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What a penny can reveal
A vignette of pervasive family dysfunction illuminating the "death by a 1,000 cuts" experience that can lead to estrangement.

Jen Maher
Jun 158 min read


Advice column #19: "The situations aren't within my control."
This month, the advice columnist answers a question about sibling estrangement and reconciliation. Q: My sister decided to cut off...

J. Hila Peterson
Apr 107 min read


Advice column #18: On trauma, boundaries, and obligations
This month, the advice columnist answers a question about multigenerational families, mental health, and lasting traumas.

J. Hila Peterson
Mar 510 min read


Canceling Thanksgiving
The impact of conversations denied, distorted or delayed and the misalignment of values.

Jen Maher
Nov 24, 20247 min read


The Right Conversation Around Family Estrangement
November is Family Estrangement Awareness Month. The right conversation needs the right place to start.

Jen Maher
Nov 1, 20244 min read


Estrangement: The role of grandparent entitlement
"How dare you keep MY grandchild from me!" An exploration of how the entitlement of estranged parents extends to our children.

Jen Maher
Sep 8, 202410 min read


Healing Childhood Abuse with Self-Compassion
Practicing self-compassion can help you take better care of yourself as you heal from childhood trauma.

Em
Jul 17, 20243 min read


Advice Column #12: What happens when loved ones won't accept my estrangement?
This month, the advice columnist answers a question about relatives who won’t accept the letter-writer’s decision to become estranged from a

J. Hila Peterson
May 28, 20244 min read


Advice Column #11: What can I do when loved ones push me to reconcile?
This month, the advice columnist answers a question about how to handle loved ones who push you to reconcile with estranged relatives.

J. Hila Peterson
Apr 6, 20247 min read


Advice Column #10: Making the "Right Choice" When It Comes to Estrangement
This month, the advice columnist answers a question about maintaining connections to cherished relatives after estrangement.

J. Hila Peterson
Feb 5, 20247 min read


Advice Column #9: January Edition on Receiving Unexpected Cards or Gifts from Estranged Family Members
This month, the advice columnist answers a question about unexpected gifts from estranged relatives.

J. Hila Peterson
Dec 24, 20236 min read


Advice Column #7: November Edition on the Domino Effects of Estrangement
This month, our advice columnist answered a question about a situation where becoming estranged from one relative might mean losing contact.

J. Hila Peterson
Oct 29, 20236 min read


Exploring Your Window of Tolerance
Estrangement can lead to a lot of stress and emotional dys-regulation, but the Window of Tolerance can help manage a lot of this. Being...

Em
Aug 23, 20234 min read


Advice Column #3: July Edition on Running into Estranged Relatives
This month, our Advice Columnist answers a question about running into estranged relatives out in the world or at a family member’s home, an

J. Hila Peterson
Jun 30, 20235 min read


Advice Column #2: June Edition on Boundaries
This month, our Advice Columnist answers a question about boundaries, politeness, and contact from estranged family members around the...

J. Hila Peterson
May 30, 20235 min read
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