Discovering unexpected information about your family or learning about a betrayal can shake your sense of identity and safety. With the rise of popularity of genetic testing sites such as ancestry.com, many people discover the truth about long hidden family secrets. These discoveries often result in shock, shame, grief, anger, and confusion as well as questioning everything, including core identity.
I can offer a steady, non-judgmental space to process your feelings (which are often all over the place), to decide who to tell and how, and to rebuild trust, identity, and self-worth at your own pace.
Late Discovery Adoption (LDA): Learning in adolescence or adulthood that you were adopted.
Misattributed Parentage (MPE) or Non-parental Event (NPE): Discovering a different genetic parent than expected (often via DNA testing).
Donor Conceived Person (DCP): A person conceived using donor sperm, egg, or embryo; many people learn they are a DCP later in life.
A few resources I find helpful:
Right to Know - Non-profit that offers resources for all impacted by a "DNA surprise;" including information, shared stories, support groups, and advocacy work.
DNA Suprises - Podcast series where NPE's share their stories.
Severance Magazine- Online magazine for those impacted by NPE, LDA, or others "severed" from biological family.