Abstract
In the absence of research with adult donor offspring, this study begins to bridge that gap by asking individuals about their experiences as donor offspring and considering the implications for Counselling Psychology. Sixteen participants (thirteen male, three female, age range 26-55) recruited through donor insemination support networks in UK, USA, Canada and Australia, were sent semi-structured questionnaires by email and post. Using Identity Process Theory as a framework for understanding participants’ accounts, the data were qualitatively analyzed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Participants consistently reported mistrust within the family, negative distinctiveness, lack of genetic continuity, frustration in being thwarted in the search for their biological fathers and a need to talk to a significant other (i.e. someone who would understand). These experiences could be hypothesized as being indicative of a struggle to assimilate-accommodate and evaluate information about their new identities as donor offspring. Counselling Psychologists need to be aware of these identity issues if they are to meet 19 the needs of donor offspring within therapeutic practice.