DNA Surprise Retreat Arizona

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Your DNA Surprise Retreat questions, answered!

WHO IS THE DNA SURPRISE RETREAT FOR?

The DNA Surprise Retreat is for adults experiencing the grief and shock that can only be felt following a DNA discovery. If you are ready to address the emotions following a DNA surprise and discover tools to move forward, you are in the right place.

– You are an NPE (non-paternal or non-parental event) or MPE (misattributed paternity event). Most often, this means that you’ve learned your “dad isn’t your dad.”

– You are an adoptee. You may have discovered that you were adopted later in life (late-discovery adoptee or LDA) after taking a DNA test. Or maybe you connected with your birth parent after taking a consumer DNA test. You found siblings through DNA testing.

– You are a donor-conceived person. You learned you were donor conceived through DNA testing. You connected with your genetic parent after taking a consumer DNA test. You connected with or found siblings through DNA testing.

Most often, DNA surprises are uncovered after taking a commercial DNA test, but sometimes discoveries occur after parents, friends, or other family members disclose the truth. 

If that’s the case, this retreat is also for you.

“If you are ready to address the emotions following a DNA surprise and discover the tools to move forward, you are in the right place.”

“If you are ready to address the emotions following a DNA surprise and discover the tools to move forward, you are in the right place.”

WHERE IS THE RETREAT HELD?

The retreat will be held at a ranch-style facility near Phoenix, AZ. The ranch is reserved exclusively for the retreat. We’ll send you all of the details after registration, or contact us for more info!

WHAT'S INCLUDED IN MY REGISTRATION?

All registrations include:

6 sessions led by experts in trauma, family systems, movement, and more

meals 

Supplementary materials

Swag bags

– 3-night accommodations at a rustic ranch in Phoenix, AZ

All you need to do is get here!

WHAT ARE THE SESSIONS ABOUT?

Sessions are primarily held on Friday and Saturday, September 20 and 21. Agenda is subject to change.

FRIDAY

Session 1 – Inner Child, Outer Healing: Tapping into your inner child to heal 

Session 2 – Secrets & Lies: Processing Betrayal

Session 3 – Movement & Sound: Restorative yoga and sound healing

SATURDAY

Session 1 – Just Breathe: Breath work for emotional and trauma healing

Session 2 – Healing the Past, Embracing the Present, Shaping the Future: Understanding generational cycles and breaking them to build a healthier life

Session 3 – What’s next – Taking what we’ve learned from the retreat, reflecting, and making a plan

WHAT DOES IT COST?

We have four registration options to choose from.

PRIVATE CABIN

Registration includes:

  • A private cabin
  • King or Queen bed
  • Private bathroom
  • 3-night accommodations
  • 6 expert-led sessions
  • 8 meals
  • Supplementary materials
  • Swag Bag

$1795

PRIVATE ROOM

Registration includes:

  • A private room in a 2-bedroom cabin
  • Queen or King bed 
  • Shared bathroom
  • 3-night accommodations 
  • 6 expert-led sessions
  • 8 meals
  • Supplementary materials
  • Swag Bag

$1595

SHARED CABIN

Registration includes:

  • Twin or Queen bed 
  • Shared bedroom 
  • Shared bathroom
  • 3-night accommodations 
  • 6 expert-led sessions
  • 8 meals
  • Supplementary materials
  • Swag Bag

$1295

BUNKBED

Registration includes:

  • Bunkbed (bottom will go first!)
  • Shared room
  • Shared bathroom
  • 3-night accommodations 
  • 6 expert-led sessions
  • 8 meals
  • Supplementary materials
  • Swag Bag

$1095

DO YOU OFFER FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE?

Yes! We believe in the power of this retreat, and we’re committed to making it accessible to as many folks as possible. Please visit our scholarship page for more information.

HOW MANY PEOPLE WILL ATTEND?

The purpose of DNA Surprise Retreat is to foster community and heal. Because of this, we are keeping group sizes to no more than 30. 

ARE ROOMS SHARED?

Most rooms and bathrooms are shared. There are a limited number of solo accommodations available – register early claim yours! Rooms will be assigned by gender identity.

DO I HAVE TO STAY ON SITE?

To better foster community and healing, we encourage guests to stay onsite. For added privacy, we have several private cabins and rooms available. If you need to stay offsite for other reasons, please contact us

HOW DO I GET THERE?

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is 35 minutes from the ranch. There are several rental car companies in the area and we are 

ARE PARTNERS OR CHILDREN ALLOWED TO ATTEND?

We love supportive family, but due to the intimate nature of the retreat, partners, spouses, and children are not allowed to attend.

DO YOU ACCEPT PAYMENT PLANS?

Yes! Just select the “Pay Later” option at checkout to set up a payment plan that works for you!

IS MY REGISTRATION REFUNDABLE?

Unfortunately, we are unable to provide refunds for registration. If you need to cancel, please contact us: dnasurpriseretreat@gmail.com.

DNA SURPRISE RETREAT

FOR NPES, DONOR-CONCEIVED PEOPLE, & ADOPTEES WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED DNA SURPRISES

The DNA Surprise Retreat is for adults experiencing the grief and shock that can only be felt following a DNA discovery. 

Join us for four special days in Phoenix, AZ. You will find community with people who have similar experiences, learn skills to cope with a DNA surprise, and most importantly, discover how to step into your power and heal.

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The DNA Surprise Retreat hosts are not licensed mental health professionals. The DNA Surprise Retreat is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your mental health professional or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have. 

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