Family Estrangement

Overview

This 2-part webinar series seeks to offer practitioners with an insider view into the inner lived experience of family estrangement by drawing on research, clinical experiences, and narratives of estrangement.

Estrangement – An introduction
Research shows that family estrangement can be a devastating experience. Besides, the distress associated with estrangement can manifest on various levels. It can stem from past instances of neglect or abuse, or emerging from challenging circumstances like divorce or poverty[1].

The process of becoming estranged from a family member or being the rejected party can also be a highly traumatic experience. However, given its fundamentally relational nature, estrangement is often intricately connected to early relational trauma[2].

The prevailing silence and shame surrounding estrangement, particularly within parent-child relationships, obscure the true extent of its prevalence, with research indicating that it occurs more frequently than commonly perceived[3].

Family estrangement is a complex relational issue that leaves those amidst an estrangement struggling to find those with whom they can feel genuinely understood. Recent studies have shown that even within psychotherapeutic practice, a lack of understanding can have important implications for treatment[4].

Consequently, knowledge of estrangement as a lived experience can help psychotherapists make interpersonal contact with their estranged clients to alleviate their suffering and to help them heal relationally.

The understanding displayed by practitioners therefore plays a crucial role in developing the kind of interpersonal connection that allows for establishing an environment that promotes self-acceptance, growth and change with clients who are experiencing estrangement.

[1] Agllias, K. (2016). Family Estrangement: A Matter of Perspective. Routledge.
[2] Agllias, K. (2015). Disconnection and decision-making: Adult children explain their reasons for estranging from parents. Australian Social Work, 69(1), 92–104.
[3] DeYoung, P. A. (2015). Understanding and Treating Chronic Shame. Routledge.
[4] Blake, L., Bland, B., & Imrie, S. (2019). The Counseling Experiences of Individuals Who Are Estranged From a Family Member. Family Relations, 69(4), 820–831.

Who is this training for?

This webinar is primarily designed for psychotherapeutic practitioners, but it can also be advantageous for professionals in related healthcare fields who work with individuals or families affected by estrangement.

Learning Objectives

Delve into a comprehensive understanding of family estrangement, not only by grasping its definition but also by examining the multifaceted forms it can manifest and gaining insights into its prevalence within diverse societal contexts.

Examine the intricate tapestry of causes and reasons behind family estrangements, with a specific focus on the complex dynamics that often characterise the rifts between parents and adult children.

Explore the far-reaching consequences and profound impact that family estrangement can bring to bear on the individuals directly involved.

Analyse the emotional, psychological, and social implications, emphasising the ripple effect that can extend to friends, extended family, and even communities.

Discuss the profound implications and intricate effects of confronting loss within the complex terrain of family estrangement.

Delve into the potential life issues that may arise as a consequence of family estrangement, examining how it can affect various aspects such as mental health, sense of self, and overall well-being. By recognising the collateral damage that often accompanies estrangement, a more holistic understanding of its implications can be attained.

Explore therapeutic approaches that can be used to support clients navigating the emotional complexities associated with estrangement, fostering resilience and emotional well-being.

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