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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 #20: How to keep showing up
This month, the advice columnist answers a question about loneliness and finding new connections.

J. Hila Peterson
May 299 min read


Grieving the Mother I Never Had
An exploration of "mother hunger" and disenfranchised grief

Jen Maher
May 1511 min read


Advice column #17: There are lots of ways to have a family
This month, the advice columnist answers a question about sibling relationships, clear communication, and family ties across generations.

J. Hila Peterson
Dec 28, 202412 min read


Advice column #16: Estrangement and grief
This month, the advice columnist answers a question about walking away, unexpected losses, and making space for sorrow and for healing.

J. Hila Peterson
Nov 30, 20246 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


Advice column #15: How do I celebrate this milestone?
This month, the advice columnist answers a question about celebrating life cycle events, like graduations, while estranged.
Julia Peterson
Oct 28, 20245 min read


Putting out the fires of intergenerational family dysfunction
“We inherit pain. When it is not coped with, it gets passed again." - An exploration on intergenerational trauma and estrangement

Jen Maher
Sep 26, 20247 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


Estrangement: The roles of respect and entitlement
Respect and entitlement are probably THE most often discussed topics within estrangement - and most often incorrectly.

Jen Maher
Aug 8, 202410 min read


Advice column #14: How should I handle family gatherings?
This month, the advice columnist answers a question about being invited to family gatherings while estranged.

J. Hila Peterson
Jul 31, 20247 min read


Let’s fight! What nearly everyone gets wrong about conflict
Article two of the July Educational Series dives into the often misunderstood role of conflict in family dynamics.

Jen Maher
Jul 25, 202410 min read


No “Perfect” Families Here
In recognition of July 18 "Perfect Family Day" this month's educational series will explore this topic.

Jen Maher
Jul 11, 20249 min read


Healing Trauma by Spending Time in Nature
Nature has mental and physical health benefits and can be a useful tool when navigating PTSD, anxiety, depression, and other conditions.

Em
Jun 27, 20243 min read


Exploring Forgiveness: No - You don’t need to forgive. Period. End of story.
In June, the educational series explores the topic of forgiveness.

Jen Maher
Jun 27, 20248 min read


Advice Column #13: How can I plan for my estrangement?
This month, the advice columnist answers a question about getting ready to leave home, especially when you are low-income and disabled.
Julia Peterson
Jun 20, 202410 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


Creating Safe Spaces After Estrangement
How do we design a trauma-informed space that nurtures our well-being and emotional health?

Em
May 26, 20243 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
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