CPDs & Workshops
DNA Discoveries: When your dad isn't your dad
Unexpected DNA–related therapy is a fast emerging area due to the widespread accessibility of DNA testing.
Yet most therapists and counsellors lack full understanding of the unique psychological and emotional impact of unexpected DNA discoveries.
This CPD will equip you with the knowledge and practical skills to confidently support clients navigating these modern challenges.
Your Tutors
Clinical psychotherapist & high performance coach, Dr Marcelle Crinean, and counsellor, Emily Clark – both with lived experience of being an NPE.
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CPD Aims & Outcomes
This 1–day CPD workshop aims to introduce therapists and counsellors to the unique psychological and emotional challenges faced by individuals who discover they are an NPE (Not Parent Expected), often through DNA testing or family revelations.
This CPD will:
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Equip you with the knowledge and practical skills to understand the unique impact of unexpected DNA discoveries
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Enable you to provide informed, trauma–aware support to clients navigating identity disruption and family change
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Expand your client skillset – understanding the NPE experience adds a valuable layer to your professional practice
By the end of this CPD, you will be able to:
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Understand the NPE experience, as told by presenters who are NPEs
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Identify acronyms, phrases and terminology used in the NPE world
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Recognise common themes and experiences that NPEs undergo throughout their DNA discovery journey
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Explore practical strategies to foster trust, safety, and support for NPEs in therapy
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Who is this CPD for
This CPD is essential for any therapist or counsellor who works in the areas of:
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Trauma and betrayal
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Grief and ambiguous loss
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Identity and existential questions
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Family and relational dynamics
Whether you’ve encountered NPE clients yet or not, this workshop ensures you’re prepared to meet the needs of this growing client base.
*While the focus of this CPD is on NPEs, it may also be applicable for therapist and counsellors who support donor–conceived or adoptees. Get in touch if you have any questions.
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Why should you attend
Most people take an at–home DNA test out of pure curiosity. They want to learn more about their ancestral lineage, not expecting to discover that their biological father is not who they thought he was.
The results can change everything they thought they knew about their family and their own identity, and can turn their lives upside down in an instant.
These life-altering revelations have led to a rapidly growing client group seeking therapy – those with misattributed parentage experiences, known as NPEs.
Understanding this experience is becoming increasingly relevant for therapists and counsellors. As more and more people discover they are NPEs, they are specifically looking for help and support from NPE–informed professionals.
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How to boook
If you are interested in attending or have any questions, please register your interest here for more details.
We'll email you back within 48 hours.
CPD Hours: 5.5 hours
A certificate of attendance will be provided.