Silver Spring, MD family counseling often includes sessions focused on helping individuals and families adjust to the unexpected. At Lindsey Hoskins & Associates, we’ve seen how at-home DNA tests can reveal surprising information that alters long-held beliefs about ancestry or parentage. These discoveries can bring up strong emotions, cause tension within families, and raise questions about identity and belonging.
When someone learns that a biological parent or sibling is different from what they believed, the emotional impact can be profound. Trust can feel shaken. Some may experience grief for the relationships they thought they had. Others may feel betrayed if a long-held family secret comes to light. This emotional fallout can affect all members of a family, even those not directly involved in the discovery.
Emotional Reactions And Relationship Tension
DNA revelations often come with complicated emotional responses. Shock, confusion, anger, or even relief are all normal. We’ve worked with clients who felt excited to discover unknown relatives, while others found the news destabilizing. The reactions can vary widely, and no response is wrong. You feel what you feel, and you can work with a therapist on how to get a handle on that.
These emotions can extend beyond the person who took the test. Parents may feel guilt or fear judgment. Siblings might worry about their place in the family. Extended family members may distance themselves or demand answers. It is important to remember that everyone will handle this differently, so allow space for emotions to be processed.
Creating A Safe Space For Dialogue
Family counseling can offer a neutral, supportive environment to start important conversations to take accountability. Trained marriage and family therapists help identify patterns in communication and offer tools to manage strong emotions. In sessions, families can clarify boundaries, express their feelings constructively, and begin to understand each other’s experiences.
Sometimes, individual therapy is also helpful. Not every discovery needs to be shared with the entire family at once. Working with a counselor can help individuals decide how much to share and when. Additionally, a counselor can provide tips on how to break the news to your family and avoid someone gaslighting you.
Addressing Identity And Self-Understanding
Learning that your biological background is different from what you thought can raise questions about identity. It’s not uncommon for someone to feel disconnected from their cultural or familial roots. This can be particularly challenging for those who discover a new ethnicity or realize they have siblings or parents they’ve never met.
Counseling can support clients in rebuilding a sense of identity that incorporates this new information. Family members can also learn to support one another in this process, even when their feelings about the discovery differ.
Moving Forward With Intention
While the initial shock of a DNA surprise can feel overwhelming, many families find ways to adapt and reconnect. Counseling helps shift focus from the disruption toward growth and understanding. With time and support, families often develop stronger communication, greater empathy, and a renewed sense of trust.
At Lindsey Hoskins & Associates, we provide compassionate guidance for families adjusting to unexpected changes. Weekend appointments are available to accommodate different schedules. If your family is facing the emotional ripple effects of a surprising DNA result, we’re here to help you take the next step together.