Family estrangement means having no contact with a parent, or parents, siblings, an adult child, grandchildren, or from a whole family unit. It may be a deliberate choice, or it could have happened gradually, over time.
Estrangement can happen for many different reasons :
Disapproval of a partner or a lifestyle choice
Religious or cultural differences
Abuse or neglect
Divorce or remarriage
Family scapegoating
Financial disagreement
Sexuality
Gender choice
Mental ill-health
Family betrayal
If this is you, you are probably experiencing a whole host of painful feelings, whether you have chosen to go no contact, or you are the one who has been excluded.
I have lived experience of family estrangement. I understand the complex feelings of loss, shame and isolation. I know how this impacts other relationships you have, and how difficult certain calendar events can be to navigate when you are no longer in contact with your family.
I help people experiencing estrangement from family members try to make sense of what has happened and find a way forward that feels more manageable. .
© Helaine Black 2024
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