Misattributed Paternity and DNA Surprises: Clinical Approaches and Ethical Considerations for Clients with Unexpected Genetic Revelations

Credit

Program Information

All members of the PESI, Inc. planning committee have provided disclosures of financial relationships with ineligible organizations and any relevant non-financial relationships prior to planning content for this activity. None of the committee members had relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies or other potentially biasing relationships to disclose to learners.  For speaker disclosures, please see the faculty biography.

Speaker

Ashley Shepard, PsyD, LICSW, MA Related seminars and products

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Ashley Shepard, PsyD, LICSW, MA, has over 10 years of experience in the mental health field and has worked with a variety of diverse populations. In addition to treating diagnoses such as schizophrenia, depression, bipolar disorder, and trauma-related disorders, she focuses on supporting clients through various types of grief and loss. She has published research focusing on misattributed paternity and how DNA discoveries impact one’s identity and psychological well-being with the American Journal of Qualitative Research. She is currently in private practice in West Virginia, is the founding executive director of a nonprofit, and is an adjunct faculty member at Shepherd University where she teaches psychology courses.

Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Dr. Ashley Shepard maintains a private practice and is the executive director of Access 304. She has employment relationships with Shepherd University and Blue Ridge Community and Technical College. receives a speaking honorarium and recording royalties from PESI, Inc. She has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Dr. Ashely Shepard is a volunteer with Art and Creativity for Healing.

Additional Info

Program Information

For live CE credit, you must watch the live webcast in its entirety at its scheduled time and complete the CE quiz and evaluation within one week. You will have access for 90 days after the program for review.

Please note: There will be a 70-minute lunch and two 15-minute breaks; one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Lunch and break times will be announced by the speaker and at their discretion. A more detailed schedule is available upon request.

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Objectives

1. Describe the occurrence and characteristics of misattributed paternity events that are revealed as incidental findings during recreational genetic testing.
2. Assess the complexity and far-reaching implications of discoveries made through DNA testing on individuals’ personal, family, and social dynamics.
3. Apply ethical principles to how genetic information can be appropriately integrated into psychological therapy, intervention, and education.
4. Discuss the psychological and emotional consequences experienced by individuals who learn that their presumed father is not their biological father due to direct-to consumer DNA testing.
5. Describe how the revelation of misattributed paternity affects individuals’ sense of self, selfidentity, and the reevaluation of their personal narratives.
6. Incorporate grief and cognitive interventions into work with clients who’ve experienced a misattributed paternity event to manage feelings of loss and emotional overwhelm.

Outline

Unveiling Hidden Truths: Understanding the Complexities of Misattributed Paternity

• History of assisted reproductive technology and adoption
• Definition and prevalence of misattributed paternity
• Explore the emotional impact of unexpected genetic revelations
• Understand transgenerational trauma and why DNA matters
• Case studies illustrating the complexities of these situations

Legal, Ethical and Cultural Considerations for Mental Health Professionals

• Known vs unknown donors
• How the “right to know” one’s biological origins is relevant to today’s laws
• Reproductive tourism – how America is available to the rest of the world
• Changes on the horizon – how laws have changed, and where we can still find room to grow
• Confidentiality and disclosure: Balance client privacy with potential familial consequences
• Informed consent: Discuss DNA testing and potential outcomes with clients
• Cultural sensitivity: Address diverse cultural perspectives on family and identity

Identity Disruption after DNA Surprises

• The complexities of identity formation
• How identity is impacted in the wake of unexpected genetic revelations
• Late revelation adoption
• Potential conflicts within family relationships and social networks
• How to promote resilience and selfacceptance in the face of identity disruption

The Grief, Anger and Emotional Overload of Misattributed Parentage: Interventions to Cope, Process, Accept, and Find Meaning

• The unique challenges of grief in clients with misattributed parentage
• Manifestations of grief
• Educate clients about the grieving process and normalizing their emotions
• Different models of grief and their limitations
• CBT strategies to develop coping skills
• DBT interventions for anger
• ACT based interventions to develop nonjudgmental acceptance
• Journaling to explore emotions, facilitate forgiveness and find meaning

Limitations of the Research and Potential Treatment Risks

Target Audience

• Counselors
• Social Workers
• Psychologists
• Marriage and Family Therapists
• Physicians
• Nurses
• Other Mental Health Professionals