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Genealogical Shock: Now What? Moving Forward After

Unexpected DNA Results

Join us for a FREE virtual program on April 30 at 6:30 p.m. ET!

Rebecca Rothman McCoy, PhD, MS is a genealogical psychologist and the founder of Within Genealogy, LLC. She has blended her lifelong passion for genealogy with her decades of professional expertise and education in psychology to create a unique niche serving professionals in both disciplines as well as non-professionals who are doing their own genealogical research. As a social scientist as well as professional genealogist, Dr. McCoy studies various aspects of how genealogy affects people and family systems psychologically once basic fact-gathering is done. Dr. McCoy enjoys sharing her research and experience with others, providing consultations, training, and standard genealogical work in addition to maintaining active memberships in professional organizations such as the American Psychological Association, Association of Professional Genealogists, the National Genealogical Society, and the Genealogical Speakers Guild.

Genealogical DNA testing can sometimes produce a genealogical shock that produces unexpected results, with ripple effects traveling far beyond the original test-taker. Whether you’ve had surprising DNA results yourself or know someone who has, join Dr. Rebecca McCoy in an exploration of this fascinating subject. You’ll learn how these types of unanticipated DNA results can be received by the typical curious test-taker, how people may respond to these results (it’s not always what you might think!), things to consider before offering help to others trying to navigate the aftermath of discovering new genetic family, plus ways to support yourself, others, and the families involved through this unique journey. This presentation is suitable for individuals who have done personal DNA testing (with or without unanticipated results), people who want to assist those who have had such DNA discoveries, and professionals in both genealogy and psychology who wish to learn more about this topic to better inform their own services. No clinical advice nor treatment is to be inferred from any information contained in this presentation.