I was drawn to this work because I deeply value what it means to be truly seen and known. It’s a privilege to support others in their self-discovery, offering a space where they can feel safe, understood, and empowered. My approach is relational and rooted in interpersonal neurobiology, with a strong focus on attachment. I believe in working collaboratively and gently, allowing you and your family to lead the way in your healing. I don’t see you as someone who needs “fixing” — rather, you may be seeking tools, new perspectives, or simply someone to carry your story alongside you.

As a donor-conceived person raised by same-sex parents, I understand the importance of honoring both social and genetic history, as well as the complexities that come with donor conception. Being donor-conceived can shape relationships, self-understanding, and our connection to genetic heritage and identity. These experiences are deeply personal and ever-evolving, with new questions and emotions emerging at different points in life. Whether you are a parent considering donor conception, a parent raising a donor-conceived child, or an adult exploring your donor-conceived identity, I can offer support, tools, and a space to process your experience. My perspective is informed by both research and consultation with other DCPs, recognizing that each journey is unique, with its own challenges and opportunities.

For children and adolescents, I incorporate play-based and art-based approaches to support skill development, self-reflection, and emotional processing.

No matter where you are in your journey, I’m here to offer compassionate, informed, and affirming support.

For a free 20 minute consult or to schedule an appointment, please email me at caitlin@encompassadoptees.org.

Areas of Support

For Donor-Conceived People

• Grief and loss — including ambiguous loss and disenfranchised grief

• Navigating the impact of donor conception and/or adoption on self-perception — coping with DNA discoveries, identifying and integrating the complex emotions related to identity, relationships with family (raised and donor)

• Strategies for effective communication (with social family/recipient parents, with extended family, with half-siblings, donor, etc)

• Resources related to disclosing, navigating relationships, understanding own identity as a DCP

• Support in making informed decisions about seeking or obtaining information about the donor, such as medical history, genetic background, or personal characteristics

FOR RECIPIENT PARENTS

• Exploring the impact of donor conception on your identity as a parent

• Strategies for effective communication (with your child, with social family, partner, extended family, with half-siblings, with donor, etc)

• Navigating donor and donor-sibling relationships

• Knowing when and how to share their child’s information, empowering your child in knowing and holding their own story, disclosing to friends and extended family

• Practical and emotional support as you balance your own feelings with the decision to grow your family with the use of third-party reproduction

• Ways to hold space for all emotions for oneself and/or DC children— tools for coping with feelings of grief, loss, or identity-related concerns

• Encouraging and supporting attachment through parent-child play and exploration