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The S.A.I.Y.N.A™ Framework
A research-informed relational framework for understanding the emotional, psychological, and identity impact of genetic experiences.
“Genetic information rarely arrives as just information.”
In medical settings, genetics is often discussed through results, risk percentages, testing pathways, and diagnoses.
But in the therapy room, it often arrives differently.
As fear.
As grief.
As uncertainty.
As questions about identity, family, relationships, and the future.
The emotional impact of a genetic experience can shape how we see ourselves, how we connect with others, and how safe the world feels around us.
The S.A.I.Y.N.A™ Framework was developed to hold this complexity.
Grounded in attachment-based psychotherapy, clinical genetics experience, and research, including my Level 7 systematic review exploring the intergenerational psychological impact of genetic conditions, the framework offers a relational way of understanding genetic experiences through attachment, identity, trauma, uncertainty, and lived experience.
Rather than focusing only on diagnosis or information, the framework asks:
What does this experience mean emotionally, relationally, and psychologically?
The Six Pillars of the S.A.I.Y.N.A™ Framework
S
Safety
Creating a space where difficult thoughts, feelings, and trauma can be explored safely. A foundational pillar where the nervous system can settle, allowing even the most vulnerable experiences to be brought into the room with an anti-oppressive approach.
A
Attachment
Recognising the influence of relational patterns on how we respond to risk, loss, and uncertainty. Developing awareness of the ways connection, distance, and protection are organised within relationships.
I
Identity
Genetic experiences can profoundly impact identity. Grounded in an anti-oppressive and relational approach, this pillar creates space to explore identity with compassion, curiosity, and recognising how culture, family narratives, disability, loss, power, and intergenerational experiences shape how we understand ourselves and our place in the world.
Y
Your Story
Making sense of your experience in a way that feels coherent, held, and meaningful. Integrating past, present, and future into a narrative that feels yours.
N
Navigating Uncertainty
Uncertainty is often one of the most psychologically demanding parts of a genetic journey. Developing the capacity to tolerate ambiguity, waiting, and the unknown. Strengthening the ability to hold what remains unresolved.
A
Autonomy
Reconnecting with choice, voice, boundaries, and self-trust. Supporting individuals feel more grounded in their capacity to make informed decisions, advocate, navigate genetic testing and reproductive choices, nurture relationships, and move forward in ways that align with their values, identity, and lived experience.
We are honoured to support
