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“I Couldn’t Shake the Feeling That Maybe I Had a Different Biological Father”
Therese reached out to share her story about discovering she had a different biological father than she was told, and in her story is both struggle and growth.
Parents Who Need to Share Before a DNA Test ‘Outs’ Their Secret
Some parents have decided it’s time to share with their child news about the child’s parentage.
The Mindful NPE Chats With Grey Genetics About Her DNA Surprise
Imagine sitting in a restaurant waiting for your dinner date to arrive and finding out from your iPhone that half of your family is not what you expected. Then heading to the bathroom to call Ancestry and ask, "Could this be wrong?"
Understanding Cousin Relationships (And Whether Cousins Can Marry)
I received an email from someone whose cousins got married. They had questions about this.
Understanding Genealogical Bewilderment and Identity Disruption
"Genealogical bewilderment" and "identity disruption" are two terms to understand if you're an NPE or are connected to one in your circle of friends and family.
Reflections on the Impact of a Discovered Adult Child on a Marriage
Laura’s story gives us insight into the impact that a sudden discovery of an adult biological child has on a marriage.
A New Podcast, the Bradley Hall Show
The most common FIRST question I am asked as a genetic counselor and DNA coach working with those in NPE situations. That first question is most commonly, “Could the DNA test be wrong?”
Donors of Eggs, Sperm, and Embryos: How to Get Ready for Contact From a Biological Child
You donated sperm, eggs, or embryos in the past and have begun to hear the news stories that home DNA tests have done away with the promise of anonymity you were once guaranteed. Here are a few tips for you that I’ve compiled, after working with families and individuals involved in surprise discoveries from DNA testing.
Draft Language for Reaching Out to a DNA Match
I've gotten some questions about how to approach an unexpected DNA match and try to open up the lines for communication. I've posted some draft language here for you to get a sense of what I've written or advised other people to write in the past.
“I Believe My Mom Made the Best Decision She Thought She Could at the Time”: An NPE Discovery
Janna shares her experience and how she has coped with the decision made decades ago by her teenage mother after a high school party and an unplanned pregnancy.

