About the Training
Direct-to-consumer genetic testing has uncovered millions of hidden family secrets, transforming lives overnight. More clients are arriving in therapy with shocking DNA discoveries that challenge everything they thought they knew about their identity and family.
DNA discovery experiences include:
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 profound shock, grief, identity disruption, ambiguous loss, and complex family dynamics that many therapists feel unprepared to address.
This 3-hour live online training provides mental health professionals with essential trauma-informed skills and clinical frameworks to confidently support individuals and families navigating the emotional and relational challenges of unexpected DNA discoveries.
Whether you're just beginning to see these clients or want to deepen your expertise, this training will equip you with practical tools you can use immediately.
What You Will Learn
By the end of this training, participants will be able to:
✓ Recognize the unique psychological and social impact of unexpected DNA discoveries across NPE, DC, and LDA experiences
✓ Understand the four stages of identity transformation clients move through:
Initial Discovery – Traumatic response and emotional overwhelm
Identity Exploration – Bio-curiosity, investigative behaviors, and anxiety
Identity Reconstruction – Narrative integration and grief processing
Identity Synthesis – Building resilience and living in truth
✓ Apply trauma-informed interventions specific to DNA discovery, including:
Betrayal trauma lens and attachment-based care
Recognizing ambiguous loss and genealogical bewilderment
Narrative therapy for dual reality processing
Crisis intervention and emotional stabilization techniques
✓ Navigate disclosure planning using the client-led disclosure process model
✓ Address family systems complexities, including loyalty conflicts, stigma, and generational impacts
✓ Use appropriate clinical language and avoid harmful terminology
Who Should Attend
This training is designed for:
Licensed therapists, counselors, and social workers
Psychologists and psychiatrists
Marriage and family therapists
Clinical trainees and graduate students in mental health fields
Mental health professionals who have clients experiencing DNA discoveries or want to be prepared when they do
Genetic counselors interested in learning the psychosocial impacts of DNA discoveries
You don't need any prior experience with DNA discovery clients. This foundational training welcomes both beginners and those seeking to formalize their knowledge.
Training Format
Live Online Interactive Workshop
This is not a passive webinar. Participants will engage in:
Real-world case studies representing NPE, DC, and LDA experiences
Interactive polls and group discussions
Clinical scenario skill-building exercises
Q&A and case consultation opportunities throughout
Event Details
Dates: Friday, January 30th, 2026
Time: 12-3 pm, ET
Workshop Fee: $139
Platform: Zoom
Refund: Please note that refunds are available up to 72 hours before the event, minus the Strip % fee-for-service
Continuing Education: NASW-CT has approved this training for 3 CEUs, including 1 hour of Cultural Competence CEC(s). Approval also meets CE criteria for CT LMSWs, LMFTs, LPCs, and licensed psychologists. CEUs are available upon request at registration, and certificates are provided after the session. Please note:
Out-of-state approval applies to social workers only.
States vary in acceptance of NASW-CT credits (e.g., MA and RI accept them; NY does not).
Check with your state licensing board for confirmation.