Meet Dr Marcelle

Clinical Psychotherapist, High Performance Coach & NPE

My NPE Story

At 55 years old, I discovered that the man I’d always believed was my father… wasn’t.

It was a shock - and yet, it also made sense. The feeling of not quite 'fitting', the difficult relationship with my mother, the lack of resemblance to my dad, my looks and my dark curly hair - all suddenly explained.

But with clarity came the weight of the unknown. Who am I now? Can I trust anything I know? Why was this kept from me for so long?

My mother had died two years earlier, taking the secret with her. And that meant there was no-one left who could answer all my questions.

And I had tons of them!

Grieving 2 Fathers I Never Had

I actually knew my biological father as a child and adored him. But when I was 6yrs, he moved back to America, and I never saw him again. I never knew he was my father.

I loved the man I thought was my dad. But he and my mother separated when I was very young, and I never got to build the strong father-daughter bond I longed for. He passed away when I was 18 (he was 49), and I'd always grieved the relationship we never had.

When I found out I was an NPE - along with the news that my biological father had died almost 30 years earlier - I grieved all over again. Two fathers, neither truly mine.

But in the loss, I found something unexpected - two amazing brothers I never knew I had (I'd always wanted an older brother!). And for that, I am really grateful.

You Don’t Have to Go Through This Alone

Finding an NPE community online made me realise how many others were struggling.

But support groups only go so far - they let you share, but they don’t always help you move forward.

That’s where I come in:

Not just a space to share - structured support and coaching to help you process and move forward
Practical guidance - because sitting in confusion isn’t enough
Clear steps for navigating this new reality

And it’s not just individuals who need support. I also work with therapists, companies and trusted partners to create the resources, training, and guidance needed to better support those going through this journey.

Whether you’re navigating this yourself, supporting a loved one, or helping others professionally, UnexpectedDNA provides the tools and expertise to guide you forward.

Services

No-One Prepares You For This

When I discovered the truth, I had no idea what to do with it.

I felt ashamed, like I had to protect my mother’s memory - even though I'd done nothing wrong. I even questioned whether I was now "illegitimate" because of this.

I felt sad for my dad. Had he known? He was the innocent party in this.

And how about my biological father? I knew he'd wanted me to visit him in the US when I was 12 but my mother wouldn't let me go. Had he tried to contact me other times?

Worst of all, I thought I was alone.

I couldn't find any information online. There were no resources, no clear guidance.

As a therapist, I had the tools to work through the shock, grief, and identity shift - but I knew most people didn’t.

That’s why I created UnexpectedDNA.

I'm In Your Corner

Being an NPE isn’t just about discovering a new truth - it’s about rebuilding your sense of self.

I don’t just understand this because I’ve lived it - I understand it because I’ve spent almost a decade helping people navigate identity shifts, life transitions, and deep personal change.

As a clinical psychotherapist and high-performance coach, I specialise in solution-focused therapy, CBT, and trauma-informed approaches - helping people reframe challenges, regain control, and move forward with confidence.

Most therapists don’t understand what it’s like to be an NPE. I do - and I’ll help you, and those who support you, figure out what comes next - in a way that works for you.