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 private ranch-style facility in Tucson, AZ. 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 grief, trauma, and more

meals 

Supplementary materials

Swag bags

Registrations with accommodations include:

 All registration benefits + three-night accommodations

All you need to do is get here!

WHAT ARE THE SESSIONS ABOUT?

Sessions are primarily held on Friday and Saturday, May 5 and 6. 

Day 1 – After the Surprise

Session 1 – Big T, Little T: How trauma affects the body and how to cope

Session 2 – Good Grief: Myths about grief and tools to manage a loss of identity and relationships

Session 3 – Radical Acceptance: What it is and why it’s important for our mental health

Day 2 – Step Into Your Power

Session 1 – Let it RAIN: Recognize, Allow, Investigate, Nurture

Session 2 – Write-to-Heal: The healing power of writing

Session 3 – What’s next?

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?

Yes, 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?

We encourage attendees to stay on site – it’s a great way to foster community. However, we get it! You might want your own space to return to after a day of processing your DNA surprise. You’re welcome to sign up for the Retreat-only option and find your own accommodations. 

We have some recommendations on the Area Information page.

HOW DO I GET THERE?

The Tucson International Airport is a short distance from the facility. There are several rental car companies at the airport and Uber and Lyft are both prevalent in the area!

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 Tucson, 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. 

© 2022-2023. DNA Surprises LLC. All Rights Reserved.