Author name: Jana M. Rupnow, LPC

As discussions around donor conception expand, so does our understanding of the unique psycho-social needs of donor-conceived people (DCP). Increasing evidence highlights the benefits of using identified donors, ideally accessible before a DCP turns 18, to support their emotional and social well-being. In contrast, non-identified (previously called anonymous) donation—still common through traditional sperm banks—often result […]

Choosing a gamete donor is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a parent. You carefully consider all the details—medical history, physical traits, personality. But what happens when the reality doesn’t match the expectations? For many parents, discovering disappointing aspects about a donor can be an emotional and complex experience. Maybe the donor

As a prospective parent, it’s natural to have a swirl of emotions and concerns when considering non-genetic parenthood. One of the most common fears I hear from clients is the worry that they won’t feel like the “real” parent. It’s a deeply personal and often unspoken fear that I completely understand. I had similar concerns

Jana Rupnow, MA, LPC, NCC With the concept of “serial sperm donors” gaining media attention after the release of the documentary “A Man with 1000 Kids,” many are asking the question: why? Why would someone deliberately create hundreds of offspring, lie to recipient parents, and show no comprehension of their actions? Could this be narcissism?

-Jana Rupnow, LPC, NCC Rebuilding trust after betrayal takes time and commitment from both parties involved. Whether you betrayed someone or someone betrayed you, here are steps to help navigate this challenging journey. If Your Trust Was Broken When trust is broken, it’s natural to feel hurt, shocked, and even physically ill. You might see