Why This Group Exists
Parent–child estrangement is far more common than most people realize, yet rarely talked about openly. The silence surrounding it can leave parents feeling:
- Deeply ashamed or judged
- Blamed for the situation (by themselves or others)
- Confused and unable to understand what went wrong
- Grieving the loss of contact, relationship, or future hopes
- Helpless, anxious, or constantly spiraling with “what ifs”
- Unsure whether to reach out, stay distant, or wait
- Alone in their pain, because most people don’t understand this type of loss
This group acknowledges the emotional complexity of the experience. You will find a space to talk openly, without being criticized or dismissed.
What This Group Offers
Our therapist-led group is designed specifically for parents experiencing estrangement from an adult child. It is grounded in compassion, emotional safety, and trauma-informed support.
✔ Validation & Emotional Support
A place where your feelings—grief, hurt, anger, confusion, longing—are met with empathy and understanding.
✔ Education About Estrangement Dynamics
Learn what research shows about the roots of estrangement, common patterns, and emotional impacts for both parents and adult children.
✔ Skills for Emotional Regulation & Coping
You will learn techniques to manage the overwhelming emotions that accompany estrangement, including anxiety spikes, sudden grief waves, or intrusive thoughts.
✔ Communication Guidance (If Desired)
We discuss healthy ways to reach out, maintain boundaries, or rebuild connection if the opportunity arises—while prioritizing your emotional safety.
✔ Community Connection
Most parents in this situation have never met someone with a similar experience. This group helps you find community, understanding, and relief from isolation.
Common Topics We Explore
Each session focuses on different aspects of estrangement and emotional healing. Topics include:
- Understanding why estrangement happens
- Recognizing triggers and managing grief waves
- Coping with the loss of contact during holidays, milestones, and family events
- Navigating shame, guilt, and self-blame
- Releasing responsibility for things beyond your control
- How childhood dynamics, trauma, or communication patterns may have played a role
- Differentiating between healthy repair attempts and unhealthy pressure
- Understanding boundaries—yours and your child’s
- The impact of personality disorders, mental health issues, or trauma on relationship rupture
- How to move forward, even without closure
We use a blend of discussion, education, reflection exercises, and grounding techniques.
Who This Group Is For
This group is ideal for parents who are:
- Estranged from an adult child
- Unsure how to make sense of the relationship breakdown
- Grieving the loss of connection, contact, or relationship
- Feeling alone, ashamed, or isolated
- Wanting a non-judgmental, supportive community
- Interested in understanding the emotional patterns involved
- Wanting to explore healthy approaches to future communication (if appropriate)
- Looking for skills to cope with the pain and uncertainty
You don’t need to have a specific plan for reconciliation. This group is about your healing.
How the Group Works
- Format: Online, therapist-led
- Group Size: Small, supportive, and confidential
- Frequency: Weekly sessions
- Duration: 60–75 minutes each
- Structure:
- Psychoeducation on estrangement
- Skill-building
- Group discussion & sharing
- Optional reflective exercises
- Tools for emotional regulation
The tone of the group is compassionate, gentle, and paced to avoid overwhelming anyone.
What You’ll Gain
Parents who join this group often report feeling:
- Less isolated and more understood
- Supported by a community of peers
- Better able to manage emotional triggers
- More grounded and hopeful
- Clearer about boundaries and next steps
- More compassionate toward themselves
- More accepting of uncertainty or limited control
- Better equipped to focus on their own healing
This group is not about forcing reconciliation. It’s about helping you find peace, clarity, and emotional strength.
Our Approach
At Liljana’s Practice, we approach estrangement with deep empathy and nuance. We understand the pain, confusion, and emotional toll it takes on parents. Our style is gentle, trauma-informed, and free of blame or assumptions. We honor your story, your efforts, and your grief.