to confidently support individuals and families navigating the emotional and relational challenges of unexpected DNA discoveries.

What You Will Learn

By the end of this training, participants will be able to:

• Understand the psychological and social impact of unexpected DNA discoveries

• Guide clients through the four stages of identity transformation:

  1. Initial Discovery – Traumatic response and emotional overwhelm

  2. Identity Exploration – Bio-curiosity, investigative behaviors, and anxiety

  3. Identity Reconstruction – Narrative integration and grief processing

  4. Identity Synthesis – Building resilience and living in truth

• Apply trauma-informed interventions, including:

  • Narrative therapy & dual reality processing

  • Genogram mapping for biological & social family connections

  • Client-led disclosure planning with the Disclosure Process Model (DPM)

• Navigate family systems and ethical complexities, such as loyalty conflicts, stigma, and intergenerational impacts

Training Schedule

Full Day 1 (Friday)

• Welcome & Orientation

• Introduction to DNA Discovery and Misattributed Parentage Experiences

• Initial Discovery Phase: Emotional and Clinical Considerations

Full Day 2 (Saturday)

• Identity Transformation Framework: Exploration, Reconstruction, and Synthesis

• Recognizing ambiguous loss, genealogical bewilderment, and temporal trauma

• Trauma-informed interventions for immediate and long-term support

• Interactive exercises and peer discussion

• Clinical Applications: Genorgram work, narrative therapy, and disclousre planning

Half Day 3

• Clinical applications: Genogram work, narrative therapy, and disclosure planning

• Ethical considerations, systemic advocacy, and best practices for client care

• Closing reflections and integration of learning

  Care consultation and therapist scenario skill-building throughout the two 1/2 days.

Event Details

• Dates: 01/30 - 02/01/2026

• Location: Mystic Hilton, Mystic, CT

• Workshop Fee: $650 (Housing not included)

• Room Share: Indicate on the registration form if you’d like to share a room with another participant

• Meals: Breakfast beverages (coffee, tea & water) and lunch provided each day

Travel Tips:

• Airports: Hartford (BDL) and Providence (PVD), ~45–60 minutes

• Train: Amtrak Northeast Regional (equidistant from NYC & Boston); Metro-North connections available

Registration

Space is limited to create a highly interactive, small-group learning experience.

[Register Here] (Google Form link)