I was drawn to this work because of a deep value for being truly seen and known. The opportunity to help others see and know themselves through therapeutic support is a privilege. My approach is relational and rooted in interpersonal neurobiology, with a focus on attachment. I work collaboratively and gently, because I believe in letting you and your family lead the way in your healing. I don’t think you need fixing - you might just want tools, new perspectives, and another person to carry your story alongside you. 

As a donor-conceived person raised with same-sex parents, I understand the importance of honoring both social and genetic history, and the complexities that come with utilizing donor-conception. Being donor-conceived can impact our relationships, understanding of self, and our connection to genetic heritage and identity. These experiences are unique and ever-evolving, and questions and new areas of concern may come up at different points in one’s life. Whether you are a parent considering donor-conception, a parent raising a donor-conceived child, or an adult who has discovered or is exploring your donor-conceived identity, I can offer tools and support. My own perspective is complemented by research and consultation with other DCP, with the understanding that everyone’s journey brings different challenges and opportunities.

For children and adolescents — I enjoy using a play-based and art-based approach for those who are interested. More information below on why play is beneficial for attachment-based therapy!

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