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ADULT ESTRANGEMENT GROUP
AM I THE ONLY ONE ESTRANGED FROM THEIR PARENT(S)?
Estrangement is defined by different people in different ways. Some people are in touch with a family member but purposely keep contact at a minimum — this is called Low Contact (LC). Others are not in touch with a family member at all, and that is called No Contact (NC). What is a common thread, though, for adult children estranged from a parent or caregiver is that you are to some degree estranged and most likely by choice.
Despite what your family thinks, you know this decision wasn't made impulsively. In fact, the choice to live estranged carries with it a lot of emotion.
You may feel sad, angry, lonely, confused, afraid, ambivalent. Being estranged can also carry with it a feeling of empowerment, relief, emotional maturity.
Some days it can be one thing, some days another. Of course, there are days, sometimes even longer, when you realize you haven't been thinking about it. And you wonder: Is that on purpose?
Talking to someone who understands — who gets it, can feel normalizing and validating. It can feel like being seen.
So yes, other people feel this way.
The Estrangement Group is for adult children who are estranged from a parent(s) or caregiver(s). It is an online group for California residents that meets on Wednesday nights. Participants have a place to go, to process what it feels like to be estranged and what the benefits and ramifications are regarding the choice. Topics include but are not limited to:
Issues that led up to estrangement
Health issues that impact your choice
Emotions that can at times be unrelenting like guilt, shame, anger
How to deal with "normal" people
The pros and cons of reunification
The formation of chosen family
The impact of estrangement in everyday life (e.g., finances)
The purpose of this group is to provide a contained and supportive space for adult children who are estranged from their parent(s) or caregiver(s) in order to feel supported and understood — and, by relating to others, to find strength in their ability to live their life not as an outlier, but as one whose difficult choice is shared.
If you're interested in joining The Estrangement Group, please feel free to reach out. There is a thoughtful screening process designed to answer all your questions and to determine if the Group is right for you.
No matter what, know that you are not alone.
It is amazing what can happen when you feel heard.