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AAC - Estranged Family Dynamics - How can I cope with estranged family relationships? Q1 (Lisa) · Wellbeing Solutions - Ask A Counsellor

• 0:00
  SPEAKER_00: Coping with estrainment family relationships can be emotionally complex.
• 0:07
  SPEAKER_00: It often involves a mixture of grief, anger, relief and guilt.
• 0:13
  SPEAKER_00: There isn't a single correct way to handle it, but several approaches can make the experience more manageable to help you move forward in a healthier way.
• 0:26
  SPEAKER_00: A strain can give you a sense of loss even though the person is still alive.
• 0:32
  SPEAKER_00: This can create a grief process similar to a breakup or bereavement.
• 0:38
  SPEAKER_00: So allow yourself to feel the sadness, anger or relief without judgment.
• 0:45
  SPEAKER_00: Write about the relationship in a journal and accept that closure may not come from the other person.
• 0:53
  SPEAKER_00: People sometimes doubt themselves after going no contact or limited contact, especially when it's family, but try to remind yourself why the boundaries exist.
• 1:06
  SPEAKER_00: Focus on what protects your emotional or physical well-being.
• 1:13
  SPEAKER_00: A useful way to reframe this is to remind yourself that distance can be a form of self-respect, not rejection.
• 1:22
  SPEAKER_00: Build healthy relationships elsewhere to soften the pain of family estrainment.
• 1:29
  SPEAKER_00: This might include close friends, partners, supportive co-workers, mentors or community groups.
• 1:40
  SPEAKER_00: Manage guilt and social pressure by remembering that you can care about someone and still need distance.
• 1:51
  SPEAKER_00: Not all family relationships are safe or healthy and that's okay if your healing doesn't include reconnecting.
• 2:02
  SPEAKER_00: Consider professional support by talking to a counsellor to process unresolved emotions and develop coping strategies.
• 2:12
  SPEAKER_00: Support groups for family estrainment can be validating to see that you're not alone.
• 2:19
  SPEAKER_00: Leave room for change just in case you ever consider reconnection.
• 2:25
  SPEAKER_00: Try to go at your own pace, set clear boundaries, and accept that the relationship may not return to what it was.