Discover – What you need to Know

What Is A MPE?

Someone has a misattributed parentage experience (MPE)  when they discover one, or both, of the parents who raised them, is not their genetic parent.  An MPE usually occurs from a previously unknown or undisclosed Non-Paternity Event (NPE) from an extramarital affair, tryst, assault, other sexual encounter, and rape or assault; Adoption (hidden, orphan, foster care, late discovery adoptees (LDA), stepchild; or Assisted Conception (from a Gamete Provider – sperm or egg, or embryo provision, and surrogacy); or any other event which results in unknown genealogy.

Recently, MPE has become the acronym adopted by those making this new life discovery. This acronym is good for community identification and bringing a sense of comfort/belonging to those who are now experiencing an identity crisis and shift in their reality.  An MPE discovery is traumatic. Many find themselves experiencing shock, grief, rejection, betrayal, identity issues, shame, anxiety, and depression following their unexpected finding. Currently, it is believed that at least 1 in 20 people have an MPE, usually making their discoveries through over-the-counter DNA tests from companies such as AncestryDNA, 23andMe, MyHeritage, Family Tree DNA, etc. That’s almost 16.6 million people in the U.S. with incorrect medical and family history and possible trauma from discovering their identity isn’t what they thought.

There are many abbreviations associated with mental health professionals which can make it tricky to navigate what credentials someone has. Each state has different licensing requirements and abbreviations for licensure. This is a list of common abbreviations used. 

Finding the right mental health professional for you can be daunting. Here are some questions you can ask a potential therapist to gauge their experience in assisting people with an MPE.

Resources