Supporting Adults with Misattributed Paternity: Insights from U.S.-Based Counselling Professionals

Commercial DNA testing has led to an increase in individuals discovering misattributed paternity (the discrepancy between the genetic and social fatherhoods outside of adoption and donor-assisted reproduction), posing significant emotional, identity-related, and relational challenges. Despite this growing prevalence, no studies currently exist on how counselling professionals can support individuals navigating this experience. Our study examines the experiences of eight U.S.-based counselling professionals working with clients who discovered their misattributed paternity as adults. Using reflexive thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews, we found that such discoveries present complex clinical scenarios marked by trauma-like emotions, grief, identity, and relational challenges. These situations necessitate multifaceted therapeutic interventions and a high level of professional competence. Relationally attuned counselling and social support are particularly important. The study underscores the need for targeted professional training, the expansion of peer and community support networks for individuals affected by misattributed paternity, and continued advocacy and research efforts.